"If you take care of the birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems of the world."
Thomas Lovejoy
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~News and Upcoming Events~
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Monday, April 29th ~ 7:30 am - 12:00 pm ~ Volunteer at the Orton Botanical Garden ~ 867 Filer Ave W, Twin Falls, Idaho ~ Volunteers needed to help clean up the garden before Mother's Day Plant Sale. Enjoy good coffee, muffins, bird watching and conversation as we help in the garden.
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Thursday, May 2nd ~ PROGRAM: Significance, History, and Challenges in Establishing a National Conservation Area for Raptors in Southwestern Idaho with Mike Kochert
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Volunteer Opportunity
Spring Clean-up at
867 Filer Ave W
Twin Falls, ID
Monday, April 29th
Volunteers needed to help clean up the garden before May Plant Sales.
Enjoy good coffee and conversation as we help in the garden.
Plant Sales:
May 16-18 and 23-25
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- Arrive at 7:30 for a cup of coffee and muffins. Megan Devaney, garden Specialist, will provide instructions while we fortify ourselves. We'll then do a short walk around the Garden with binoculars and do a quick survey of birds. As we walk Megan will point out areas that need special attention, and help us understand what is, and is not, a weed.
- The garden will have trowels, pruners, and some gloves available, but members are encouraged to bring their favorite pair. One set of knee pads, and two low stools are available, but for those with mobility concerns it is highly recommended to bring knee pads or to ask for tasks that allow for standing.
- One side of the green gates for the parking area will be open on Filer Ave W. with additional parking on Filer Ave W. itself.
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Birds and Beans Coffee - The Most Sustainable Coffee You can Buy!
Pick up the coffee you ordered at our
May 2nd Program
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May Program
Significance, History, and Challenges in Establishing a National Conservation Area
for Raptors in Southwestern Idaho
Mike Kochert, Scientist Emeritus,
U.S. Geological Survey
Thursday
May 2nd, 2024
7:00 PM
Room 201, Shields Building
CSI
This will be an IN-PERSON program
ZOOM link available:
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The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Area National Conservation Area (NCA) in southwestern Idaho is a unique international treasure that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Known for its extraordinary numbers and diversity of raptors, the NCA is recognized as one of the most important raptor nesting areas in the World. Mike Kochert has conducted research and monitoring in what is now the NCA for nearly 55 years. He will speak about the history of establishing the NCA from 1970 until the area was established by Congress in 1993. He will discuss the historical conflicting land uses for the area and the events (some planned, others fortuitous) that led to establishing the NCA. He will also talk about challenges facing the BLM and NCA managers caused by climate change and large increases in the local human population.
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About Mike:
Mike Kochert is an emeritus scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Boise Idaho. He is also an affiliate faculty member at Boise State University. He has been studying birds of prey for the last 54 years, mostly in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). He received a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Wildlife Management and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science at the University of Idaho, where he studied nesting Golden Eagles in southwestern Idaho. The Bureau of Land Management hired Mike in 1972 as the first biologist for what is now the NCA, and over the years, he has worked for the Bureau of Land Management, the National Biological Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey, focusing on the raptors in the NCA. He would like to share his experiences over the last half century, particularity as they relate to establishing the National Conservation Area
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Saturday Morning Field Trip
Birding by Bicycle on the
Canyon Rim Trail
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Saturday, May 4th
8:30 - 10:00am
8:00 - 8:15
if you are renting a bike*
Twin Falls Visitors Center
2015 Nielsen Point Place
Twin Falls, Idaho
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Better Birding by Bike!
Join Prairie Falcon Audubon's second annual Birding by Bicycle field trip!
Pedal off for a morning of springtime bird watching on bicycles — the very best way to go birding! Biking is quiet. The only sounds to compete with birds are the humming of tires on asphalt. When a bird darts across the path or flies overhead, you can just put your feet down and lift your binoculars. There’s no car roof to block out raptors, no curved windshield to distort views. If you want to investigate further, there’s no seat belt to undo, no beeping from the ignition key, no car door to remember not to slam!
We'll slowly ride 5-7 miles, watching and listening for swallows, swifts, and other spring migrants. In addition, we will see eagles, hawks, pelicans and vultures soaring along the the canyon rim.
Be ready to leave the Visitors Center at 8:30am.
- Dress for the weather
- Bring your bike and a helmet (required)
- Bring your binoculars (easiest if you have a harness)
- Bring water, snack, etc. in a day pack.
*If you are renting a bike, be at the Visitors Center between 8 and 8:30 to pay ($15), get fitted, and fill out forms. (reserve and pay on-line).
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More Field Trips!
Mark your calendars!
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FIELD TRIPS
- MAY 4th - Birding by Bicycle
- JUNE 8th - Birding by kayak at Wilson Lake
- JUNE ?? - South Hills Big Day and Potluck- TBD
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- Weeding at Orton Botanical Garden
- Sagebrush/Bitterbrush planting?
- Clean-up somewhere/anywhere/everywhere?
FALL BIRDING CLASS
- More information coming....
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2nd Annual Twin Falls
Pollinator Plant Sale
Purchase locally grown plants to start or expand your own pollinator garden!
Join the Twin Falls Pollinator Council in supporting bees, butterflies, birds and other beneficial insects in our area.
Scan the QR code or CLICK HERE- to select your choice of "Idaho Native" or "Cottage Garden" Collections.
This would make a wonderful gift for Mother's Day!
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Idaho Native Collection: These native plants are beneficial to our local pollinators and come back year after year. This is representative of what will be offered. Actual plants offered may be different.
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Cottage Garden Collection: These cottage garden plants do well in the Magic Valley area and are good for pollinators. There is a mixture of perennials and annuals. Some will re-seed for years to come.
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Scan the QR Code or
Pick up your plants
Friday, May 10th
or Saturday, May 11th, 2024
between 10 am and 3 pm
Native Roots LLC
2475 E 3600 N
Twin Falls, ID
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From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Click the link above to read the full article, watch some great little videos, and be inspired to do some good in the world to help out the birds
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1. Make Windows Safer, Day and Night
These simple steps save birds: On the outside of the window, install screens or break up reflections—using film, paint, or Acopian BirdSavers or other string spaced no more than two inches high or four inches wide.
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2. Keep Cats Indoors
A solution that’s good for cats and birds: Save birds and keep cats healthy by keeping cats indoors or creating an outdoor “catio.” You can also train your cat to walk on a leash.
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3. Reduce Lawn, Plant Natives
Add native plants, watch birds come in: Native plants add interest and beauty to your yard and neighborhood, and provide shelter and nesting areas for birds. The nectar, seeds, berries, and insects will sustain birds and diverse wildlife.
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4. Avoid Pesticides
A healthy choice for you, your family, and birds: Consider purchasing organic food. Nearly 70% of produce sold in the U.S. contains pesticides. Reduce pesticides around your home and garden.
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5. Drink Coffee That’s Good for Birds
Enjoy shade-grown coffee: It’s a win-win-win: it’s delicious, economically beneficial to coffee farmers, and helps more than 42 species of North American migratory songbirds that winter in coffee plantations, including orioles, warblers, and thrushes.
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6. Protect Our Planet from Plastic
Reduce your plastics: Avoid single-use plastics including bags, bottles, wraps, and disposable utensils. It’s far better to choose reusable items, but if you do have disposable plastic, be sure to recycle it.
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7. Watch Birds, Share What You See
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Prairie Falcon Audubon, Inc. fully supports
National Audubon Society's statement on
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Prairie Falcon Audubon, Inc. believes that everyone has the right to enjoy birds, the outdoors, and a healthy and safe environment. In order to fulfill our mission to educate the general public about birds, bird watching, and preservation/improvement of the environment that birds and bird watchers share, we will work to include everyone, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, age, or disability. We are committed to building an equitable, diverse, anti-racist, accessible, fun, and inclusive organization that supports birds, and the people who watch them, in our community.
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CHECK THIS OUT!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
An incredible resource for anyone (young to old) who wants to learn more about birds!
"Whether you’re a bird lover, an educator, or a student, interactive courses and multimedia-rich resources will lead you into the fascinating lives of birds, from birding basics to comprehensive ornithology."
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Learn More About Birds with These Courses
FREE - $130
Start at your level.
Go at your own pace. There’s something for every bird enthusiast.
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Watch a Short Video
FREE
A curated collection of educational videos from Cornell Lab
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Play games Powered by Birds
FREE
Birds are awesome. Play games that explore flight, song, dance, feathers, and so much more.
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Listen to a Lecture
FREE
Keep learning with this curated collection of videos from the Cornell Lab. Each is about an hour long.
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