Directions: Follow a 56 mi loop tour beginning at Kuna Visitor Center, to Swan Falls Dam, Celebration Park, and back to Kuna. I-84 Exit #44; S on Meridian Rd (ID 69) for 8 mi; as you enter Kuna, Swan Falls Rd turns to the L (S); S on Swan Falls Rd 20 mi to Swan Falls Dam (stop at mi 3, 10.2, 11.5, 15.5, 17.7, 20, 39); backtrack on Swan Falls Rd N 8 mi to Victory Ln; L (W) on Victory Ln for 3 mi; R (N) on McDermott Rd 1 mi; L (W) on Spur Rd 2.5 mi; L (S) onto CanAda Rd 1 mi; R (W) on Victory Ln to Celebration Park (mi 39); visitor center on R; admission charge at Celebration Park.

Description: The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) was established by Congress in 1993 to protect a unique desert environment that supports North America’s highest density of nesting raptors. More than 700 pairs of raptors nest each spring along 81 miles of the Snake River Canyon, including 150-200 pairs of Prairie Falcons (highest breeding density in the world). Other nesters include American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Red-tailed and Ferruginous Hawks, Barred, Burrowing, Great Horned, Long-eared, Northern Saw-whet, Short-eared, and Western Screech-Owls. Mid-March through end of June is best time to see the raptors. Riparian bottomlands provide nesting habitat for Lazuli Bunting, Say’s Phoebe, and other songbirds. Celebration Park is located on the western boundary of the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA. North of parking area, look for flight displays of Long-billed Curlew. Nesting Killdeer, Bullock’s Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting can be seen around the visitor center. Look for Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, 6 swallow species, Rock and Canyon Wrens, and Loggerhead Shrike. During the fall and winter, American White Pelican can be seen. Year-round species include Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Chukar, California Quail, Northern Bobwhite, Common Nighthawk, gulls, and terns. 20 species of raptors can be seen, including nesting Golden Eagle on Guffey Butte. In March watch for eagle flight displays; in May for chick feeding; and the first week fo June for fledging of the young.

More Information:
BLM (208) 384-3300
Kuna Chamber of Commerce (208)922-9254
www.birdsofprey.blm.gov/
www.canyoncounty.org/parks/