Snake River and Birds of Prey

Swan River Dam on Snake River

Yesterday we visited a birds of prey conservation area and interpretive center located in Boise.  The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and Visitor's Center displayed 10 live birds of prey in cages, Boise area being the largest concentration of eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, osprey, condors, owls and vultures found in North America. This is a breeding center for most birds of prey and we saw two California Condors on display and remembered that we saw the condors while at the Grand Canyon.  This is also the headquarters for the World Center for Birds of Prey - Peregrine Foundation which strives to get the Peregrine off the endangered list by education and resources.  Lots of money here. The cages are built in such a way that you could not take pictures due to the grating and fencing - but also to protect the birds, did not take long to go through the center.  Disappointing. We are spoiled because we compared this center to the very familiar with Back To The Wild Rehab Center in Castalia, Ohio where they take in injured birds and animals with the intent to return them to the wild once healed. Money in the Boise location and the Castalia is a donation-only organization.  Sat in on a show where the handler explained that no, they do not rehab here, this is strictly an education center when asked by me how that bird came to the center - was it hurt (someone had the vulture as a pet and had it chained up and with bad diet, game warden confiscated it and in turn donated it to the center). Were told - if we had time - to drive to a natural habitat to find these birds of prey at the Snake River in the wild, and this drive was also recommended by a fellow camper to go do.  So glad we did!  Made up for the not-so-good feeling of the center.

View of Dam from South side of Snake River

Traveled about 40 miles south of Boise to the Swan Falls Dam and Power Plant on the Snake River.  Breathtaking.  Drove down a STEEP narrow road into the gorge and again - timing is everything - the power plant had an open house that day where you could visit the museum located inside the old section of the hydroelectric plant.  The museum had great photos of how the dam was constructed in 1900, the renovations it went through, and how life changed with the advent of electricity.

View of Snake from on top of the Dam

Then walked across on top of the dam to the other side. The view of the river and surrounding cliffs was magnificent.  We could have traveled the dirt road alongside the river for a couple of miles but opted to go back up on the cliff and walk the interpretive trail to get other scenic shots looking down into the canyon. Lots of people canoeing, boating, swimming, fishing, having a nice day on the river. Great day for being outside but alas - did not get to see any birds of prey while there.  How did the pioneers get across the Snake River?  How did they do it?

View from the rim looking west