Idaho Fish and Game - Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program

Over half a million Idahoans participate in wildlife watching activities annually. Watching wildlife is one of the most popular types of outdoor recreation in Idaho.

Whether you are travelling to one of Idaho’s mountains, forests, deserts, or rivers, to bird watch, view wildflowers, or snap a few photos - Idaho’s Watchable Wildlife Program makes that experience as rewarding as possible.

The Idaho Watchable Wildlife Program is a part of Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Conservation Sciences Program. It is guided by the Idaho Watchable Wildlife Committee, a collaborative group of local, state, and federal agency representatives and conservation organizations that promotes:

an appreciation for wildlife and their habitats,
wildlife-based tourism,
responsible wildlife observation ethics for the citizens and wildlife of Idaho.

Look for the binocular sign along roads and highways to find areas
for good viewing wildlife opportunities.

Watchable Wildlife Committee Members:

Golden Eagle Audubon Society
Idaho Department of Commerce
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Power Corporation
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Watchable Wildlife Annual Events
Bald Eagle Days, Boise, ID - Last Saturday in January Annual celebration of bald eagles and other wildlife along the Boise River. Free family-oriented event includes activities that allow the public to get "up close and personal" with America's national symbol. Take part in wildlife viewing along the Boise River, listen to presentations with bald eagles and other live birds of prey, participate in educational activities, and visit informative booths from local conservation organizations. For more information, visit: Bald Eagle Days.	Dubois Grouse Days, Dubois, ID - 3rd Weekend in April Annual celebration of sage grouse. In the spring, sage grouse gather on sage-brush covered "leks" where the males compete for females. Males fan their plumage, "dance," and display their air sacs to attract females. Field trips to sage grouse leks, lectures, children's activities, a raffle, and a banquet are all a part of this small town Idaho event. For more information, visit: Dubois Grouse Days.
International Migratory Bird Day, Statewide - 2nd Weekend in May An international event to celebrate migratory birds and teach people about the importance of preserving habitat for birds. Several celebrations occur state-wide: In the Treasure Valley, events are held at MK Nature Center, The Peregrine Fund, and Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. For more information on events in the Treasure Valley or state-wide, contact Deniz Aygen or call (208) 287-2750, or a regional office.	Snake River Birds of Prey Birding Fesival, Kuna, ID - 3rd Weekend in May Annual festival provides opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy the Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area. More than 700 pairs of raptors nest each year! Birding tours, float trips, lectures, children's activities, and opportunities to learn about the history of the area are provided. For more information visit: Snake River Birds of Prey Area.
Bioblitz-Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Nampa, ID - 3rd Weekend in August The Bioblitz is a 24-hr rapid inventory of biological diversity. BioBlitzes are held nationwide and this is the only one in Idaho. Scientists, naturalists and volunteers will search Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge for two days documenting every species they can find. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the public is invited to the refuge to get involved in the biology of Idaho and visit the festival in the backyard of the refuge Visitor Center. Great for families! For more information, call 208-467-9278, or visit: Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge.	Holiday Bird Seed Sale, MK Nature Center, Boise, ID - 1st Saturday in December Stock up on birdseed for the winter and get tips on bird feeding. This annual event allows you to purchase bird seed in bulk. Holiday nature gifts and bird feeding accessories are also available for purchase. Your purchases help support the Nature Center's educational programs.
EagleWatch, Coeur d'Alene, ID - Last week in December Join volunteers and wildlife biologists at the Coeur d'Alene Lake - Wolf Lodge Bay wildlife viewing area. Observe 30 - 60 bald eagles feeding on the lake's spawned kokanee salmon. Attend presentations, learn from the eagle exhibits and watch hundreds of waterfowl. For more information, visit: Eagle Watch.

Last Updated: June 30, 2011
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