Hosted by the Intermountain Bird Observatory
When and where to meet:
Boise State University’s Intermountain Bird Observatory will provide transportation for the trip in two 12-passenger vans. The group will meet around 5:30 PM and return participants to their vehicles by approximately midnight. We are leaving before dark so that you can become oriented with the site and the terrain before darkness. Please take this time to eat any dinner you brought with you, make some hot cocoa, mingle with the IBO crews, and enjoy yourself!
Where are we going:
Lucky Peak, and Intermountain Bird Observatory’s fall field station. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the field station from Highway 21. This is a remote site at the top of the Boise Ridge. Elevation is ~6,000 ft. This is a rugged biological field station with no power or water. It could be COLD, so please dress and pack accordingly. There is shelter in wall tents and the IBO’s new yurt!
What will we do:
Intermountain Bird Observatory crews will open owl trapping stations at sunset. Net runs will be made approximately every hour to check the mist nets for captured owls. Owls will be transported back to a central banding location and processed by IBO crews. You will follow crews to nets, assist in transporting captured owls, observe IBO crews banding and processing, and assist in releasing owls after processing. You could see both Flammulated and Northern Saw-whet Owls. The success of this activity is completely weather dependent, and capture of owls cannot be guaranteed.
There may be down time between net runs or between owl captures, so be sure to bring some activities to keep busy, especially for restless youngsters. During down time we will also watch a short presentation about owls and the Lucky Peak project, ask the crew any questions you might have about the project, enjoy some hot cocoa or tea, and any snacks you decide to bring.
What to expect: It will likely be chilly or down right cold! You will be at 6,000 ft. in elevation. It could be windy. It will be dark. If you choose to walk to the netting stations with IBO crews (optional), the terrain is steep and uneven. There could be “down-time” between net runs, so bring something to entertain yourself.
What should you bring: Wear appropriate, layered clothing, so you are prepared for cooler temperatures. Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and uneven terrain. Bring a headlamp, flashlight, or lantern! Bring snacks, hot or cold beverages. Bring enough to share with IBO crews! Bring your cameras or video recorders.
Cost: $5/person. The small trip fee will help cover gas and trip-related expenses. However, you may decide to bring some cash to make a donation to the IBO or to purchase IBO merchandise. Thank you!
Want to go on one of these trips? To book, please CLICK HERE to find a trip, fill out an Eventbrite registration form, and reserve space for you and a few friends or family. There is limited space available, so please book now! You must book ahead of time and receive confirmation to attend. If you have questions, contact Heidi at heidiware@u.boisestate.edu.
Cancellation: Please let us know ASAP if you have booked but cannot make it. There will be a waiting list for this trip, so please be considerate and show up if you have reserved a spot, or let us know early enough so we can contact someone else on the waiting list.
