skip to the main content area of this page
Idaho Birding Trail LogoMale Sage GrouseMountain Bluebird
Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area

Nearest Town: Parma
Site Size: 1630 acres

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

Access: Year-round. Seasonal nesting closure. Open sunrise - sunset. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: I-84 Exit #26; W on US 20/26 to Parma; continue W for 3.5 mi; at "Sportsman’s Access" sign turn L (W) on Old Fort Boise Rd; travel 2 mi to WMA.

Description: Fort Boise is at the confluence of the Snake, Boise, and Owyhee Rivers. Cottonwoods and willows line the waterways, with wetlands and artificial impoundments surrounded by cattail, bulrush, and sedges. Idaho’s most dependable location for thousands of Snow and Greater White-fronted Geese (March 15-April 15). Common nesters include Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal, and Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawks. Large Great Blue Heron and Double-crested Cormorant rookery at the west end. Areas adjacent to the Snake River are open year-round. The wetlands along the entrance road are closed from Feb 1 - July 31, but birding from the road is still good.

More Information:
IDFG (208) 722-5888
Parma City Hall (208) 722-5130
fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wma/ftboise/


Photos
cinnamon-teal--tom-munson.jpg
Cinnamon Teal
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
double-crested-cormorant--michael-woodruff.jpg
Double-crested Cormorant
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
snow-goose-flying--tom-munson.jpg
Snow Goose
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableBoat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsHuntingFishingNo Water SportsOHV/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
agriculture Graph illustrating 15% 15%
grassland Graph illustrating 15% 15%
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 40% 40%
riverine riparian Graph illustrating 30% 30%

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

    Bittern, Herons and IbisesBlackbirds and alliesGeese, Swans and DucksGrebesGrosbeaks and BuntingsGrouse and TurkeyHawks and EaglesJaegers and GullsOwlsPelicans and CormorantRails and CootsShorebirdsSparrows and alliesTernsThrushesWaxwingsWood 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


    New! Browse the Idaho Birding Trail in Google Maps or Google Earth




     Contact Us
    Your Name:

    Your Email Address:

    Your Message: