Where to Bird

 

White-crowned Sparrow. Photo by Dondi Black.

Birding Locations

To take full advantage of the many great places to bird around the state, we recommend utilizing eBird hotspots and the Idaho Birding Trail resources. See below for our list of some favorite sites around the Treasure Valley, and beyond. Happy birding!

A Note on Accessibility

For many locations we've indicated the type of trail — paved, dirt, or gravel — but for a quick reference, here are some of the more accessible birding locations with flat, paved trails:

  • Kathryn Albertson Park

  • The Boise Greenbelt

  • Esther Simplot Park

  • Marianne Williams Park

  • Barber Park

group of people with binoculars and a telescope and a backdrop of nature.

GEAS Field Trip to CJ Stike/Ted Trueblood.

Boise Area

  • Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve

    The City of Boise manages this beautiful 44-acre reserve, dubbed a “haven” for birds. There are some lovely short gravel walking trails that wind through ponds and overlook the reserve.

    Type of trails: Fairly level gravel paths.

    Website: Hyatt Hidden Lakes

    eBird: Hyatt Hidden Lakes eBird list

  • Hulls Gulch Reserve

    This beloved reserve is at the interface of the city and the foothills on the north side of Boise. The area is managed by the City of Boise for recreation including hiking, bicyclists, horseback riders, and more.

    Type of trails: Dirt paths.

    Website: Hulls Gulch Reserve Website

    eBird: Hulls Gulch eBird list

  • Boise River Greenbelt

    This paved trail runs 25 miles along the Boise River. Much of the length of the Greenbelt features riparian habitat and views of the river. The trail is easily accessed from a number of locations and connects to several great city parks.

    Type of trails: Level, paved path.

    Website: Boise River Greenbelt

  • Kathryn Albertson Park

    A favorite with local birders, this park features a convenient in-town location, lush landscaping, some shallow ponds, and 100+ bird species throughout the year.

    Type of trails: Paved and flat.

    Website: Kathryn Albertson Park

    eBird: Kathryn Albertson eBird list

  • Eagle Island State Park

    This is a great place for birds along the Boise River all year long!

    Website: Eagle Island State Park

Nearby Areas

  • Blacks Creek Bird Reserve

    This 600-acre reserve provides habitat for more than 200 bird species and is also home to many mammals such as pronghorn, badger, and coyote. It is recognized as an Audubon Important Bird Area and is called a 'jewel of the desert' by the Ada County Open Space Plan.

    Located 10 miles southeast of Boise, and easily accessible from I-84, exit 64.

    eBird: Blacks Creek eBird list

  • Lucky Peak Field Station

    Boise State University's Intermountain Bird Observatory runs a long-term bird banding station on the top of Lucky Peak. It is a popular destination to see birds in hand, learn more about what species live and migrate through this corridor, and also is a beautiful place to bird. The crews there catch and band songbirds, diurnal raptors, and owls. Don't forget your camera!

    Website: IBO Website

    eBird: IBO eBird list

  • Indian Creek Reservoir

    One of the important "jewels of the desert," this site provides important stopover habitat for many migrating bird species. Over 180 different bird species have been recorded at this site, and GEAS hopes to petition to designate the reservoir as an Important Bird Area.

    This reservoir is located just minutes off I-84, but is about 30 minutes southeast of Boise. Take Exit 71 and turn south, once past the truck stop look for a dirt road that is signed for the reservoir.

    eBird: Indian Creek eBird list

  • Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

    The drive to Swan Falls Dam in the Birds of Prey NCA is one of the best places in Idaho to see falcons, hawks, and eagles during the breeding season.

    Located south of Kuna.

    Website: BLM Morley Nelson Website

    eBird: Morley Nelson eBird list

  • Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

    Lake Lowell/Deer Flat NWR it is a good place to see grebes dance in summer, migrating birds in spring and fall, and lots of waterfowl in winter. This is a multi-use area.

    Website: Deer Flat Website

  • Mores Mountain

    Once the snow has melted and the road opens up, this is a great spot for forest birds and butterflies. Hike the loop beginning at the campground.

    eBird: Mores Mountain eBird list

  • Bruneau Area: CJ Strike Reservoir and Ted Trueblood

    Explore Bruneau Dunes State Park as well as other area hotspots around CJ Strike Reservoir and Ted Trueblood Wildlife Area.

    eBird: Ted Trueblood eBird list

  • Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area

    Explore the confluence of the Snake, Boise, and Owyhee Rivers. From the new viewing platform, enjoy the majestic view (and deafening sound) of thousands of migrating snow geese.

    eBird: Fort Boise eBird list