Blackhawk On The River

This summer, Blackhawk on the River welcomed a group of cow elk to the community as they took up residence below the Equestrian Center to calve. Elk typically begin their migration from lower elevation wintering grounds to their summer habitat in the mountains between May and June. While bull elk migrate much earlier, cow elk take advantage of the spring and summer foliage in the lower elevations as they prepare to give birth. The Blackhawk Wildlife Preserve provides an ideal location for elk calving grounds as these animals typically seek out brush-covered areas with nearby timber to use as cover. Today, most of the elk have left the Blackhawk Wildlife Preserve for their summer homes high in the mountains, but look for them again as they come down to the meadows this winter.

Blackhawk on the River homeowner Bill West, our resident fly fishing guru, recently discovered an 18-inch rainbow trout spawning in one of the braided side channels at Blackhawk. Wanting a closer look, he cast into the channel and hooked the trout on the first cast. After a quick view of the trout’s stunning coloring, he released the fish back into the channels for others to enjoy.

Blackhawk on the River has worked in coordination with Trout Unlimited to restore the side channels flowing off of the Payette River and winding throughout the development as they provide ideal spawning grounds for the native fish.

To kick off the Campfire Summer Schedule, Blackhawk on the River homeowners enjoyed food, friends, and astrology at the first Stargazing BBQ on Saturday, June 7^th at the fishing grotto. Between roasting s’mores over the campfire and getting a fly fishing lesson from Blackhawk on the River homeowner Bill West, kids of all ages enjoyed the scenic setting along the banks of the Payette River. 

 “These events are such a wonderful opportunity to socialize with the Blackhawk family,” said Jil Wickander, Director of Outdoor Pursuits and Environmental Stewardship. “Our hope is to make these BBQs a summer tradition.”

If you missed this first Stargazing BBQ, don’t despair…you still have a chance to get in on the fun! Blackhawk on the River will be hosting three more BBQs throughout the summer: July 5^th , August 2^nd and August 30^th .

Blackhawk on the River Sales Concierge Haden Tanner found an unexpected running partner this summer along the River Trail in the Blackhawk Wildlife Preserve. Rounding a corner along the trail, Haden came face-to-face with one of the largest species found in Idaho, the North American moose. Standing seven feet tall at the shoulder and weighing over 950 pounds, these powerful animals typically seek out wetland vegetation in the summer months…and found just what they were looking for at Blackhawk. Although the encounter was brief, with the moose retreating soon after his arrival, Haden says that it was an incredible experience to have been so close to one of these majestic animals.