Discover the Joy of Birdwatching
The Southwestern Idaho Birders Association (SIBA) was founded in 1997 by a group of individuals who shared a common interest in birdwatching. Since then, we have grown into a thriving community that offers a variety of events and resources to our members.
The Mission of SIBA is "To promote birdwatching and environmental conservation among the members and general public."
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Cedar Waxwing by Wyatt Tustin
Burrowing Owl
Yellow-breasted Chat
Western Meadowlark by Wyatt Tustin
Bird of the Month
Bird of the Month: Black-necked Stilt by Louisa Evers The Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) typically arrives in April and is one of the shorebirds we look forward to seeing. It’s hard to mistake this bird for anything other than what it is. Black-necked Stilts are very contrasty with black wings and back, neck, and much of the head and white underparts. Females are browner in appearance. They also have a white spot over the eye and a long thin black bill. And let’s not forget those incredibly long, bubblegum pink legs. They have only three toes, lacking the hind toe, or hallux, found in most birds. Stilts are wading birds typically found in shallow water with emergent vegetation (think smartweed and reeds) and flooded fields. They’re often found in association with American Avocets but tend to use slightly different parts of wetlands and edges of lakes and ponds. Stilts can’t swim while avocets can. These birds are also quite vocal. One person calls them “alarm birds” and they will attempt to drive off predators by dive-bombing them and engaging in diversionary displays akin to those used by Killdeer. Black-necked Stilts nests consist of a scrape on an alkali flat, dike, or islets, often surrounded by water. The young are precocial and downy and able to leave the nest within one to two hours after hatching but are awkward for at least the first day. Look for Black-necked Stilts at Fort Boise WMA, Black’s Creek Bird Reserve, and Indian Creek Reservoir where they appear most reliably and breed. They can also appear at other lakes and ponds, but they may or may not breed there. Before it was reworked, we could see Black-necked Stilts on nests in the pond behind the Lactalis Cheese Factory, but it remains to be seen if they will use the new pond. We can also see them in flooded fields in spring. Please send any suggestions you have for subsequent birds of the month to elouisa603@gmail.com. You can also indicate which month you would like the bird to be featured.
Snake River Raptor Fest 2026
A celebration of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA,
featuring live music, birds of prey, local wine and beer, and food trucks!
Please join us for our 9th annual Snake River Raptor Fest, a FREE family-friendly event that
includes live birds of prey, amazing local food and drinks, conservation & education non-profit partners, arts & crafts vendors, kids activities, and some very talented local musicians.
Indian Creek Winery
1000 North McDermott Road
Kuna, ID 83634
SIBA will have a booth at this event. If you would like to volunteer to help out please contact
Cheryl Huizinga at bchuizinga@gmail.com
Tickets are required
Get free tickets at Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snake-river-raptor-fest-2026-tickets-1987284048084
Meetings
2026 Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the following months
at 7:00 PM Mountain Time
July 9th – Hybrid meeting – in person and Zoom
October 8th – Hybrid meeting – in person and Zoom
November 12th – Annual Member meeting – Hybrid – in person and Zoom.
In-person meetings are held at the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
13751 Upper Embankment Rd, Nampa, ID
Join Zoom Meeting at the scheduled time:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81011857044?pwd=vgLpycJkjrrZZnbQWNdQZ6RRljas3y.1
Meeting ID: 810 1185 7044
Passcode: 031179
Field Trips
Upcoming Field Trips
Bachman Grade
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at Walter’s Ferry in the parking area on the south side of the bridge near the boat ramp, where Highway 45 crosses the Snake River
Trip Leader: James Jarrett
Registration required: email James Jarrett at SIBAFieldTrip@gmail.com
We will start by birding the area around the parking area at the Snake River. From there we will travel south and as we gain elevation into the Owyhee Mountains, we will have a chance to see Black-throated Sparrow, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Green-tailed Towhee. This will be a full day so bring snacks, water, and lunch.
East Dike Road Beginner Walk
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Parking lot at the south end of Tio Lane
https://maps.app.goo.gl/18yiUa4VH1ZviNZ59
Registration required: Email James Jarrett at SIBAFieldTrip@gmail.comTrip Leader: James Jarrett
This trip takes an easy walk of just over a mile at the east end of Lake Lowell. This is a great trip for beginners. There are many songbirds to be found on this walk including wrens, warblers and blackbirds. We also have the outside chance of an owl or hummingbirds. Bring water for the walk as it’s usually two hours or more of a walk. Bug spray is also a must as there are often mosquitoes.
Field Trip Leader: James Jarrett
Registration Required for all field trips:
email James Jarrett at SIBAFieldTrip@gmail.com
SIBA April Field Trip to High Valley Report
Saturday 11 April 2026
The day started with mild weather as we met at the Triangle Restaurant near Montour. As we convoyed up the Sweet/Ola HWY it started to rain. We started the list with a pair of Osprey and saw a number of Wild Turkey’s in fields along the creek on our way north. Once passed Ola, the rain started to pick up. As we drove some of the highlights were Say’s Phoebes, Spotted Towhees, and some bright yellow American Goldfinches. We proceeded down Nesbitt Lane, where we heard a Ruffed Grouse drumming. We also found Cassin’s Finches, Red Crossbills, and Evening Grosbeaks. And the rain started pounding harder. We continued on to head over the mountain into High Valley. We then wrapped up the trip by birding High Valley and thankfully the rain slacked off. In the valley we saw Sandhill Cranes, Long-billed Curlews, Mountain and Western Bluebirds, a Mountain Chickadee, and four Bald Eagles. We observed 37 species in High Valley and 60 species for the day. It was a rainy day but a good one for the 7 birders who went on the trip.
photo by Sam Anderton
Member Photo Gallery
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the Southwestern Idaho Birders Association,
please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by email by entering your name, email and a message then click submit. Alternately, message us through our Facebook page. To join or renew membership, click on Join Now button to download the form.