Field Trip: Montour/High Valley

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The Montour Wildlife Management Area is located on the floodplain of the Payette River. Its lowlands are a complex of cottonwood-willow river bottoms, wetlands and ponds, and agricultureal fields adjacent to the Payette River.

Montour should still have numbers of migrating warblers and vireos. There will be a chance for Rails, Soras, Snipe and a variety of waterfowl. At higher elevations expect Cranes, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers and Vireos.

This will be a full day trip mostly driving with stops to get out and bird at specific locations. We will park in the Montour Wildlife Management Area and walk for a mile or so. The terrain is a level dirt road. We will take a restroom break at the campground before leaving.

From Montour we will drive up the valley through Sweet and Ola, then up to High Valley and on to Sage Hen Reservoir. Above Ola the roads are dirt but generally passable by passenger cars all the way to Sage Hen. This may change depending on snow melt. There are vault toilets at Sage Hen. We will return by the same route. It is possible to continue east from Sage Hen down to Smith’s Ferry in high-clearance vehicles.

Birding Skill Level: For those having some birding experience.

Time: 7:00am - 5:00pm

Valley View Chevron in Horseshoe Bend. 459 ID-55, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629 (click "Meeting Place" to get directions from your location). We will carpool from there.

We will stop by Triangle Restaurant to meet anyone coming from Canyon County. 8770 ID-52, Sweet, ID 83670

Age: Participants 16 and older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guardians must sign a waiver for participants under 18 years old.

What to Bring: Bring a lunch, snacks, water and a full tank of gas. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and layers for weather. Don't forget your binoculars and/or scope if you have them. No dogs please.

Restroom Availability: Montour Wildlife Management Area Campground and vault toilets at Sage Hen.

This trip will be limited to 5 cars. Must be willing to carpool. Please tell trip leader if you plan to meet at the Triangle Restaurant.

Contact Information: Please contact trip leader, Jim James at amphbWVzaG91c2UgfCBob3RtYWlsICEgY29t with any questions.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Horseshoe Bend.