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Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

Carey Lake Wildlife Management Area

Nearest Town: Carey
Site Size: 400 acres

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

Access: Year-round. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From the junction of US 20/ID 75, E on US 20 for 18.5 mi to Carey; L (N) on US 93/26; go for ~3 mi; look for sign; R at mp 207.3 onto gravel rd that leads to parking lot.

Description: Carey Lake WMA is a shallow 400 acre lake and marsh. It is situated in the northwest corner of the southeastern Idaho lava desert. The WMA provides an important stopover for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds as well as breeding and rearing habitat for resident birds. Primarily waterfowl present, with dense spring populations of Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, and nesting Canada Goose. Other waterbirds (Sandhill Crane, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, Pied-billed Grebe) and shorebirds (American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Semipalmated Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Willet, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs) are observed regularly at this location, while American White Pelican, Hooded Merganser, and American Pipit are seen occasionally. Songbirds are present throughout the spring and early summer; most common are Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Marsh Wren, and Western Meadowlark.

More Information:
IDFG (208) 384-4444
ellvue Chamber of Commerce (208) 788-7060
fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wma/carey/


Photos
green-winged-teal--michael-woodruff.jpg
Green-winged Teal
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
SACR-on-nest-(2)-IDFG.JPG
Sandhill Crane
Photo Copyright IDFG
yellow-headed-blackbird--tom-munson.jpg
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableBoat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking 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
cliffs/talus Graph illustrating 10% 10%
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 70% 70%
other 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 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N ALL
Songbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Upland Birds N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N 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 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.

    Accentor and PipitBittern, Herons and IbisesBlackbirds and alliesCranesGeese, Swans and DucksGrebesHawks and EaglesPelicans and CormorantRails and CootsShorebirdsTernsWood WarblersWrens 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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