Three sand and gravel pits have been proposed in Canyon County along side the Boise River. The one near Parma has an active bald eagle nest. The one near Notus has a heron rookery readily visible from Highway 20/26. The one in Caldwell would abut Curtis Park, one of the very few nature parks in Canyon County. There are already several active sand and gravel pits in Canyon County in proximity or adjacent to the Boise River. A public hearing for the proposed pit adjacent to Curtis Park is April 18. The public hearing for the proposed pit near Parma has been rescheduled but no date has been set yet. The city of Notus recently gave preliminary approval for the proposed pit near them and a local resident is considering what the legal options are.
Both Golden Eagle Audubon and the Southwestern Idaho Birders Association (SIBA) wrote letters opposing the pit near Parma but we found out about the other two pits too late for that. Cheryl Huizinga, current president of SIBA, is preparing testimony on the proposed pit abutting Curtis Park in conjunction with a local resident. Several letters were sent to the County Planning and Zoning Commission opposing the proposed pit near Parma and local news is interested.
Given the number of sand and gravel pits already operating in Canyon County it makes one wonder why we need 3 more. It also shows the the birding community needs to pay attention to those public hearing notices posted near important areas for birds and other wildlife.
A new arrival this weekend has been a Red-naped Sapsucker. He’s been visiting willows, cottonwoods & an aspen tree. Plus, N Flickers are drumming, incessantly!
And, the first female Red-winged Blackbird arrived at the feeder this morning. I didn’t even see the males, but within minutes, up & down a Snake River channel through the back, at least 4 started calling, vying for her attention! Others: White Pelicans, Forster’s & Caspian Terns along the river, Canada Geese are nesting, Mourning Doves are back & Tree Swallows are checking out last year’s tree cavities.
Our most common feeder bird remains American Goldfinch, followed by House Finch, BC Chickadee & 2 RB Nuthatches. My Least Chipmunk “colony” is up to at least 5 individuals &, apparently, this is the month when I may soon expect more. I don’t mind sharing the black oil sunflower seeds with them. Like the cottontails, their generations seem to be somewhat boom/bust by my observations over nearing 4 decades here. Counting it fortunate that this is their 3rd year at backyard’s edge to the woodland. Enjoy watching their antics!
Nothing rare to report. But, after a grayer overcast winter than we usually have, it’s nice to see aspen catkins appearing, willow & cottonwood buds swelling & grasses greening. This weekend, new arrivals were: White Pelicans & DC Cormorants along the Snake & a couple of Bohemian Waxwings through the yard.
Bald Eagle pair along the river have a new nest in same tree (old one blew down last fall) & female has been in the nest, with only head & back showing, every time I hike down to check over past 2 weeks. Good to see! If it’s the same pair, 4th nest they’ve built in general vicinity over past 15 years. Seems, after a certain size, our wind-tunnel winds along the Snake are good at taking eagle nests down. Most numerous feeder bird is still American Goldfinch, 50+ at a time.
Well Because of rainy weather I decided to go for drive by birding dry lake almost full no birds nearby ponds no birds new pond lynwood n.of big foot water Down away level just right for shorebirds but none oh well out of house couple hours
Red-throated Loon continuing at CJ Strike first found by Eric Heisey around 11am. Refound by Kent Kleman and also seen by Cheryl Huizinga and Linda Wentz at 2:30 pm. Seen from East side of Black Sand resort. Scoped across to far side of reservoir. Lots of wind and waves.
Tree Swallows arrived today along the river. Counted a half dozen or so. Red-winged Blackbirds are getting more vocal & spreading out a bit, establishing their territories while awaiting arrival of their mates.
Not only spreading black-oil sunflower seeds for birds, but my little colony of least chipmunks has awakened & are out & about from their winter torpor & burrows. Have at least 4, all busy stuffing cheek pouches with seeds.
This ebird site has been quite active with birdwatchers and photographers since the tricolored blackbirds have reappeared in larger numbers than seen before. Please remember that the land on both sides of the road is private property and clearly posted “no trespassing.” This is an active cattle ranch currently in full swing with calving so please park your cars where they will not impede ranch traffic.
Many thanks,
Liz Medes Emmett ID
Home of Idaho Birding and the Idaho Bird Records Committee
