“Yank-yank-yank,” sounds got here from a big useless cottonwood in my neighbor’s yard, then a solution got here from one of many giant firs in my entrance yard. The sounds had been coming from the primary pair of red-breasted nuthatches that I’ve seen in my yard this winter. I suppose the snow could have pushed them to the lowlands as they could have been searching for a greater provide of meals.
It was not lengthy earlier than one in all them began feeding on a suet cake and defending it from all comers together with black-capped chickadees and even the big northern glints. It didn’t depart till it had crammed its small stomach. The opposite one might be seen because it gathered up sunflower seeds and hid them within the cracks of the useless cottonwood. Often, it might take time to wedge a seed right into a crack and jackhammer the shell till the seed popped out.
Often, nuthatches present up singly or in pairs, however this week I’ve had 4 present up at my chicken feeders. Throughout winters, usually they may present up in space cemeteries the place mature evergreens are most bushes, to feed on the ample seeds produced by the watered conifers. Extraordinarily dry summers could not permit cones to develop sufficient seeds to maintain birds happy and so they migrate into the valley.
With cone-laden fir and spruce bushes in my entrance yard and with feeders containing a few of their favourite meals in my yard, they’ve discovered a spot to benefit from the bitter winter climate. Their favourite meals are peanuts, peanut-flavored suet muffins, shelled sunflower seeds and dried mealworms. They like to retailer additional meals in cracks or behind items of bark for his or her “72 hour kits.” Through the spring and summer time, they change to bugs as their principal meals supply.
Nuthatches are referred to as the “the wrong way up” chicken as it may possibly scamper down a tree headfirst and might even stroll round a limb or on the underside of a limb whereas trying to find meals. That is attainable as a result of it has three toes on the entrance of its foot and a big again toe referred to as the “hallux” toe. The hallux toe anchors the chicken to the bark of the tree whereas the opposite foot strikes ahead.
The nuthatches are feisty little fellas, and within the spring when it’s time to pair up, they grow to be very aggressive. As cavity nesters, the males could begin constructing a nest in an aspen or a useless tree to assist entice a feminine, then each will end it. Some other male that will get shut could free just a few feathers, even purple squirrels could really feel the ire of the male as he protects the house and the feminine that has chosen him.
One of many odd issues about nesting nuthatches is that each will collect pine globules, put it on a bit of bark and smear it on the sting of the nest. The male normally places the sap on the surface whereas the girl of the home decorates the within of the house together with making use of the sap. That is thought to discourage different birds and animals from getting into the house. The pair enters the nest sap-free by diving into it with out touchdown on the sap-covered edge.
A number of the bed-breasted nuthatches will migrate south for the autumn and winter, however most of them keep within the mountains. Island Park is filled with them and they’re going to go to any native chicken feeders throughout the winter. If you find yourself with some at your feeders, they a enjoyable to observe however tough to {photograph} due to their tendency to by no means cease shifting.
A number of the migrating American robins have proven up this week. My spouse and I noticed a flock of over 100 of them working crabapple bushes in Rexburg. If the anticipated heat climate reveals up, watch out of drunk fliers as they devour the rotten fruit. Robins, starlings and waxwings take pleasure in somewhat partying within the spring.
Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter
In the last four years, more than 500 young people from every region of Idaho have enrolled in – and many completed – Federally Registered Apprenticeships for occupations as varied as teacher’s aide, welder, personal trainer and medical assistant.
Idaho Business for Education’s Youth Apprenticeship Program has been a key player in helping employers, school districts, training providers and young people from 16 to 24 years of age expand opportunities to grow Idaho’s workforce through apprenticeship.
In Idaho, we are hoping to increase the percentage of high school graduates who “go on” to some form of higher education (including the military). Although apprenticeship is not explicitly included in this goal, it can be a life-changing alternative to young people looking for innovative ways to enter meaningful careers that pay well and provide challenge and opportunity. And it often includes more traditional training that is very much a part of the state’s “go on” effort.
During National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 17-23) Idaho Business for Education wants to recognize and celebrate entering its fifth year of supporting youth apprenticeship. It started in 2020 when IBE and the Idaho Workforce Development Council were awarded a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish, grow, support and sustain youth apprenticeship. It continues with a new grant from the IWDC to expand this work through 2026.
Why are IBE and IWDC so passionate about youth apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship has a proven track record of helping workers and employers by providing on-the-job training, classroom-type instruction, mentorship, and a clear career path.
Apprenticeship helps businesses (and nonprofit employers) attract and retain top talent at a time when the labor market is more competitive than ever.
Apprenticeship creates partnerships between schools and employers, connecting students as young as 16 to real jobs that lead to meaningful careers.
Our grant provides eligible youth apprentices up to $750 per year to cover related costs, such as equipment, clothing, supplies or even the expenses to drive to and from work. For many young people, this is a game-changing service that means the difference between being able to enter the workforce or not.
The program can connect with other programs, such as Idaho LAUNCH, the new program that pays for up to 80 percent of eligible graduating high school seniors for post-secondary tuition and fees. This can be part of an approved youth apprenticeship.
Idaho has received national recognition for this program and has lots of highlights to celebrate. In Soda Springs, the high school has both sponsored its own apprenticeships for teacher’s aides and other opportunities and collaborated with local employers to establish apprenticeships around the region, with over 70 apprentices placed to date.
Elsewhere, the Nez Perce Tribe has partnered with IBE to create unique and sustainable opportunities for over 50 of its young people in a variety of fields. Large employers such as St. Luke’s Health System and Micron are significant participants in apprenticeship in the Treasure Valley. Idaho Central Credit Union partners with high schools across the state using branches right in the schools, placing 65 apprentices to date.
There are many more – dozens more. Each example tells its own story, with unique opportunities to expand the state’s workforce, introduce young people to new opportunities, and open doors for coursework and technical certifications.
Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com. Follow Idaho Capital Sun on Facebook and X.
Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter
IDAHO COUNTY, Idaho – A multi-car accident on Highway 95 has shut down two lanes near Tuchbreiter.
According to the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, the crash, which involved multiple cars, occurred Friday night. Both lanes remain closed.
It is unclear when the lanes will reopen, but Idaho 511 is advising drivers to seek alternative routes.
FOX28 Spokane©
Yessi Puerto Vallarta has been a family-run restaurant for over 25 years | Kaitlyn Hart, EastIdahoNews.com
IDAHO FALLS — For over 25 years, a local Mexican restaurant has been serving authentic family recipes to east Idaho.
Maria Hernandez, the manager of Yessi Puerto Vallarta, says her family has been in the food business for decades, serving homemade Mexican dishes that have been passed down for generations.
“We got started from a friend in the family that used to have restaurants in the Washington area, and we decided to try our luck and start a business with the family,” says Hernandez. “It’s always been a family restaurant, and we’ve been in the area for, oh wow, over 25 years now.”
EastIdahoNews.com was lucky enough to try some of their most popular dishes, starting with the Pollo a la Crema.
This dish consists of sliced chicken, a cream sauce with mushrooms and onions, a side of rice and beans and tortillas.
“This has been a very popular item on the menu,” says Hernandez. “It is a really good dish.”
Next, we tried Hernandez’s favorite dish on the menu, the Chile Rellenos.
The Chile Rellenos are stuffed green peppers with cheese, battered with an egg and smothered with white cheese and red sauce. On the side is a chimichanga with sour cream, guacamole, rice and beans.
“This would have to be, I’d say, a very very popular meal as well,” says Hernandez. “Everybody comes in here and says ‘I’m here for the Chile Rellenos; I know they’re good.’”
Lastly, we tried a personal favorite: street tacos. The types available are steak, spicy or marinated pork with or without pineapple, carne asada, grilled chicken, or chorizo.
“We cook the meat every time people order a taco,” says Hernandez. “They come with the cilantro and onion, and some slices of lime. The pineapple pork and the carne asada are very, very popular. Our chorizo is also homemade, so it’s really popular.”
Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, so we highly recommend trying Yessi Puerto Vallarta the next time you’re going out to eat!
You can find them at 2668 East Sunnyside Road. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Check them out on Facebook here.
This story is brought to you by Young Mazda, the premier destination for the latest Mazda models in Idaho Falls and the surrounding areas. We take pride in offering an extensive selection of new Mazda vehicles that are sure to ignite your passion for driving.
=htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”>
Holiday gatherings can lead to stress eating: Try these 5 tips to control it
Despite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country
CheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World
Lost access? Here’s how to reclaim your Facebook account
Behind Comcast's big TV deal: a bleak picture for once mighty cable industry
Review: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran's divisions in 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'
Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health?
US agriculture industry tests artificial intelligence: 'A lot of potential'
