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Idaho Birding Trail LogoMale Sage GrouseMountain Bluebird
Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

Crane Creek Reservoir

Nearest Town: Weiser
Site Size: 3700 acres

Highlights: Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl

Access: Year-round. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: In Midvale (US 95/Old Hwy Rd), R (E) on Old Hwy Rd; R on Crane Creek Rd; travel ~4 mi; R on Crane Creek Reservoir Rd; follow to reservoir.

Description: Surrounded by sagebrush and grasslands, Crane Creek Reservoir has the potential to attract a number of birds due to its arid surrounding. During the winter, Greater Sage-Grouse, Red-tailed, Ferruginous, and Rough-legged Hawks, Golden and Bald Eagles can be seen. The best birding is March-June when American White Pelican, Western and Least Sandpipers, Ross’s and Snow Geese, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback, and scaup can be found.

More Information:
BLM (208) 384-3300
Weiser (208) 549-0452


Photos
canvasback--keith-carlson.jpg
Canvasback
Photo Copyright Keith Carlson
ferruginous-hawk--tom-munson.jpg
Ferriginous Hawk
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
least-sandpiper--tom-munson.jpg
Least Sandpiper
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableBoat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking TrailsNo HuntingFishingWater 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 10% 10%
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 70% 70%
sage/shrub Graph illustrating 20% 20%

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
Shorebirds N N N N Y Y Y Y Y N N N ALL
Songbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Upland Birds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Waterbirds N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Waterfowl N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 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.

    Geese, Swans and DucksGrouse and TurkeyHawks and EaglesOwlsPelicans and CormorantQuailShorebirdsShrikesSparrows and alliesThrashersWrens and Dipper

    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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