Wetland birding habitat

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Idaho · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Idaho, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Tundra Swan among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

6/9/2026Dawson Road1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/9/2026Cow Creek Rd, Bonners Ferry US-ID 48.68716, -116.285721 observed

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

6/8/20266300–6330 District 2 Rd, Bonners Ferry US-ID (48.7057,-116.3109)1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

6/6/2026Clifty Mountain Trail2 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

6/2/2026Kootenai NWR1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/2/2026NWR Overlook1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/13/2026

Trumpeter Swan

6/13/2026

Wood Duck

6/13/2026

Gadwall

6/13/2026

Mallard

6/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

6/13/2026

Wild Turkey

6/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

6/13/2026

Mourning Dove

6/13/2026

American Coot

6/13/2026

Killdeer

6/13/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

6/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

6/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

6/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

6/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

6/13/2026

Northern Harrier

6/13/2026

Bald Eagle

6/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

6/13/2026

Northern Flicker

6/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge?
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.