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Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

Bear Basin Subloop

Nearest Town: McCall
Site Size:

Highlights: Raptors, Songbirds, Upland Birds

Access: Snow may limit vehicle access. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From McCall, ID 55 W ~2.5 mi; R (N) at mp 146.6 onto FR 451 (Bear Basin Rd); zero odometer at mi 0.8 stay R (straight) and enter FS land; mi 1.3 park at pull-out on L (W); walk old rd to explore meadow; continue N on FR 451.

Description: This loop begins a short distance out of McCall. Driving access is limited to snow-free months (generally May through Nov). This area of mixed conifer forest and open meadow is best explored on foot. Look for high numbers of nesting Dark-eyed Junco, Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, Western Tanager, Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, Red-tailed Hawk, Mountain Bluebird, and Wilson’s Snipe. Highlights of this area include Williamson’s Sapsucker and Great Gray Owl, which have nested on manmade platforms in the past.

More Information:
USFS (208) 634-0700
McCall Chamber of Commerce (208) 634-7631


Photos
dark-eyed-junco-michael-woodruff.jpg
Dark-eyed Juncon
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
RT-Hawk-Stare-kathleen-cameron.jpg
Red-tailed Hawk
Photo Copyright Kathleen Cameron
williamson's-sapsucker--tom-munson.jpg
Williamson's Sapsucker
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
No ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking TrailsNo HuntingNo FishingNo Water SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedNo Horseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
No ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
grassland Graph illustrating 30% 30%
low elevation mixed conifer Graph illustrating 70% 70%

Best Observation Times
Bird Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec AM/PM
Raptors Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Songbirds N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N AM
Upland Birds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Target Species for this Site

Select a species from the list to view other sites on the Idaho Birding Trail Sites this species may be observed.

    Chickadees and TitmouseCorvidsFinches and alliesGrouse and TurkeyKinglets and GnatcatcherNuthatches and CreeperOwlsShorebirdsSparrows and alliesTanagersThrushesTyrant FlycatchersVireosWood WarblersWoodpeckers

    Legend

    SeasonAbundanceRegion
    R - Resident 1 - Abundant, easily found s - Statewide
    M - Migrant 2 - Common, but sometimes difficult to find e - Southeast
    W - Winter 3 - Uncommon or local w - Southwest
    S - Summer 4 - Rare or very local c - Central
    5 - Casual, 3-10 accepted records p - Panhandle (North)
    6 - Accidental, 1-2 accepted records
    7 - Experimental
    (B) - Documented breeding evidence(End) - Threatened or Endangered
    (b) - Circumstantial breeding evidence(Int.) - Introduced species


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