Thank you very much for expressing interest in the surveys :). Unfortunately, I gave out both the Parma and New Plymouth routes yesterday so at this point all my SW ID routes are now covered :(. There is one other option and it may be a long shot, but depending on where you live and the deadhead driving associated with it, I do have a route in the Jordan Valley area of OR that could work, again, depending on where you live. That route is about 50 miles long to survey. If you are interested, please let me know. My apologies for not having anything closer to offer you and thanks again for reaching out 🙁
Thanks to Cheryl &louisa we found the ponds but not the sharp tail it would have been a lifer for my friend. I seen& got a photo several years ago indian crk.resivior
I can commit to the survey requirements. I live in Boise and Donnelly, depending on season and family. Fruitland-New Plymouth would be my first choice. I know the area and have led field trips in that area in the past with Golden Eagle Audubon Society. Parma would be my second choice.
On November 1, the Bend, OR based East Cascades Audubon Society’s Winter Raptor Survey Project will begin its 19th survey season, 12th in Idaho. Last winter we ended with 512 active survey routes throughout OR, ID, WA, and parts of northern CA, northeastern UT, and southwestern MT covering more than 30,000 miles of transects. Over 400 survey volunteers will again survey their routes during the primary survey season of December through February. November and March are also available as optional months. This is a very large and active citizen science project that has provided a very large data base to the Peregrine Fund to augment their worldwide data base for birds of prey.
Idaho has 146 routes and the following are in need of a volunteer to do surveys this winter:
New Plymouth – Fruitland. 90 miles long Parma – Apple Valley 56 Hill City – Fairfield 110 Winchester 70 Nezperce 71 new route, never been surveyed Coeur d’Alene 75 Churchill – Oakley. 65 Heyburn 40 Acequia 39 Rupert North 69 Burley SW 54 Burley SE 31 Paul 65 new route, never been surveyed Minidoka NW 68 new route, never been surveyed Blackfoot NW 49 American Falls NW 77
We ask that our volunteers commit to one survey per month during December through February, that they have a good grasp of raptor ID, and that they have at least binoculars to search for and ID birds, spotting scopes are preferable but not required. Surveys can be scheduled any day of the month that matches up with your life schedule each month.
If this sounds like something that you would like to be a part of, please get back to me as soon as you can with your route choice(s) and I will work with you to get prepared for the effort. Surveys start in two weeks, this is a great opportunity to learn about raptors in your chosen area, hope to hear from you soon, thank you 🙂
Jeff Fleischer Project Coordinator Winter Raptor Survey Project East Cascades Audubon Society – Bend, OR (project sponsor)
Here are three (highly cropped) photos from my camera (500mm) that show different views of the Sharp-tailed, and a Dowitcher for scale. But I think the finest imagery so far may be from Louisa’s video: a screen capture from that renders a really nice image!
Hey all, quick PSA for those of us who bird at the Ada County Landfil!
There are some new rules for birding at the landfill. The biggest change is they are now asking that you call 24 hours in advance of any birding related visits. They also provide a high-vis vest that must be worn at all times if you exit your vehicle and returned at the end of your visit, a safety handout, and a map of designated birding areas. I will attach photos of their safety/rules handout and the provided map of designated birding areas.
I think it is important that we all serve as good representatives for our community and abide by these new rules whenever we visit. It will help not only ensure safety, but to allow for all us to continue using the landfill as the phenomenal birding destination that it is and maintain a good relationship with the landfill.
On another note the gullwads are beginning to grow and the usual California swarm is already quite sizeable with a healthy handful of Ring-billed as well. Herring and Thayer’s gulls also made an appearance today and it shouldn’t be long before the other winter gull species start trickling in and out. Here is my eBird checklist from this afternoon for anyone who is curious: https://ebird.org/checklist/S120909784
Happy Birding Everyone!!
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