WhenToBird

Birding spots

Best Birding Spots in Idaho

By species reported, the top birding spots in Idaho are Blacks Creek Reservoir, Market Lake Wildlife Management Area, and Mann Lake. Blacks Creek Reservoir has the longest list (228 species), and its best season is fall.

Species counts are birds reported at least three times in that season at that spot, 2016–2025. Busy spots list more species simply because more people look, so compare the checklist counts. Spot names come from public map data and hotspot listings.

SpotCountySpeciesChecklistsWinterSpringSummerFall
Blacks Creek ReservoirAda County2283,93578184178194
Market Lake Wildlife Management AreaJefferson County19569729164149113
Mann LakeNez Perce County1911,36668114140155
Mud Lake Wildlife Management AreaJefferson County17922211139122128
Fort Boise Wildlife Management AreaCanyon County1741,23594144127105
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation AreaElmore County1731,05697138102126
Indian Creek Reservoir Access SiteAda County1671,08647147113107
Camas National Wildlife RefugeJefferson County16754016128113109
Camas National Wildlife Refuge (Willow Pond (historical))Jefferson County16435417118132107
Hyatt Hidden Lakes ReserveAda County1552,5078412285103
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (Swan Falls)Ada County154825741288189
Lydle GulchAda County1521,3684811896112
Arboretum & Botanical GardenLatah County1502,1906812193123
Kootenai National Wildlife RefugeBoundary County1503143511812258
Hubbard ReservoirAda County147682471159090
Kathryn Albertson ParkAda County1453,9278211272103
Boundary Creek Wildlife Management AreaBoundary County14411727211973
Eagle Island State ParkAda County1431,077821068091
Lucky Peak State ParkAda County1421,311641117683
Tammany CreekNez Perce County14254694936691
Spring Valley Reservoir Access SiteLatah County14253631949097
Hulls Gulch ReserveAda County1402,292711217280
Mason CreekCanyon County1341,69490976687
Silver CreekBlaine County1344185010110269
North Lake Wildlife Management AreaJefferson County13412916806295
Barber PoolAda County1331,099671088280
Tolo Lake Access SiteIdaho County13326124766590
C. J. Strike Wildlife Management AreaOwyhee County13030545929779
Boise Cascade LakeAda County1291,16863947272
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (Rail Island)Canyon County12846579936146

By county