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American Falls Fish Hatchery PVAS
Birding Trail Now Open
Another causality of the COVID-19 epidemic was that the Portneuf Valley Audubon Birding Trail near the American Falls Fish Hatchery was closed down from March until late January. Thanks largely to the efforts of Todd Winters, the trail is now open.
Winters spoke to hatchery personnel about opening the trail and we’ve been given permission to access it.
To reach the trail, take the dirt road immediately to the left of the “hatchery closed” sign that is at the entrance of the hatchery. To reach the American Falls Fish Hatchery, cross over the American Falls Dam, take the first left and follow the signs.
The bird feeders have been re-hung and repaired and fresh bird feed has been put in them. There are two bird-feeding stations on the trail, one that overlooks the river and another that is located back in the woods. The entire area is a birding hot spot, but the feeding stations help bring in birds. The Snake River is a hot spot for waterfowl and bald eagles.
Winters reported on the trail update:
- Both feeders needed new rope, which he replaced.
- Both cans had leftover feed that looked good, so he filled the feeders.
- Both feeder areas needed some branches removed but nothing too serious.
- The trail itself is in surprisingly good shape. The whole trail can be walked without a problem. There is some light branch removal required.
- The trail was mowed last fall and looks good.
- One bat box has blown off its tree and Winters has remounted it.
- The registration box is fine, but Winters will print more logbook pages.
The feeders are back up and filled with seed at the PVAS Birding Trail at the American Falls Fish Hatchery
According to Chuck Trost, Idaho State University professor emeritus of ornithology and PVAS’s most accomplished birder, the PVAS Fish Hatchery Trail is a great place to see wintering Robins, Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Juncos, Chickadees, White-crown Sparrows, Harris’s Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, Magpies, Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks and a variety of other species.
“It is one of the riches places in the region for birding,” Trost said.
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Points to ponder...
Website Bird of the Month - Northern Flicker
2020 Audubon Photography Awards
Our Dr. Trost on Living On Earth program
Our own Scott MacButch's fabulus bird photos!
Must See: Netflix film "Dancing With The Birds"
Birds Can Dance!
If you want to check out a fun little video, try this 2-1/2-minute film that proves that birds can do more that fly – they can dance! Visit the link below.
http://volkerpannes.de/portfolio/birds-can-dance/