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Southeast Region

Southeast Region Sites

Formation Springs

Nearest Town: Soda Springs
Site Size: 160 acres

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

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

Site Location

Directions: In Soda Springs, at intersection of US 30/ID 34, zero odometer; follow signs for ID 34 N; R at mi 0.2 on Hooper Ave; stay on ID 34 N; mi 3.2 R (E) on Trail Canyon Rd (2840, FR 124); L (N) at mi 4.3 on dirt rd (signs to Formation Springs); park at mi 4.5.

Description: This Nature Conservancy site protects crystal clear pools and a unique wetland complex at the base of the scenic Aspen Mountain. The cold springs feeding the terraced pools and creek system deposit high concentrations of travertine (calcium carbonate), which gives the site its unique geology. The spring has been determined to be 13,000 years old. Perhaps the most impressive physical feature is Formation Cave, almost 20 feet tall at the entrance and 1,000 feet long. Look for Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, and Chipping Sparrow.

More Information:
TNC (208) 343-8826
Soda Springs Chamber of Commerce (208)547-4964


Photos
formation-springs-preserve-IDT.jpg
Formation Springs Preserve
Photo Copyright Idaho Department of Transportation
bullock's-oriole--michale-woodruff.jpg
Bullock's Oriole
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
chipping-sparrow--michael-woodruff.jpg
Chipping Sparrow
Photo Copyright Michael Woodruff
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingNo RestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkNo CampgroundNo Picnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsHiking TrailsNo HuntingNo FishingNo 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
other Graph illustrating 5% 5%
riverine riparian Graph illustrating 75% 75%
sage/shrub 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 AM
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 AM
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 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.

    Blackbirds and alliesGrosbeaks and BuntingsSparrows and allies

    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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