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Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

South Hills/Shoshone Basin/Salmon Creek Falls Subloop

Nearest Town: Twin Falls
Site Size: 53 miles one way

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

Access: Seasonal gate closure-site still accessible. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: I-84 Exit #182, SW on US 30; (S) on Rock Ck Rd (3800 E) (G3); zero odometer; at mi 7.1, 15.4, 17 and 21 are pull-outs for birding; mi 28, pavement ends; park here at Diamondfield Jack; Dec-June, backtrack to Hansen; July-Nov, backtrack 1.3 mi and turn L (NW) on Rogerson Rd (FR 500); zero odometer; go 8 mi to Shoshone Basin Wildlife Ponds on N side of rd; mi 9 stop at Brockman’s Hummingbird Feeding Station (banding); mi 20.3 L (W) at corrals; mi 25.3 is US 93; head N to Twin Falls or S and W to Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir (see map). Get USFS and BLM travel maps.

Description: The South Hills have nesting Northern Goshawk. In spring, Sharp-tailed and Greater Sage-Grouse leks can be viewed. The highlight of this region is the South Hills Crossbill, an endemic form of the Red Crossbill. Look amongst lodgepole pines in the Shoshone Basin area. Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir can provide some interesting waterbirds during migration. Plan at least a full day to explore this area and bring food, water, extra clothes, and a spare tire.

More Information:
Sawtooth National Forest (208) 737-3200
Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce (208)733-3974


Photos
South_Hills_xbill-craig-benkman.JPG
South Hills Crossbill
Photo Copyright Craig Benkman
hummingbird-station-6.JPG
Hummingbird Feeding Station
Photo Copyright IDFG
calliopehummingbird-michaelwoodruff.jpg
Calliope Hummingbird
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsHuntingFishingNo 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
lodgepole pine Graph illustrating 10% 10%
other Graph illustrating 40% 40%
sage/shrub Graph illustrating 50% 50%

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

    Finches and alliesGrouse and TurkeyHawks and EaglesHummingbirdsSparrows and alliesTyrant 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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