Birding for Shorebirds at Fort Boise WMA

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 special caravanning adventure to Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area, where we'll observe migrating shorebirds using the WMA's shallow water and mudflats, and any waterfowl and other bird species that may be present. The Fort Boise WMA is a unique 1,542 acre reserve at the confluence of the Boise and Snake Rivers. Once an important stop along the Oregon Trail, Fort Boise is now a protected area for nesting water fowl and home to a variety of waterfowl on their spring migration. Species we'll be on the lookout for include shorebirds, dowitchers, Black-necked Stilts, flycatchers, herons, swallows, songbirds, hawks, and eagles.

Our morning will begin at the St Luke's Meridian Park and Ride, where we will divide into cars and caravan to the Fort Boise WMA together. We will scope the ponds for ducks and shorebirds during their morning foraging. From there, we'll move out to the Snake River for a short unpaved walk looking for waterfowl and songbirds. There are typically swallows and birds to observe from the parking area for those unable to travel along the unpaved paths. Next stop is the Martin's Landing section of the WMA for a short unpaved trail and more birding along the Snake River.

Recently reported species can be viewed here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L234583

Accessibility: This trip is unpaved but may be accessible by wheelchair users or those with mobility disabilities that are comfortable with traveling on un-paved and uneven trails. Please note that the observation tower at the WMA is not wheelchair accessible, but there are still opportunities for birding at that site from the ground level. A lot of birding will be done through spotting scopes, but this event may be accessible for those who are blind and/or low vision, as there will also be opportunites for birding by ear. 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 are welcome! Binoculars will be available to borrow if needed.

Age: Participants younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and participants younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the liability release.

Time: 7:00am-12:00pm. Check-in is at 6:50am. Please arrive at check-in so we can start on time.

: The St Luke's Meridian Park & Ride lot at 520 S Eagle Rd, Meridian, 83642. (Click on "Meeting Place" to get directions from your location.)

This trip is limited to 3 cars, and carpooling is required. Drivers must have vehicles with properly maintained tires with sufficient tread, and must be confident, capable licensed drivers comfortable with the road conditions. 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: Sun protection, insect repellant, closed-toe shoes, binoculars, a scope if you have one, plenty of water, snacks as needed, and anything you need to be comfortable on a short road 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.

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. If the forecast calls for temperatures above 95°F, we may shorten the outing for participant safety.

Contact Information: Please text trip leader Louisa at 971-322-7040 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!

Black-legged Stilt photo by Ceredig Roberts

Field trip leader Louisa Evers