Male ferruginous hawk by Todd Katzner
Hi all,
The weather forecast looks pretty sunny and warmish for a mid-February weekend in Southwest Idaho. Afternoon high temperatures will be the high 40s in the Boise Valley and Snake River areas, and 30-35 degrees in the mountains.
My recommendation for my Outdoor Tip of the Week is to go soak up some of that sunshine while playing outside.
1. Skiing/riding in the sunshine at Bogus Basin, Tamarack, Brundage, Soldier Mountain or Sun Valley should be fantastic this weekend. All of the ski areas have excellent snow coverage.
There are a few events going on too such as "Super Diva Day" at Brundage on Sunday, and Tamarack has demo days going on for riders and skiers on Saturday and Sunday. Tamarack also has free s'mores apres ski around the fire in the Village on weekends.
Sunsets on the Greenbelt can be quite spectacular.
2. Go for a bike ride or leisurely walk on the Boise River Greenbelt. Note that several sections of the Greenbelt are closed temporarly. I ran into three closures on a bike ride this afternoon. One is near Veterans Park Pond, where some type of construction is going on. Another is by Ann Morrison Park to the 9th Street bridge on the south side of the river, where they are replacing lights. A short section by the Riverside Hotel was closed today due to some construction work.
3. Head down to the Morley Nelson - Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, south of Kuna. Nesting birds of prey should be returning to the canyon right about now and the males will be trying to impress the females with courtship flight. You could take a ride or walk on the Snake River trail between Swan Falls Dam and Celebration Park while you're in the 'hood. Don't forget the binoculars and your bird book. 
Morley Nelson
4. Take a scenic wildlife-watching drive up to Banks on Idaho 55, turn right on the Banks to Lowman Road, and watch for herds of mule deer or elk in the winter range areas on the mountains above. Bring your swimsuit if you might want to stop at Pine Flats, Kirkham or Bonneville Hot Springs.
5. Find your own adventure maybe at Big Creek Summit between Cascade and Warm Lake or head up Idaho 21 to More's Creek Summit and Beaver Creek Summit. Good launch point to make your own trails.
Once you've gotten your outdoor fix, you can head home and watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. Should be one heck of a game!
Have fun!
- SS
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