2006 Idaho Bird Inventory and Survey (IBIS) Annual Report [PDF, 3.4 MB] 2005 Idaho Bird Inventory and Survey (IBIS) Annual Report [PDF, 1.7 MB] Idaho Bird Inventory and Survey (IBIS) Plan [PDF, 3.7 MB]. A copy of this document with full color maps is available on CD by contacting Colleen Moulton. Breeding Bird Survey Map of Current BBS Routes in Idaho [PDF, 3.9 MB] Northern Region Landbird Monitoring Program Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) Audubon Chapters Mid-winter bald eagle survey

Bird Monitoring in Idaho

Successful conservation and management of Idaho's birds depends on adequate monitoring information, which, to a large extent, does not currently exist. Even more basic information on distribution and abundance is poorly understood for many bird species, especially Idaho's waterbirds. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is addressing this need with the introduction of the Idaho Bird Inventory and Survey (IBIS) - a plan to coordinate monitoring of all birds in Idaho on a year-round basis. Efforts to continue monitoring of special status species, such as the bald eagle and American peregrine falcon, also will fall under the IBIS monitoring framework. Other existing monitoring efforts under the IBIS umbrella include the Breeding Bird Survey and U.S. Forest Service Northern Region Landbird Monitoring Program.

Idaho Bird Inventory and Survey (IBIS)
IBIS is a plan to monitor all birds in Idaho using standardized protocols conducted in a coordinated manner. It also is designed to be part of a new national program, called Coordinated Bird Monitoring (CBM). CBM is a joint effort between managers and bird monitoring specialists designed to improve the success of bird monitoring programs, and make the information widely available.

To view or download a draft version of the IBIS plan, click here [PDF file, 3.7 MB]. A plan to monitor birds is important because:

• birds are useful indicators of environmental health (indicator species)
• monitoring bird populations provides answers to questions from the scientific community and members of the public
• monitoring information is required by law and agency plans including Idaho's Conservation Wildlife Strategy

In addition to long-term trend monitoring for most bird species, IBIS also will address key management issues in Idaho, such as prescribed burning in Ponderosa Pine forests, wetland loss, and aspen degradation.

Where will IBIS monitoring take place?
Monitoring will occur primarily on Idaho's Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and IDFG Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). IBIS was initiated in spring 2004, expanded in 2005 and will continue to develop in the following years. In particular, monitoring efforts will expand in the following years to include additional wetlands and terrestrial habitats with the help of hired technicians, volunteer "citizen scientists," Audubon Chapters, and other state and federal agency personnel.

For more information on IBIS and how you can help with Idaho's coordinated bird monitoring program, please contact Colleen Moulton, IBIS/IBA Coordinator.

Bald Eagle monitoring
IDFG coordinates annual nesting surveys of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) throughout Idaho on an annual basis. Surveys typically consist of three visits to all known eagle territories between March and July of each year. Territories are checked by plane, boat, or on foot for nest occupancy by adult birds (March), evidence of incubation (April-May), and production of young (June-July). As of 2005, there were 196 known eagle territories in Idaho, 177 of which were occupied. Data are compiled from around the state and an annual nesting report is produced. The bald eagle was federally listed as Endangered in 1967, down-listed to Threatened in 1995, and is currently proposed for de-listing altogether (expected to happen sometime in 2006 or 2007). Bald eagles also are counted in the winter in Idaho as part of the national Mid-winter bald eagle survey coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Peregrine Falcon monitoring
IDFG also coordinates annual nesting surveys for the American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) throughout Idaho on an annual basis. Peregrine nests, known as eyries, are checked for:

• occupancy by adults
• signs of courtship behavior
• egg-laying/incubation
• nestlings

Many of Idaho's peregrine eyries are located in extremely remote country, nestled amongst the rocks and ledges of steep cliffs. In 2005, there were 35 known peregrine territories in Idaho, 24 of which were occupied. Like the bald eagle, data are compiled from around the state and summarized in an annual nesting report. Originally listed as federally Endangered in 1970, due primarily to widespread population declines as a result of egg-shell thinning from DDT, the peregrine was removed from the Endangered species list in 1999.

For more information about bald eagles or peregrine falcons, please contact Dr. Rex Sallabanks via e-mail or by calling (208) 334-2920.

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