Idaho is a giant playground for all types of outdoor recreation. Some of our state's most popular activities include rafting, fishing, hiking, and skiing, but did you know the Gem State is also a birdwatching paradise? It's true! Birding is one of those vastly underrated activities that every wildlife-loving Idahoan should try their hand at some time. After all, our state is home to the Idaho Birding Trail, a massive 2,000-mile trail that features over 170 great birding sites. It doesn't matter where in Idaho you reside, we bet there are a few great birdwatching spots near you that are worth checking out!
The Idaho Birding Trail is one of the most impressive networks of bird viewing spots in the world, as it spans the entirety of the Gem State. Boasting 175 sites across 2,000 miles, every wildlife enthusiast should visit at least some of the trail's myriad of destinations.
The statewide birding trail isn't a linear, Point-A-to-Point-B type of trail. Instead, it's an expansive network of sites and side-trips where you can find the best viewing opportunities for seeing Idaho's birds. And there's a LOT of them!
The trail stretches across a variety of landscapes and habitats, ranging from northern Idaho's rich forests to southern Idaho's high desert. It just goes to show that no matter where you live in the state, there's bound to be a birding hot spot nearby.
The trail was produced by the Watchable Wildlife Program as part of Idaho Fish and Game's Nongame Program. The purpose of the program is to bring both appreciation and education when it comes to conserving Idaho's wildlife, and that includes the hundreds upon hundreds of birds that reside right here in the Gem State.
What type of birds you spot on the trail is completely up to what region of the trail you're exploring. North Idaho's forests are prominent for containing smaller songbirds such as mountain chickadees, finches, and warblers.
However, head to the southern region of the state and you'll spot some entirely different types of birds! The plains and canyons of Idaho's meandering Snake River are notably home to an abundance of hawks, eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey. Bring your binoculars so you can get a good look.
It would take forever to list ALL of the magnificent sites, management areas, and parks that are featured on the Idaho Birding Trail. Thankfully, Idaho Fish and Game has provided an awesome interactive map so you can find the closest birding trail destination to you. Find it here, and happy birding!
Did you know about the Idaho Birding Trail and the incredible sites that it features? Read about one of the best birding spots when you check out our article on the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
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