"If you take care of the birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems of the world."
Thomas Lovejoy
| | |
~News and Upcoming Events~
-
Cottonwood Creek Preserve trail maintenance and nest box installations REPORT
-
PROGRAM ~ Thursday, Nov. 6th ~ Birding the Brazilian Pantanal ~ With Sarah Harris ~ If you plan to ZOOM there is a NEW ZOOM login procedure ~ see instructions in blurb below
-
Box Canyon Clean-up
Saturday, Nov. 8th ~ 10:00am - 2:00pm
Join the Idaho Conservation League for a day of trash pickup in Box Canyon State Park!
Register Here
-
December Program ~ Thursday, Dec. 4th
~The Art of Falconry ~
with Lorrie Agnew and two LIVE raptors!
- Christmas Bird Counts are Coming!
- 39 Volume Set of Roger Tory Peterson Field Guides - 50th Anniversary Edition - available for a $100 Donation to Prairie Falcon Audubon. Comes with book Shelf!!
| | |
Cottonwood Creek Preserve
FIELD TRIP / WORK DAY Report
| | Thank you Prairie Falcon Audubon and Magic Valley Land Trust volunteers for helping out! Workers installed a Wood-Duck box, a Barn Owl box, two Burrowing Owl tunnels, and did some trail work, including placing ribbons and cutting back sagebrush and Russian Olive. Around 20 volunteers enjoyed a perfectly gorgeous day. Thank you all! | | |
November 6th Program
~ Birding Brazil's Pantanal Region ~
with Sarah Harris
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
7:00 PM
Room 201, Shields Building, CSI
This will be an IN-PERSON program.
If you would like to attend via ZOOM you will need to click on the link below and enter the provided meeting ID and passcode when prompted. Write these two numbers down to make the process easier :)
ZOOM Link for NOV Program
meeting ID: 95305043532
passcode: 05860625
Instruction Details
| | |
The Pantanal
The Pantanal is a vast, seasonally flooded wetland - the largest in the world and in the southwest corner of the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. Among birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, it is renowned for its incredible concentrations of birds at the end of the dry season. During this time, the fish get trapped in the shrinking pools of water. This attracts herons, egrets, storks, and other wetland species. The star of such huge concentrations is the massive Jabiru (above). The Jabiru towers over a diverse collection of South American waterbirds such as Sunbittern, Plumbeous Ibis, and Southern Screamer. Raptors such as Savanna Hawk, Snail Kite, and Black-collared Hawk take advantage of prey attracted to waterholes too. Up to five species of kingfisher also join the bonanza. It truly is one of the world’s great birding spectacles and one of the few places to reliably see Jaguar (below).
| | |
Box Canyon Clean-up
Saturday, Nov. 8th
10:00am - 2:00pm
Join the Idaho Conservation League for a day of trash pickup in Box Canyon State Park!
You Must Register
Join Idaho Conservation League for a day of trash pickup in Box Canyon State Park!
This spectacularly beautiful spring-fed waterway gets heavy use through the hot summer months as families escape to its crystal-clear, cold ponds.
Join ICL for an end-of-season trash sweep to help keep this magical area pristine for years still to come. ICL and volunteers will meet at the trailhead, hike in together, and pick up trash in the area. Following the cleanup, we will stop for snacks (or lunch, depending on timing) and hear from ICL’s Senior Conservation Associate, Josh Johnson, about the current state of the beloved Snake River. Space is limited, so RSVP today to secure your spot!
Please note that this trail is rugged! We will descend from the canyon rim, which is steep and technical. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles out-and-back, or can be done as a 2.8-mile loop. This hike has a total elevation gain/drop of roughly 300 feet. A moderate level of physical fitness is required for this hike due to the nature of the terrain.
REGISTER HERE
| | |
Give the Gift of Birds and Beans Coffee!
The Most Sustainable Coffee You can Buy!
Order bird Friendly Coffee NOW for Before-Christmas Delivery
ORDER FORM - CLICK HERE
Please submit your order ON or BEFORE
November 15th, 2025
By choosing to purchase Smithsonian certified bird-friendly coffee, you are supporting bird conservation and family farmers throughout the Americas. Organic and Fair Trade, this coffee is grown under a shade canopy of native trees, shrubs, and plants that provide critical refuge for migratory and local birds as well as the rich flora and fauna of the tropical forest. In short, this great tasting coffee rewards in the cup and helps ensure that the birds we all love return every spring.
- We are offering a “CHRISTMAS SPECIAL” on all 12oz bags with hopes you will be sharing your passion for bird conservation with others. This month only: $11.95 for 12 oz. bags (regularly $14.50). Consider yourself a Bird Friendly Ambassador by gifting delicious bird-friendly coffee.
- Our November coffee order deadline is November 15th.
- A friendly reminder to stock your cupboards also…. May…is a long way off to be without bird friendly coffee. We have decided to offer coffee only twice a year: Order in November for December delivery and order in April for May delivery.
Pick up and pay for the Coffee you ordered at our December 4th Program meeting at CSI!
| | |
December 4th Program
~ The Art of Falconry ~
with Lorrie Agnew
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
7:00 PM
Room 201, Shields Building, CSI
This will be an IN-PERSON program
with two live raptors!
There will not be a ZOOM option for this Program
| |
Join us for a fascinating program exploring the ancient and modern art of falconry—the partnership between humans and birds of prey. This engaging presentation will feature 2 live raptors and offer an up-close look at one of nature’s most skilled hunters.
Mr. Agnew will cover the following topics:
-
Characteristics of raptors: Learn about the unique traits that make birds of prey exceptional hunters, and discover the specific adaptations of the raptor featured in the program.
-
Raptor care and maintenance: Understand what it takes to responsibly care for these powerful birds, from housing and diet to health and training.
-
Principles of falconry: Explore the traditions and techniques of this ancient practice and how they’ve evolved over time.
-
Modern falconry: Find out what’s required to become a licensed falconer today, including the training, dedication, and ethical responsibilities involved.
-
Raptors as ecosystem indicators: Discover how the presence and health of raptor populations reflect the balance and wellbeing of the environment.
-
Conservation, rehabilitation, and research: Learn how falconers and wildlife experts contribute to protecting raptors and their habitats through science, rescue work, and public education.
This program will offer a rare opportunity to connect with the natural world through the eyes of a falconer and his birds.
| |
Lorrie Agnew is a Master falconer, with over 25 years handling and flying various raptor species; these include the American Kestrel, Barn Owl, Chilean Blue Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Gyr Falcon, Harris's Hawk, Lanner Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Saker Falcon, and various hybrids.
The power of a bird of prey flying to the fist and the exhilaration of when they leave the glove to soar the skies once again, has driven Mr. Agnew’s passion for falconry.
His venture into the world of falconry began as a hobby; it was soon realized that falconry requires total commitment from the falconer. What was thought to be an interesting and fascinating hobby quickly turned into a lifestyle of dedication to the raptor’s existence.
Mr. Agnew has utilized varying methods of falconry and loves to share stories of each.
The wealth of knowledge and experience Mr. Agnew possesses ensures a conversation about falconry and raptors is educational, personal, fun, and memorable for all.
| | |
Join a Christmas Bird Count
As Always, We Need Your Help!
NOTE: You must contact the compiler to register.
TENTATIVE DATES
-
Saturday, Dec. 20th - Twin Falls CBC Contact Pat Weber birder1932@gmail.com
| | |
Roger Tory Peterson Field Guides
Leather-bound
Easton Press
39 Volumes and Book Case
Donated to Prairie Falcon Audubon By Rich and Sharon Hayes
They are all yours for a $100 DONATION to Prairie Falcon Audubon. No delivery available. You'll have to make arrangements to pick them up.
Call or text Sarah at 202-731-5727
The first one to respond gets them!
| | |
· Become a Prairie Falcon Audubon Member
Membership is $20 per person/year or
$40 per householdyear.
| |
Why Become a Member?
Your membership demonstrates your support for the chapter and allows PFA to continue to bring you interesting educational presentations at our monthly meetings, an up-to-date and informative website, birding field trips, habitat conservation efforts, and a great social outlet with amazing people.
Your annual $20 individual ($40 household, $100 business) membership is a great value. Besides the above mentioned, you will also receive a discount on coffee purchases and a special PFA sticker for your water bottle, laptop, or car. So don’t wait! Join now! It’s quick (well pretty quick) and easy; just click the “SIGN UP” button. It is very much appreciated!
SIGN UP
If you have troubles signing up, try emptying your web browser cache and be patient.
| |
1. Make Windows Safer, Day and Night
These simple steps save birds: On the outside of the window, install screens or break up reflections—using film, paint, or Acopian BirdSavers or other string spaced no more than two inches high or four inches wide.
| |
2. Keep Cats Indoors
A solution that’s good for cats and birds: Save birds and keep cats healthy by keeping cats indoors or creating an outdoor “catio.” You can also train your cat to walk on a leash.
| |
3. Reduce Lawn, Plant Natives
Add native plants, watch birds come in: Native plants add interest and beauty to your yard and neighborhood, and provide shelter and nesting areas for birds. The nectar, seeds, berries, and insects will sustain birds and diverse wildlife.
| | |
4. Avoid Pesticides
A healthy choice for you, your family, and birds: Consider purchasing organic food. Nearly 70% of produce sold in the U.S. contains pesticides. Don't use pesticides around your home and garden.
| |
5. Drink Coffee That’s Good for Birds
Enjoy shade-grown coffee: It’s a win-win-win: it’s delicious, economically beneficial to coffee farmers, and helps more than 42 species of North American migratory songbirds that winter in coffee plantations, including orioles, warblers, and thrushes.
| |
6. Protect Our Planet from Plastic
Reduce your plastics: Avoid single-use plastics including bags, bottles, wraps, and disposable utensils. It’s far better to choose reusable items, but if you do have disposable plastic, be sure to recycle it.
| |
7. Watch Birds, Share What You See
| | |
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Prairie Falcon Audubon, Inc. fully supports
National Audubon Society's statement on
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
(www.audubon.org/about/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-audubon).
Prairie Falcon Audubon, Inc. believes that everyone has the right to enjoy birds, the outdoors, and a healthy and safe environment. In order to fulfill our mission to educate the general public about birds, bird watching, and preservation/improvement of the environment that birds and bird watchers share, we will work to include everyone, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, age, or disability. We are committed to building an equitable, diverse, anti-racist, accessible, fun, and inclusive organization that supports birds, and the people who watch them, in our community.
| |
CHECK THIS OUT!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
An incredible resource for anyone (young to old) who wants to learn more about birds!
"Whether you’re a bird lover, an educator, or a student, interactive courses and multimedia-rich resources will lead you into the fascinating lives of birds, from birding basics to comprehensive ornithology."
| |
Learn More About Birds with These Courses
FREE - $130
Start at your level.
Go at your own pace. There’s something for every bird enthusiast.
| |
Watch a Short Video
FREE
A curated collection of educational videos from Cornell Lab
| |
Play games Powered by Birds
FREE
Birds are awesome. Play games that explore flight, song, dance, feathers, and so much more.
| |
Listen to a Lecture
FREE
Keep learning with this curated collection of videos from the Cornell Lab. Each is about an hour long.
| | | | |
