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North Region

North Region Sites

Nez Perce National Historic Park (Spalding Picnic Area)

Nearest Town: Lewiston
Site Size:

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

Access: Open sunrise - sunset. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: From Lewiston, US 95/12 E ~8 mi; stay on US 95 (do not exit to US 12); L (N) at mp 303 toward visitor center; immediately R (E) down the hill 0.5 mi to T intersection; L (N) and cross rail tracks; keep R and park at picnic area in 0.2 mi; if Visitor Center is closed, back entrance to Spalding Picnic Area can be accessed: L (N) off US 95 at mp 302.8 onto paved rd that descends 0.5 mi along creek to picnic area. If Visitor Center is closed, there is a back entrance to picnic area; Turn L (n) off US 95 at mp 302.8 onto paved road that descends 0.5 mi along creek to picnic area.

Description: ~150 species have been found at the picnic area. California Quail are common. During the spring, Varied Thrush are seen. In the shrubs and trees along the railroad tracks, creek, and river, look for Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, and Cordilleran Flycatcher during summer. During the winter, waterfowl along the river, as well as various raptors (Barn, Long-eared, Great Horned, and Northern Saw-whet Owls and Bald Eagle) can be found. Look closely and you might find a Brown Creeper or a Bohemian Waxwing.

More Information:
NPS (208) 843-2261
Lewiston Chamber of Commerce 1-800-473-3543
www.nps.gov/nepe www.nps.gov/nepe/spalding1.htm


Photos
NezPerPark.--Idaho-Tourism.jpg
Nez Perce National Historic Park
Photo Copyright Idaho Travel Council
bohemian-waxwing--tom-munson.jpg
Bohemian Waxwing
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
great-horned-owl--tom-munson.jpg
Great-horned Owl
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsPhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaVisitor CenterInterpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsNo HuntingNo FishingNo Water SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedNo Horseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaVisitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
low elevation mixed conifer Graph illustrating 80% 80%
riverine riparian 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 N N N N N N N N Y Y ALL
Shorebirds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Songbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Upland Birds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Waterbirds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Waterfowl Y Y Y N N N N N N N 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.

    Accentor and PipitBittern, Herons and IbisesBlackbirds and alliesChickadees and TitmouseCorvidsFinches and alliesGeese, Swans and DucksGoatsuckersGrebesGrosbeaks and BuntingsHawks and EaglesHummingbirdsJaegers and GullsKingfisherKinglets and GnatcatcherLoonOwlsPigeons and DovesRails and CootsShorebirdsShrikesSparrows and alliesStork and VultureSwallowsSwiftsTanagersTernsThrashersThrushesTyrant FlycatchersWaxwingsWood 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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