Birding at Intermountain Observatory's Lucky Peak Banding Station

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 as we visit the Intermountain Bird Observatory's Lucky Peak research station to see flycatchers and other songbirds up close during IBO's fall migration banding project, and learn about their research. In addition, we will go up to hawkwatch and hope to have an opportunity to get into the hawk banding blind. If you'd like to hike to see the nets and how IBO captures the birds or go on the bird walk, you will need sturdy hiking footwear, long pants, and you may want hiking poles or a walking stick. Please note this is a remote research station without access to water.

Recently reported species can be seen here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1529298

Accessibility: Please notify us ahead of time of any accessibility needs. We can drive through the locked gate at the top to drop off anyone with limited mobility. Activities will take place right at the banding station and don't require walking, but there are no paved paths in the banding area. Please bring your own camp chair.

Birding Skill Level: All levels are welcome. Binoculars will be available if needed.

Age: Participants younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and participants younger than 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the liability release.

Time: 8:00am-2:00pm. Check-in is at 7:50am. Please arrive at check-in as we will leave promptly at 8:00am.

: 2286 E Gowen Rd, 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. At the rendezvous, we will organize carpools and then caravan to Lucky Peak in the most suitable vehicles. (Click on "Meeting Place" to get directions from your location.)

This trip requires 4WD or AWD and driving up a steep dirt road in a vehicle with good clearance. This is a rough, one lane, dirt and gravel road with few pull offs and many steep sections. Must be willing to carpool to reduce wear and tear on the road and to save room in the small parking area.

What to Bring: Layers for weather, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, bug spray, binoculars, a camp chair, hiking poles, water, lunch, and snacks. Treats for the banding crew are always appreciated – they love fresh snacks, eggs, or backyard garden veggies! Perishables that don't last in their coolers are a big hit since they don't go to town often. No dogs please.

Restroom Availability: Portable restrooms will be available.

Special Conditions: Rattlesnakes and ticks are sometimes found along the trails.

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

Contact Information: Please text trip leader Jim 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 notice may be suspended from registering for three months. Thanks for your understanding!

Yellow Warbler photo by Ken Miracle

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