Flat Ranch Preserve

Long-Billed Curlews

Each spring, the curlew’s distinct ‘ker-lee’ call whistles across the grasslands of the West, signaling that these migratory birds have returned north to nest. Easily recognized by their long, down-curved bill, the charismatic long-billed curlew is the largest North American shorebird. They spend winters near southern coasts on wetlands, mudflats, flooded fields and beaches.

It seems unlikely that a prairie habitat would serve as a hotspot for nesting shorebirds. But, nurtured by rotational grazing that keeps grass at favorable heights, the long-billed curlew makes its summer home at Flat Ranch Preserve.

Rotational Grazing Benefits Wildlife and Livestock

The rangeland of the Ranch is made up primarily of grassland habitat. Grasslands are the most altered and least protected terrestrial habitat on Earth. Only 5% of the world’s remaining grasslands are protected. Ensuring the grasslands at the Ranch remain intact and healthy is critical for curlews.

Rotational grazing is a holistic, high intensity, short-duration means of creating important habitat and species diversity in this grassland system. This practice of moving livestock from one pasture to another throughout the grazing season not only benefits plants, insects, birds and wildlife, but also benefits the cattle on the Ranch.

Maintaining Curlew Populations

Like many grassland birds, long-billed curlew populations have been in decline in many parts of their range, including Idaho. However, on the Ranch curlew numbers have stayed high.

In 2009, Idaho Fish and Game did a survey in the Island Park area to try and get a better understanding of breeding long-billed curlew numbers in the Upper Snake region. From that survey they determined that they needed to take a closer look at Flat Ranch and the surrounding ranches. From the start, it was evident the Ranch and Henrys Lake Flat held a high number of breeding long-billed curlews.

Studying Curlew Migration Cycles

While the preserve hosts a relatively dense population of long-billed curlews, scientists know very little about their migration routes. Previously, little data existed on where the birds from this population went in the winter or about the threats they faced when they left the Ranch.

To better understand and address these threats, TNC Idaho and Idaho Department of Fish and Game joined the Intermountain Bird Observatory’s ongoing study of curlews and placed a 9.5 gram satellite transmitter on a female curlew, named Henrietta, during the summer of 2014. The transmitter immediately began to send out GPS coordinates that allowed researchers to track her movements. Two weeks and 900 miles later, Henrietta reached a small peninsula south of Puerto Peñasco in Sonora Mexico.

In May of 2015, Henrietta’s return was tracked to Idaho where she successfully laid five eggs in the short-grass prairie of the Ranch. Information gathered from following and studying this amazing migration cycle is invaluable in helping identify critical habitat for curlews and providing insight that is vital to their conservation.

Through continued conservation work at the Flat Ranch Preserve, we aim to not only sustain long-billed curlew populations and improve their habitat, but also to study their migratory behaviors so that we may give them a better chance at survival here in Idaho.

Located fifteen miles west of West Yellowstone, the Ranch offers a great place to view wildlife and learn about TNC before entering Yellowstone National Park.

We invite you to explore all the Ranch has to offer. Wander the trails, fish the world-renowned Henrys Fork, enjoy a picnic or just relax on the porch and experience the beauty of the Flat Ranch Preserve.

Take a look

Depending on the season, moose, elk, pronghorn and sandhill cranes can often be seen from the deck. A spotting scope is available for use during visitor center operating hours. Bird-watchers should be on the lookout for bald eagles, great blue heron, short-eared owls and mountain bluebirds. Migratory birds such as long-billed curlews and ospreys also depend on this lush and fertile basin.

Take a walk

As you hike the self-guided trails through the lush carpet of seasonal wildflowers, you will discover a diverse landscape of wetlands, grasslands and waters. Thanks to restoration and conservation efforts, these habitats often reward hikers with bursts of colorful flowers and remarkable wildlife sightings.

Take a break

Surrounded by incredible views, our picnic area is the perfect place to enjoy your lunch and be immersed in nature. Some of the wildflower species growing around the area include mule's ear, larkspur, prairie smoke and blue camas.

Enjoy wildlife watching, fishing and hiking at the Flat Ranch from sunrise to sunset year-round.

• A visitor center, located just off the highway, is open seasonally to the public from 10:00am -2:00pm, Thursday through Tuesday (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
• A spotting scope is available for use in wildlife viewing during the visitor center hours.
• Make sure to save time for hiking, wildlife viewing and fly fishing.
• Dogs are allowed on the preserve but must be kept under close control. This is habitat for sensitive wildlife. Please keep dogs at a safe distance from wildlife to prevent conflicts.

For the latest information on Flat Ranch or the summer lecture series, please contact Matthew Ward, at 208-558-7629 or mward@tnc.org. 

Facilities: Parking is available. Portable restroom facilities are available Memorial Day through Labor Day.