History and culture shape the landscape of the Pioneer Historic Byway. You will find that the byway also holds many natural qualities. If you are a birding enthusiast, a bird watching trip on this historic byway promises to be an exciting adventure. Dress for the weather and pack your binoculars as you set off on your trip in search of the byway’s many different species of birds.
Stormy Skies Over a Harvested Field near Riverdale, Idaho (ID) [2]
Glendale Reservoir lays three miles northeast of Preston, Idaho. The reservoir provides camping and restrooms as well as year-round bird watching opportunities. Here, you may spot waterfowl, marine, and marsh birds as well as many birds of prey and songbirds. If you didn't see enough at the Glendale Reservoir, park your car and get out at the Oneida Narrows to see a variety of birds. The area is primarily wetland and juniper, making a great habitat for wild turkey, eagles, and osprey as well as Trumpeter Swans in the winter.
If you stop by the Grace Fish Hatchery you are guaranteed to see more than just fish. Many birds hover near the hatchery, including pheasants and turkeys as well as songbirds and waterfowl. Once you are done at the fish hatchery, travel north to Alexander Reservoir and Hooper Springs to see wintering Trumpeter Swans and many other types of water birds.
Stop at Formation Springs to see birds surrounded by unusual geology. A number of different songbirds frequent the springs year-round, so you are sure to catch of glimpse of something. Birds of prey are often seen just north of Formation Springs at China Hat, so don't forget to stop by as you continue your trip north along the byway.
An Autumn Overlook at Grays Lake (ID) [3]
Black Foot Reservoir Route contains mainly wetland, shrub and steppe. You will find that this provides a great habitat for viewing Sage Grouse and cranes in the falls. As you finish viewing the wildlife at Black Foot Reservoir Route, don't forget to finish off your trip by pausing at Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Discover for yourself the worlds largest concentration of greater Sandhill Cranes. You may also be interested in the up to 40,000 Franklin's Gulls that live in the refuge so be sure to stop by.
A crisp winter day at the Blackfoot River (ID) [4]
No matter where you turn along the Pioneer Historic Byway you will encounter many different types and species of birds. Pull out your binoculars at Glendale Reservoir, Grace Fish Hatchery, Black Foot Reservoir Route or any number of other places along the byway to see nature at its best.
