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Idaho Birding Trail LogoMale Sage GrouseMountain Bluebird
East Central Region

East Central Region Sites

Challis Golf Course Bluebird Trail

Nearest Town: Challis
Site Size: 1 mile trail

Highlights: Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl

Access: Year-round. Open sunrise - sunset. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: In Challis, from junction of US 93/Main St (mp 246.6), W on Main St; go 1.1 mi to Emily Ln; L (S) on Emily Ln; go 0.2 mi to golf course parking area; hike the 1 mi paved trail; bluebird nest boxes are placed intermittently along the trail.

Description: Birding at this site is all about Mountain Bluebirds. An organization named Rocky Mountain Blues, dedicated to the conservation of Mountain Bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds, has placed bluebird nest boxes along the 1-mile paved trail circling the Challis Golf Course. Volunteers monitor the nest boxes during the breeding season (April-Aug) to determine clutch size, nesting phenology, and egg temperature during incubation. The nest boxes typically attract Mountain Bluebird, but may also host Tree Swallow and House Wren. Adults and fledglings of these species can be observed on site through Oct. Stay and play golf; clubs and equipment are available for rent!

More Information:
Challis Gold Course (208) 879-2561
Challis Chamber of Commerce (208) 879-2771
www.salmonbyway.com


Photos
mountain-bluebird--tom-munson.jpg
Mountain Bluebird
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
mountain-bluebird-pair--keith-carlson.jpg
Mountain Bluebird pair
Photo Copyright Keith Carlson
tree-swallow,-female--michael-woodruff.jpg
Tree Swallow
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsNo HuntingNo FishingNo Water SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedNo Horseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
No ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
agriculture Graph illustrating 80% 80%
other Graph illustrating 5% 5%
sage/shrub Graph illustrating 15% 15%

Best Observation Times
Bird Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec AM/PM
Raptors N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Shorebirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Songbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Upland Birds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Waterbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Waterfowl N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Target Species for this Site

Select a species from the list to view other sites on the Idaho Birding Trail Sites this species may be observed.

    SwallowsThrushesWrens and Dipper

    Legend

    SeasonAbundanceRegion
    R - Resident 1 - Abundant, easily found s - Statewide
    M - Migrant 2 - Common, but sometimes difficult to find e - Southeast
    W - Winter 3 - Uncommon or local w - Southwest
    S - Summer 4 - Rare or very local c - Central
    5 - Casual, 3-10 accepted records p - Panhandle (North)
    6 - Accidental, 1-2 accepted records
    7 - Experimental
    (B) - Documented breeding evidence(End) - Threatened or Endangered
    (b) - Circumstantial breeding evidence(Int.) - Introduced species


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