About this Event
Registration is required to attend this event, as space is limited. Individuals on the waitlist will be contacted with instructions if a spot becomes available. Only those who have completed Eventbrite registration and received a confirmation email may attend, including attendees needed for accessibility assistance.
Join Golden Eagle Audubon on a caravanning trip through Idaho Desert Reservoirs and Bennett Mountain. We'll visit the reservoirs along Old Oregon Trail Road in Elmore County before continuing over Bennett Mountain to Highway 20 and out through Castle Rocks. The full trip covers approximately 160 miles.
This is territory many of us seldom explore, with opportunities to discover birds and landscapes we don’t often encounter closer to home. The reservoirs can attract uncommon shorebirds during their fall migration, and we’ve spotted Sage Grouse over Bennett Mountain. If we’re lucky, we'll get to see the changing colors of fall and golden aspen trees.
There will be short walks at some stops over rough but generally level terrain. Come prepared for a full day of birding, exploring, and beautiful Idaho scenery.
Recently reported species can be seen here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L157943
Accessibility: This event may be accessible for those who are blind, low vision, hearing impaired, and/or those with limited mobility. We will be scoping for shorebirds, and birding by ear may be limited because the trip takes place outside of the breeding season. Some stops have short walks along rough unpaved paths. Field Trip Leaders will help with bird identification and questions, but are not able to provide one-on-one physical aid or navigational assistance (including sighted guiding) on our trips. Participants are always welcome to arrange any assistance they may need in the field! Please ensure that any assistant is registered to attend this event. Use the special needs question in the registration form to let us know more about your accessibility needs and how we can best support your participation.
Birding Skill Level: All levels of birders welcome, but you may enjoy your time more if you have some experience. Binoculars will be available to borrow if needed.
Age: Participants must be 16 or older to participate, and those younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the liability release.
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Check-in is at 7:50am. Please arrive at check-in so we can start on time.
: We will meet in the parking lot near the Stinker Station at 6658 E Federal Way, Boise, ID 83716. (Click on "Meeting Place" to get directions from your location.)
This trip is limited to 5 cars, and carpooling is required. Drivers must have vehicles with AWD, properly maintained tires with sufficient tread, and relatively high clearance, and must be confident, capable licensed drivers comfortable with the road conditions and terrain. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly insured and in safe operating condition.
Passengers are expected to contribute toward gas as a courtesy to drivers.
What to Bring: Layers for weather, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, binoculars, a scope if you have one, water, lunch, snacks as needed, phone charger/backup battery, and anything else you need to be comfortable on an all-day trip. Don't forget your camera, memory card and/or batteries! For drivers: a full tank of gas. A scope will be available for the group to share. No dogs please.
Restroom Availability: Restrooms will be available during part of the trip, but there are no facilities along the route after we leave Mountain Home.
Inclement Weather: If there is an unhealthy AQI, steady precipitation forecast, or the trails are not suitable for ethical passage, the trip may be cancelled.
Contact Information: Please text contact trip leader Jim James at (208)921-8136 with any questions.
Cancellation Policy: If your plans change, please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite or contact the field trip leader listed above. Participants who miss two trips without advance notice may be suspended from registering for three months. Donations made during registration are non-refundable. Thanks for your understanding!
Cooper's Hawk photo by Ken Miracle
Field trip leader Jim James
Event venue & nearby stays
Meet at 6658 S Federal Way, 6658 South Federal Way, Boise, United States
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