Birds You Can See Along the Greenbelt

Information from the Idaho Trail Birding website.

Take advantage of one of the best bird watching areas in the Treasure Valley – along our own Boise River – a magnet for birds especially in the winter. Eagles, hawks, chickadees, starlings, herons, woodpeckers, and more!

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Description: The Boise River, which winds through the heart of the city of Boise, includes open water and adjacent riparian habitat. Bald Eagle winter in the area and nesting has occurred nearby in recent years. Large flocks of waterfowl (Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Wigeon, but also Wood Duck, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye), and gulls (California and Ring-billed) also use the river during the winter months. Osprey can be seen on the river throughout the spring and summer, as well as waterfowl (Canada Goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Hooded and Common Mergansers), waterbirds (Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American Coot), shorebirds (Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper), songbirds (Song Sparrow, Western Tanager, Black-capped Chickadee), Downy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker, raptors (American Kestrel, Western Screech-Owl, Merlin). A Great Blue Heron rookery is also located within this IBA just E of the greenbelt entrance at the E end of Park Center Blvd (west of Barber Park).

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Directions: Numerous pullouts along the river. From outside the city, best to start at Discovery Park and walk/ride bike along the greenbelt. Once in the city of Boise, the greenbelt can be accessed from any of the city’s parks along the river. Discovery Park: eight miles southeast of Boise on ID 21 Directions needed to Eagle Island State Park.

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For details about each bird observed along the Boise River go to Idaho Birding Trail: Read More