2 minute read
Birding Tips
Blissful Beaches
Surprise! Southeast Idaho has miles of sandy beaches for a fun, family-friendly outing. There are dozens of possible activities from building sandcastles to having a nice picnic lunch.
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Known for its alluring, blue-green waters and water sports, Bear Lake is nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” Rent a campsite or local cabin and have beach access just a few feet away! Take a group of friends or family to North Beach or East Beach for some sunny, sandy fun. Or spend a day at any one of our other beautiful beaches.
Willow Bay and Jensen Grove have lively beaches with lots of sun and space for a beach day. Bear Lake, Willow Bay, and Jensen Grove also have picnic areas for a lunch and beautiful views.
Mountain Bluebird
A Birder's Paradise
Bring the binoculars, bushwhack through the sage, and get your “mega-find.” Southeast Idaho’s rich green valleys and wetlands nestled in mountain vistas make its wilderness areas quintessential locations for birdwatching. Birding is a marvelous activity because it pulls you away from the screen and gets you into the great outdoors. The quietness and serenity of Idaho’s nature will captivate even the most seasoned birders.
In Rockland, the Big Canyon to Knox Canyon Route is one of the area’s best spots for a daytrip out birding. Beautiful flowers and open skies accompany you throughout this birdwatching hike. The area is best used during the spring and summer months. Birders can expect various species like Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, and Waterfowl in the American Falls Reservoir.
Relax and stay safe on your next trip in stunning Southeast Idaho nature. See how much fun it is to get out of the house and see deep forest, sandy beaches, or historic caves. If you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, you’ll find more than enough fun in Southeast Idaho’s nature!
Birding Tips
Visit Southeast Idaho’s birding areas and discover why A Birder’s Guide to Idaho said “The Southeast region has almost everything…packed into one small area.”
Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Curlew National Grasslands headline the forty-eight birding sites in Southeast Idaho. Passionate bird watchers will also enjoy the Bear River areas around Preston and Downey, the bird sanctuary at Sterling, and the Snake River area between American Falls and west to massacre Rocks State Park.
The American Falls Family Bird Festival is a great way for people of all ages to learn more about birding. The festival is held in May and coincides with International Migratory Bird Day so top species are sure to be active. Birding classes and activities are provided for free!
Southeast Idaho’s less-traveled gravel roads are great for birding. There are many good places to pull over and watch for birds as you drive between trail hot spots. When birding, be as inconspicuous as possible. Disturbing a bird and causing them to flee from cover may expose it to predators. Practice good birding ethics such as using binoculars, staying back, and avoid damaging the area. Most importantly, have fun!
