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Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

Silver Creek Preserve

Nearest Town: Picabo
Site Size: 5000 acres/400 acres for public use

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

Access: Year-round. Visitor center open late May-October 31. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From the junction of US 20/ID 75, follow US 20 E 7.1 mi to mp 184.5; R (S) onto Kilpatrick Bridge Rd (stay L); cross Kilpatrick Bridge in 1 mi; visitor center is 0.7 mi from bridge.

Description: View many waterfowl and wading birds, including goldeneye, Sandhill Crane, American Bittern, and Long-billed Curlew. Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Willow Flycatcher can be found around riparian areas in the preserve. Sora and Virginia Rail can be heard during late spring and summer. One pair of nesting Bald Eagles near preserve. Both Bald and Golden Eagles can be seen during the winter. Visitor center has observation deck and offers great views of the creek. US 20 is prime raptor viewing. Silver Creek is best known for its blue ribbon trout fishing.

More Information:
The Nature Conservancy (208) 788-7910
Ketchum/Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce
nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/idaho/preserves/art415.html


Photos
American-Bittern-at-Silver-Creek-72dpi.jpg
American Bittern
Photo Copyright Kathleen Cameron
Silver-Creek-72dpi.jpg
Silver Creek
Photo Copyright Kathleen Cameron
Bird-Survey-at-Silver-Creek-72dpi.jpg
Silver Creek
Photo Copyright Kathleen Cameron
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneBoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaObservation AreaVisitor CenterInterpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsNo HuntingFishingNo Water SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedNo Horseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaObservation AreaVisitor CenterInterpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
other Graph illustrating 35% 35%
riverine riparian Graph illustrating 30% 30%
sage/shrub Graph illustrating 35% 35%

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 Y Y Y N N N N N N ALL
Songbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N AM
Upland Birds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Waterbirds N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N ALL
Waterfowl Y Y Y N N N N N N Y Y Y 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 alliesCorvidsCranesFinches and alliesGeese, Swans and DucksGoatsuckersGrebesGrosbeaks and BuntingsGrouse and TurkeyHawks and EaglesHummingbirdsJaegers and GullsKingfisherLarkOwlsRails and CootsShorebirdsShrikesSparrows and alliesStarlingSwallowsTanagersTernsThrushesTyrant FlycatchersVireosWaxwingsWeaver FinchWood WarblersWoodpeckersWrens 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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