Birding in Boise, ID

Birds are everywhere, that is really what's awesome about them. Birds are so easy to watch, no matter where you are, you'll find some birds. Even city centers hold surprises, and shortly after we arrived in Idaho we found a nice little duck pond. This pond is at Julia Davis park along the Boise Greenbelt. The first time we visited I was able to check off American Widgeons and Northern Shovelers off my list.

On this visit, I did not see any new birds, but I did get some nice pictures.

Northern Shoveler

 



American Widgeon

 



Wood Duck

 



I mean, wow, look at all those wood ducks!

 



Mallard

 



Canada Goose (geese)

 



Bufflehead, see him hiding out there? And, Ring-Billed Gull.

 



This little park is beautiful, we visited 12-29-13 and the weather was great. Just a little haze in the sky but the temperature was almost 40 degrees! It was a nice day for a little walk and bird watching.

Stopping and doing a little birding in this park has become a little tradition for us. Almost every time we go to Boise we try and stop at the pond if the weather is nice. We love that it's right across the road from Whole Foods, so we do some birding and then some grocery shopping.

What urban places do you love to bird?

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Getting There:

There are three car entrances to Julia Davis, one on S Capitol Blvd. It's a one way road, you'll see that entrance at W River Street, near the Boise Art Museum.


If you miss that entrance, continue north to W Myrtle St and turn right (one way again, only choice). Drive down four streets and turn right on S 3rd St.

Miss that one? It's ok, you have another chance. Continue on Myrtle, and you'll see one more entrance on the right, it will look like a one way, but it's not. There's a short drive and a right turn into a parking lot right by the pond. The one way starts after the parking lot, and you will not be able to drive any further.

Birding in Idaho

Birding in the state of Idaho is an adventure. Idaho offers mountains, alpine lakes, sage brush and deserts. It is not always easy to find these feathered creatures, you have to get your feet wet, and sandy and watch out for tumbleweeds! (tumbleweeds hurt when they hit).

 

But for the birder (adventurer), you are in for a treat if you take a walk anywhere in this state. Take a few minutes, bring your binoculars and see what you'll find.

 

This Great Horned Owl was sitting in this tree one evening while I walked my dog. In one glance into the tree I noticed the tree bark did not look quite right, and it wasn't - it was an owl!

 

So, come join me on this Idaho Birding adventure!