Birding Desert Reservoirs and Bennett Mountain

Space is limited. To affirm a place at this event, registration is required. Please make sure ALL fields are filled out in the registration form and a confirmation email is received.

Come join Golden Eagle Audubon on a caravanning trip through Idaho Desert Reservoirs and Bennet Mountain. We will carpool from our rendezvous point, visiting the reservoirs off of Old Oregon Trail Road in Elmore County and then continue over Bennett Mountain to Highway 20 and out through Castle Rocks. We will travel a total of 160 miles.

This is not the birdiest trip, but it covers territory that many of us seldom visit. There is the possibility of uncommon shorebirds at the reservoirs and we have seen Sage Grouse over Bennett Mountain. If we are lucky, the aspen trees will be turning golden!

There are short walks over rough, but level terrain at some stops.

Recently reported species can be seen here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L157943

Birding Skill Level: This trip is best for those with some birding experience. Binoculars will be available if needed.

Age: Participants must 16+ to attend. Participants younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the liability release.

Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Check-in is at 7:50am. Please arrive at check-in so we can start on time.

Meeting Place: 2286 E Gowen Road, Boise, ID 83716. (The Columbia Marketplace at Federal Way and Highway 21). We gather at the South end of the parking lot near the liquor store. (Click on "Meeting Place" to get directions from your location.)

This trip will be limited to 5 cars. Must be willing to carpool.

What to Bring: Layers for weather, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, lunch, snacks, water, binoculars, a scope, and an auto with a full tank of gas. No dogs please.

Restroom Availability: Restrooms will be available during part of the trip, but there are no facilities along the route after we leave Mountain Home.

Inclement Weather: If there is an unhealthy AQI or steady rain forecast, the trip will be cancelled.

Contact Information: Please text contact trip leader Jim James at (208)921-8136 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. Thanks for your understanding!

Black-chinned Hummingbird photo by Ken Miracle