Aquatic insects are hatching in heavy numbers at the Silver Creek Preserve this summer, which has made the fishing particularly good. But it's also made the resident bird population, which feeds on insects, even more active than usual.
"I don't know if it's because of the wet spring, but the bugs have been going crazy and the birds too," said Dayna Smith, manager of the Silver Creek Preserve, west of Picabo. "The bird watching has been incredible."
Bird watching will be the subject of one of several workshops held at the preserve on Aug. 6. Free and open to the public, the event is sponsored by The Nature Conservancy, which owns the preserve. The day will include a plant and natural history walk, fly-tying clinic, fly-fishing workshop and a lecture on New Zealand mud snails, which threaten Idaho's fish populations.
This is the first year Silver Creek Preserve has hosted such an event.
"We want people to get involved and get down here," said Smith, who took over as the preserve's manager in the spring. "There's a lot more to do than fishing (on the preserve). There's a lot to do, and we encourage people to come down."
People can attend as many or as few of the events as they want, although they do need to register in advance. The activities start at 7 a.m.
"It's going to be really casual," Smith said. "(But) all of the classes will be really good."
For additional information or to register, call 788-7910.
Silver Creek Preserve classes
Silver Creek Preserve will host the following classes on Saturday, Aug.6:
· 7-8 a.m. — Introduction at the visitor center, including coffee and donuts.
· 7-9 a.m. — Bird watching. Learn species identification, calls and habits.
· 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Plant and natural history walk. Learn plant identification and the natural history of Silver Creek.
· 9:45-10:45 a.m. — Back yard birds. Learn how to turn your backyard into a bird paradise.
· 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Fly tying. Learn to tie flies specific to Silver Creek.
· 1:30-3:30 p.m. — Fly fishing workshop. Improve casting and skills specific to Silver Creek.
· 4-5 p.m. — Mud snails and invasives. Learn what threatens Silver Creek's waters.
· 5-7 p.m. — Open house at the visitor center. Meet and talk to the staff. Refreshments provided.
