High Desert Reservoir Birding Tour

Registration is required to attend this event as space is limited. Please make sure ALL fields in the registration form are completed and that a confirmation email is received.

Join Golden Eagle Audubon on a spring birding adventure to the high desert reservoirs of southern Idaho, where seasonal waters transform the landscape into vibrant wildlife habitat. As spring arrives and reservoirs fill, the desert comes alive with migratory songbirds and shorebirds gathering along the water’s edge, waterfowl on the open water, and raptors patrolling the skies above.

Throughout the day we’ll explore a series of hotspots that the birds know well, but most birders have yet to discover. Our stops including Pioneer Reservoir in Gooding County, Blair Trail Reservoir, the Reynolds Pond/Adin Hall/Hotsprings Creek complex, and we'll finish the trip at Mountain Home Reservoir. Each location offers unique habitats and excellent opportunities to observe the diversity of birds that rely on these seasonal wetlands during migration.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to explore the joys of birding, this trip offers a wonderful chance to experience spring migration in Idaho’s high desert while learning from experienced birders and enjoying a day in the field with fellow nature enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars, a sense of adventure, and get ready to discover what birds our desert oases have in store.

Accessibility: This event is not suited for those with visual impairment and/or limited mobility.

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: 7:30am - 5:00pm. Check-in is at 7:20am. Please arrive at check-in so we can start on time.

2286 E Gowen Road, Boise, ID 83716. We will meet at the Columbia Marketplace at the South end of the parking lot near the liquor store. (Click "Meeting Place" to get directions from your location)

This trip will be limited to 4 cars. Must be willing to carpool. Drivers are required to have high-clearance vehicles.

What to Bring: Layers for weather, sun protection, binoculars, closed-toe shoes, a scope if you have one, water, lunch, phone charger/backup battery, an auto with a full tank of gas, and anything else you need to be comfortable on an all-day trip. No dogs please.

Restroom Availability: There will be a few rest stop bathroom breaks, but most of the day will be without official bathrooms or running water.

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 email trip leader RL at [email protected] 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!

Wilson's Phalarope photo by Linda Wentz

Field trip leader RL

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Golden Eagle Audubon Society