Peace by the River in Idaho Falls

 The “Falls” of Idaho Falls, Idaho September 10, 2013

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a month since I was in Idaho Falls. Gus and I were on a delayed anniversary trip to Utah and Yellowstone national Park. We had not been to Utah since we moved away in 2007 and we had not been to Yellowstone since 2002! I have a love affair with Idaho after having moved there in 1986. It was the first of our many moves around the Untied states in the course of our 35 year marriage and the one place I still yearn for in spite of the fact that it’s been over 20 years since we moved away. I think Idaho was the first place that gave me a glimpse of the old west and the wide open spaces and freedom. I do not know if I would feel that way now, but back then I felt so free when I lived in this state. My children were little more than toddlers and grade school aged then. Now they are all grown and flown and I am a grandmother. Being back here brought such a flood of memories, and that longing to begin my life all over again.

 Canada Goose and California Gull

This was my first time to be back here as an eBirder as well, and I had my binoculars and notebook and pen out. I was hoping for a large number of species here today, but actually, it was rather calm and serene. The sound of the rushing water was constant and soothing. Overhead it was the crows who created the ruckus with their loud calls.

 American Crow

I followed the trail along the river’s edge. Across the street there were restaurants and hotels.

Some were new, and on this bright blue day rose life amber cliffs against the azure sky. But one in particular caught my eye and brought me rushing back to 1986.

Back then we stayed at the Driftwood Inn while waiting to find a home to live in. Gus would leave me for the day and I would take my four children and cross the road to this river pushing a stroller and walk along its edge. Back then geese and ducks gathered on its banks and it was no different today.

But out in the river I found a few illiterate cormorants who found this buoy a pleasant place to catch a sun bath! Or perhaps they are like some people I know who think they are exempt from all the rules!

While I was caught up in my birding and my reverie Gus took a little walk himself!

With calm water above the falls and ripples and rocks below, these fall attract wildlife, birds and people, including fishermen!

 Our temporary “home” in 1986

An Osprey flew like a blessing over the river sending peace into my heart.

These two seemed to be having a pleasant chat in the afternoon sunshine.

Ring-billed Gulls and California Gulls seemed to be the predominate species.

This little one had such a tranquil, dove-like face I thought sure it must be an unusual species but I now think it is just a first year Ring-bill. It lay there so serenely in the grass and showed no fear when I walked past.

Brewer’s Blackbirds were another species that speckled the lawns.

 

I hoped to find a few warblers, but found this cute little squirrel instead.

And then as I headed back towards our parked car I caught some motion on the rocks below. What was that animal. An otter perhaps? I quickly started snapping.

I watched as the lithe body clambered up the rocks!

I think it is a weasel, the head is not right for an otter, but it was awfully big.

They have improved the river walk since my last time here with artistic benches to sit upon. This one had a stone bench with bronze branches for sides and a sweet little swallow flying between them.

 Swallow sculpture detail on bench.

Though I only saw a few species along the Snake River in Idaho Falls, it was a pleasant walk down memory lane and I found peace there along with the birds and the mammals before we got back in the car and continued on our way to Yellowstone National Park.

Peace along the River in Idaho Falls

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