Category: Birdwatching

The Portneuf Greenway features miles of paved beautiful walking and biking trails. They run along the Portneuf River, inside Ross Park and on the ISU campus. Most of our trails are ADA accessible. View our ArcGis interactive trail map.

View Western Kingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Gray Catbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, White-throated Swift, Prairie and Peregrine Falcons, Flammulated, Northern Saw-whet, and Western Screech-Owls. Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl. Get full details at the website listed below.

Bald Eagle and Trumpeter Swan are frequently seen in early spring and late fall. Several pairs of Sandhill Crane can be seen in the spring, along with shorebirds such as Willet, Long-billed Curlew, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, and Killdeer. Forest areas provide habitat for Great Gray Owl and Grouse….

Gull Island supports one of the largest nesting colonies in Idaho for the American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and California Gull. Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Snowy Egret rookery can be found here as well. The reservoir is also used by waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds during the summer. See…

Oneida Narrows is a beautiful reservoir for fishing, boating and family fun fishing for Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Float the Bear River on float tubes or rafts.  There are two public lands campgrounds in the area: Maple Grove Campground and Redpoint Campground. They require an overnight camping fee….

The Upper Portneuf River stretches from Lava Hot Springs to Chesterfield Reservoir along Blazer Highway. There are several Sportsman's Accesses along the road to avoid crossing private land. Park near Whiskey Mikes to view the area there. American Coot and Mallard can be seen near Chesterfield Reservoir during fall migration….

McTucker Ponds near Fort Hall is a cluster of 8 ponds surrounded by willows and a few large cottonwood trees located near Springfield. There are many places for kids to fish from docks or the bank.

10 campsites. Boat ramp/docks, camp sites, shelters, picnic tables, 2 vault toilets, 2 parking lots. No fees

Massacre Rocks State Park is one of the Historical Areas operated by the State of Idaho to remind visitors of the march of history through the state.  Ten miles west of American Falls on I-86, take exit 28 and follow the signs.  The park has stories to tell which date…

In 1989, 160-acres surrounding Formation Springs was turned into a preserve established by the Nature Conservancy to protect the crystal clear pools and unique wetland complex.  The water feeding these terraced pools is very high in travertine (calcium carbonate), which has created a unique geology for the area, the most impressive…

Birding route between Arbon and Rockland Idaho. View Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, View Horned Lark, Mourning Dove, Vesper, Dusky Flycatcher, Brewer’s, and Lark Sparrows, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird, Juniper Titmouse, Mountain Bluebird, Green-tailed Towhee, Virginia’s and MacGillivray’s Warblers, Lazuli Bunting and many more. Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl. See the…

Snake River at Blackfoot Bird Watching area is between the South Blackfoot Dam to Tilden Bridge Boat Ramp. There are Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds and Waterfowl. No website or contact information available.

Wetlands and ponds near the American Falls Reservoir are used by over 100 species of birds including wintering and migrating Trumpeter Swan. Waterfowl and migrating shorebirds and breeding marshbirds are present year-round. View Short-eared Owl, American Avocet, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Bohemian Waxwing. See the full route and list of birds…

47,000 acres of sagebrush and grasses comprise the only National Grassland in the intermountain west that provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife including upland game birds and waterfowl.

Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, and a variety of dabbling ducks can be seen at Diamond Creek during the breeding season and early fall. Scenic mountain creeks bordered by aspen trees and surrounded by forest. View Raptors, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Shorebirds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl. See website below for all details.

China Hat and China Cap are rhyolite domes that formed around older volcano lava flows. There are many faults located in the area which have had a part in forming these land forms as well as multiple "grabens". This is also a great Bird Watching area. The best bird viewing…

Downata has a naturally heated Swimming Pool (open in the winter), four Water Slides, Water Playground and steamy Hot Pools. Stay in their RV Park, Yurts, Tepees, Cabins, Vacation Rentals and Covered Wagons!

A remote bird watching area in a mountain marsh surrounded by sagebrush, grassland, forest, and aspen trees. Nesting area for Canada Goose and dabbling ducks. See Raptors, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Shorebirds, Waterfowl and Waterbirds.

This preserve north of Soda Springs provides habitat for migrating waterfowl such as Sandhill cranes, Franklin's gulls, geese, ducks and hawks.

Fishing: Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout. Birding: Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl. Open year-round.

Beautiful bird watching site in Oxford Idaho. Large colonies of nesting Snowy and Cattle Egrets, White-faced Ibis and Franklin’s Gull can be found here. Several heron, egret, and tern species, Northern Harrier and Long-billed Curlew also nest at this site. Large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds including breeding American Avocet…

This waterfowl refuge, along the north shore of beautiful Bear Lake, is great for observing white-faced ibis, Canada geese, ducks, sandhill cranes, and a variety of songbirds.

Daniels Reservoir, 375-acres on the Little Malad River, is about 15 miles northwest of Malad City on West Daniels Road (also known to locals as Little Malad River Road). The fishery is for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Features a covered picnic area, other picnic sites, and a boat ramp for fishing and boating. Birdwatchers can view pelicans, sea gulls, hawks, geese, and ducks.

Also known as Portneuf Wildlife Management Area. Golden Eagles, Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks and Great-horned Owls, Swainson’s and Rough-legged Hawks, Turkey, Gray Partridge and Ring-necked Pheasants, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warble and many more birds can be seen here. See full details on website below.

The Blackfoot River Canyon is a smaller version of the Snake River Birds of Prey Area and makes for an excellent backcountry scenic drive.

Park in the small gravel pull-out on US 91 which provides a good view. View the tundra Swan during their Spring (March) and Fall (November) migration. Sora, Virginia Rail, and Marsh Wren nest in the wetland. Find species and driving directions on the website below.

Grace Fish Hatchery was built in 1946 and is operated by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The facility raises rainbow trout, Bonneville cutthroat trout and lake trout. Funding for Bonneville cutthroat trout production is provided by PacifiCorp.

Scout Mountain near Pocatello provides nature trails and campsites for snowmobiling, ATVs, hiking, biking and horseback riding. View our ArcGis interactive map.

A great spot for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, and swimming.

Willow Bay Resort has an RV Park Campground and Willow Bay Marina on the shore of American Falls Reservoir. Beautiful scenery, city park, walking path, and a huge lake well-stocked with fish. Newly renovated RV hook-ups. Weekly and monthly rates available. Small store for drinks, snacks, and worms. Visit Willow…

Black Pines is the only place in Idaho to view Scott's Oriole. Accessible in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Birds include Raptors and Songbirds. Scott's Oriole photo from WeekendBirding.com

The northeastern corner of American Falls Reservoir is called "The “Bottoms”. View Cattle Egret, waterfowl, and shorebirds including Tundra and Trumpeter Swans, Northern Pintail Snow Goose, Marbled Godwit and yellowlegs. Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl. Find details on the website below.

The Springfield Bird Haven has hundreds of shorebirds and waterfowl including Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Long-billed Dowitcher,  yellowlegs, Osprey, Caspian Tern, Marsh Wren and Virginia Rail. View more on eBird. Game Fish Include Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.  See a full list and more details.

RV parking with hookups are available for 16 vehicles and 10 more without hookups. Tent sites are available throughout the park and there is a RV dump station.

This Forest Service developed site near Pocatello includes trails and an amphitheater. Over 100 bird species have been documented in the area. Commonly seen mammals include the least chipmunk, red squirrel, white-tailed jackrabbit and raccoons.

Red Rock Pass was cut through a sill of resistant Paleozoic shale, limestone, and dolomite, and forms a narrow gap two miles long. At one time the pass was at the shoreline of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, 300 feet higher. Lava flows in the vicinity of Pocatello diverted the Bear River through Lake Thatcher into Lake Bonneville.

The American Falls Hatchery, located just downstream from the American Falls Dam, raises rainbow and cutthroat trout for stocking in southeastern and northern Idaho. Visitors can see the life cycle of rainbow trout from eggs to 25-inch long fish, in an incubation building, 20 outdoor raceways, and a large fish…

Twin Lakes is one of the most popular recreation sites in southeast Idaho located approximately 15 miles northwest of Preston. It has excellent bass and trout fishing. Visit Idaho Fish and Game for fishing rules and information. Camping and RV parking. Group camping sites available. Open April thru September. 57…

Glendale Reservoir near Preston is best suited for anglers and has the highest bass catch rates in the region.  All bass under 16 inches must be released. Also present are bluegill and rainbow trout.

Free, clear sparkling soda water still is available in a beautiful Soda Springs city park located two miles north from the center of town. A prime attraction for more than 160 years, soda water from these springs was known nationally after rail service reached this resort area in 1882. W.H….

American Falls Reservoir, at 56,000 acres, is the largest reservoir on the Snake River. Highway 39 rides the top of the reservoir's 9-story-high dam for over half a mile and the lake can be seen stretching northeast as far as the horizon. There are three boat ramps at the southwest…

Enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, horseback riding, Cross Country skiing, and hunting in this area reserved for big game and upland bird habitat.

Bird Watching area with Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans, marine birds, upland birds, song birds, birds of prey, shore birds, marsh birds and water fowl. Visit any season.