Located at the confluence of the Snake, Boise, and Owhyee Rivers, Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s particularly well-known for its abundance of raptors, waterfowl, songbirds, and other types of birds, making it an ideal birdwatching destination. In fact, right now is the BEST time to visit the wildlife area, as it’s during this time of year that thousands of migrating geese are known to fly through the area. Currently, there are as many as 60,000 beautiful snow geese that can be observed in the area, so hurry up and get down here soon. These birds will be moving on soon.
It's an exciting time to visit Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area in Parma, Idaho. Right now, there are thousands of migrating geese filling the skies over the area, and it's truly a birder's dream come true.
Boasting 1,630-acres, Fort Boise WMA is owned and operated by Idaho Fish and Game. It's a popular destination for hunters especially, who typically come to the area during fall and winter for waterfowl and game bird hunting.
It's pretty common to see geese around Idaho, but not like this. Every year around mid-March, thousands upon thousands of snow geese can be seen flying over Fort Boise WMA and the surrounding area. In all, up to 60,000 birds use the area as a stopover before moving on with their northern flights.
The birds that can be seen in Fort Boise are usually snow geese, but you'll also spot other waterfowl such as white-fronted geese stopping here during their annual March migration. The sight of them flocked together by the thousands is simply breathtaking.
All of these birds are coming from warmer climates as far south as Baja Mexico. They come to southwest Idaho and stay here for around six weeks as they wait for central Idaho to thaw out. They'll then continue north, moving through Montana and western Canada—some flying as far north as Siberia.
The migrating birds are known to operate on a schedule. They'll leave Fort Boise at sunrise to graze in the nearby fields before returning around mid-morning. If you can, try to time your visit around their return. Seeing a sky full of geese spiraling through the air is a photo-op you don't want to miss. And yes, they are loud!
Access to Fort Boise WMA is free. You can find it by taking Exit #26 from I-84 and continuing on US 20/26. You'll drive west for 3.5-miles before turning left at the "Sportsman's Access" sign. You'll reach the wildlife management area after two miles.
