Idaho’s 5 Best Bird Watching Spots This Summer

Written by Abdulmumin Akinde
Published: October 17, 2022
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Idaho has one of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the United States. The state’s natural birding trail is up to 2000 miles long and has over 170 different birding sites. In addition to all the wildlife and stunning birds you’re likely to see across various outdoor recreation centers in the state, Idaho also has several beautiful landscapes. This includes mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and sagebrush, offering some of the most scenic views you’ll ever find. With such a vast network of protected lands and scenic destinations, there are plenty of great bird-watching spots anywhere you turn in the state. Here’s a look at Idaho’s best bird-watching spots.

1. Camas National Wildlife Refuge

Camas National Wildlife Refuge

There are at least 260 bird species that you can observe at Camas National Wildlife Refuge.

©Michael Chatt/Shutterstock.com

The Camas National Wildlife Refuge offers 10,500 acres of pristine, unspoiled land in southeastern Idaho, where you can find a plentiful supply of various bird species. Birding enthusiasts in southeastern Idaho consider this one of Idaho’s best bird-watching spots. There are at least 260 bird species that you can observe during various seasons of the year.

Visiting the Camas National Wildlife Refuge is free, and the park is open every day from dusk to dawn. The refuge headquarters, where you can get directions and brochures, is only open on weekdays and is closed during federal holidays and special occasions. 

Common birds to watch out for: 

  • Sage Thrasher
  • American White Pelican
  • Sandhill Crane
  • Wilson’s Phalarope
  • Trumpeter Swan
  • American Bittern
  • Bald Eagle
  • Franklin Goal
  • Greater Sage-Grouse
  • Tundra Swan
  • Eared Grebe
  • Yellow-Headed Blackbird

2. Hagerman Wildlife Management Area

Caspian Tern

Caspian terns are among the birds to watch out for at Hagerman Wildlife Management Area.

©Sriram Bird Photographer/Shutterstock.com

The Hagerman Wildlife Management Area offers more than just an opportunity to see birds in their natural habitat. It is located along the Snake River, with its network of canyons, plains, and wetland habitats teeming with life. This area is one of the best places to go if you’re looking to see massive flocks of waterbirds. 

The Hagerman Wildlife Management Area is free to visit and stays open every day, 24 hours a day. While the wildlife management area does not have its own hiking trails, it is located near Thousand Springs State Park, which has four hiking trails. These are also great spots for bird watching.  

Common birds to watch out for:

3. Market Lake Wildlife Management Area

Market Lake Wildlife Management Area

Market Lake Wildlife Management Area offers about 5000 acres of wetlands and sagebrush grassland.

©iStock.com/photographybyJHWilliams

The Market Lake Wildlife Management Area offers about 5000 acres of wetlands and sagebrush grassland, making perfect nesting spots for various waterfowls and shorebirds. Many of them nest here, but a number of them come in during seasonal migration times. This makes the area an exciting destination to visit at different times of the year. 

You can visit the site anytime you want. It is free to visit and is open to visitors all year round, even on public holidays. The park offers several walking and hiking trails which are great for bird watchers and those who want to observe other types of wildlife in their natural habitat. The trails grant you access to the open water, marshes, and upland areas with a lot to see and explore. All the trails are non-motorized, so get ready to do some hiking in this park. 

Common birds to watch out for: 

4. Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area has at least seven dedicated trails you can explore.

©iStock.com/samuel howell

If you’re a fan of birds of prey, then the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. It should be on your list of Idaho’s best bird-watching spots. Here you will find the biggest nesting density of falcons and other birds of prey in the world. There are at least 200 pairs of prairie falcons, hundreds of raptors, and up to seven different species of owls in this 757-square-mile conservation area.

The area is a little rugged and remote. A good part of the area is not motorized, which makes it a little challenging for the average visitor. However, if you have the heart for it, you’re in for a big treat of superb views and numerous beautiful birds. Although most of this conservation area does not have hiking trails, there are at least seven dedicated trails you can explore.

Common birds to watch out for:

5. Harriman State Park 

Harriman State Park, Autumn, Autumn Leaf Color, Beauty In Nature, Bright

Harriman State Park hosts numerous species of nesting waterbirds and other bird species.

©iStock.com/johnandersonphoto

The Harriman State Park is part of a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge that is a part of the Greater Yellowstone wildlife ecosystem. It is located just 20 miles off the borders of Wyoming and Montana. The park hosts numerous species of nesting waterbirds and other bird species. 

Unlike the other locations covered so far that are free to visit, visitors have to pay a token to get into Harriman State Park. This includes getting seasonal passes, paid parking spaces, and entry fees. The park is open every day from 7 am to 10 pm. Harriman State Park is one of Idaho’s best bird-watching spots, especially if you’re planning a bird-watching trip with your friends or family. 

Common birds to watch out for: 

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/johnandersonphoto


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About the Author

Abdulmumin is a pharmacist and a top-rated content writer who can pretty much write on anything that can be researched on the internet. However, he particularly enjoys writing about animals, nature, and health. He loves animals, especially horses, and would love to have one someday.

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Sources
  1. Bird Informer (1970) birdinformer.com/birding-idaho/
  2. Audubon (1970) audubon.org/news/birding-idaho