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Southeast Region

Southeast Region Sites

Sterling Wildlife Management Area

Nearest Town: Aberdeen
Site Size: 3400 acres

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

Access: Year-round. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: This WMA consists of 11 segments that can be viewed from three general areas along the west shore of American Falls Reservoir: AREA 1: from Aberdeen S on ID 39, at mp 15.4 turn L (E) on Beach Rd (1800 S); 2.8 mi. AREA 2: from Aberdeen, N on ID 39; pass mp 19; R (E) on Strang Rd (1400 S) for 2 mi to Midway Rd (2500 N); 2 CHOICES: 1) from this intersection, turn L (N) to go to AREA 2, 2) turn R to access AREA 3.

Description: Sterling WMA supports over 100 species of birds throughout the year. Wetlands and ponds are used by wintering and migrating Trumpeter Swan. Large concentrations of waterfowl are present year-round, as well as migrating shorebirds and breeding marshbirds. Highlights: Short-eared Owl, American Avocet, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Bohemian Waxwing.

More Information:
IDFG (208) 232-4705
Pocatello Chamber of Commerce (208) 233-1525
fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wma/sterling/


Photos
bohemian-waxwing--tom-munson.jpg
Bohemian Waxwing
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
short-eared-owl--tommunson.jpg
Short-eared Owl
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundPicnic AreaObservation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking TrailsHuntingFishingNo Water SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedHorseback Riding

Handicapped Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundPicnic AreaObservation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive MaterialsNo Boat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking Trails
What do these icons mean?


Habitat
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 44% 44%
other Graph illustrating 29% 29%
sage/shrub Graph illustrating 27% 27%

Best Observation Times
Bird Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec AM/PM
Raptors Y N N N N N N N Y Y Y Y ALL
Shorebirds N N N Y Y Y N N Y Y N N ALL
Songbirds N N N Y Y Y N Y Y N N N AM
Upland Birds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ALL
Waterbirds N N N Y Y Y N N N N N N ALL
Waterfowl N N N Y Y Y N N 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.

    Blackbirds and alliesGrouse and TurkeyHawks and EaglesOwlsRails and CootsShrikesSparrows and alliesStarlingThrushesTyrant FlycatchersWaxwingsWood 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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