South Idaho RBA
November 24, 1998

This is the South Idaho Bird Alert, brought to you by the Idaho Museum
of Natural History. This alert was updated on Tuesday morning, November
24th.
Highlights for this week include a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, BLACK SCOTER,
and SURF SCOTER,WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, PACIFIC LOON (and possible LITTLE
GULL).
All 3 scoters can be seen near American Falls Dam. The BLACK SCOTER was
observed on the southwest end of American Falls Reservoir on Sunday, Nov.
22nd. It has been ranging distances of at least one mile on the west shore
so it may require some effort to observe it. Besides checking at the dam,
cross the dam and continue north on Hwy. 39 for 2-2.5 miles. The highway
passes over an obvious slough. Continue past the slough for 200 meters or so
and turn right on the first dirt road. After a few meters the road forks,
sty right and follow around the borrow pit to the cliff. The road is a bit
sandy. The scoter was observed below the cliff along the west end.
A SURF SCOTER was observed on Monday morning, Nov. 23rd. on the Snake
River below American Falls Dam. Take Landfill Road in American Falls, just
past the cemetery, to the bluff. You will see an obvious farm/house across
the river about 500 meters downstream. The SURF SCOTER was observed in this
vicinity. To get to a better viewing spot, walk along the river (please
respect the sign marked, "unauthorized vehicles not allowed beyond this
point") until you come to a better vantage point.
To observe a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, get off I-86, take the Neeley Exit
(just west of American Falls), go north only 10 meters, then turn left
(west) on Eagle Rock Rd. Head about a mile west to Pipeline Recreational
Area on your right, turn right here and travel down until it meets the
river. Look for the scoter and other waterfowl above or below the pipeline
crossing the river.
The LITTLE GULL was not observed on Sunday, Nov. 22nd, but there is a
possibility it is in the area. It has been spotted below the dam near Eagle
Rock. To get there go past Pipeline Recreational area and continue for about
another mile or so, until the road forks, and take the right fork. Follow
this down for about 1,2 miles and turn right on a gravel road (it is marked
Eagle Rock) before the last farmhouse. Stay on the gravel road, in less than
a mile it becomes dirt, for about 1.5 miles, or until it begins to drop off.
Park your car and walk down to the river unless you have a high clearance
vehicle. The LITTLE GULL is still in juvenile plumage. It is very small,
has a dark back and a dark "M" pattern on top of its wings, a dark neck
collar, and a smudge of dark on its head. It is feeding alongside a flock of
100-200 BONAPART'S GULLS that are roosting on American Falls Reservoir. The
best time to observe the LITTLE GULL is between 11:00 am and 3:15pm.
The WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was observed among a flock of Canada Geese at
Minedoka Nat'l Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Nov. 21st. It was observed just
above the dam on the east end.
A PACIFIC LOON was also observed at Island Park Dam on Sunday, Nov.
22nd.
For further information, to report a bird sighting, or to reach Chuck
Trost, you can call 208-236-3337and leave a message at the sound of the
beep. Or you can call Chuck at home at 208-233-4538.