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Southwest Region

Southwest Region Sites

Murtaugh Lake

Nearest Town: Murtaugh/Twin Falls
Site Size: 15 square miles

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

Access: Open sunrise - sunset. Seasonal gate closure-site still accessible. Access free of charge.

Site Location

Directions: W of Burley near the town of Murtaugh, turn (L) S off US 30 between mp 236 and 237 onto 4475 E; “Sportsman’s Access” sign marks this turn; L into either county park located within the first 1.2 mi of US 30.

Description: Tundra Swan, Red-breasted and Common Mergansers, Clark’s, Western, Pied-billed, and Eared Grebes along with numerous Common Loon. Black, Caspian, Common, and Forster’s Terns utilize the lake in spring. Nesting Swainson’s and Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harrier. In fall, the receding shoreline can attract migrating shorebirds.

More Information:
Twin Falls Coutny Parks and Waterways (208) 734-9491
Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce (208)733-3974


Photos
northern-harrier--tom-munson.jpg
Northern Harrier
Photo Copyright Tom Munson
RBMEandCOME-ryan-brady.jpg
Red-breasted and Common Mergansers
Photo Copyright Ryan Brady
Facilities

General Services:
ParkingRestroomsNo PhoneNo BoardwalkCampgroundPicnic AreaNo Observation AreaNo Visitor CenterNo Interpretive Material AvailableBoat RampNo ConcessionsNo Hiking TrailsHuntingFishingWater SportsNo OHV/ATVs AllowedNo Horseback Riding

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


Habitat
agriculture Graph illustrating 83% 83%
marshes/lakes/ponds Graph illustrating 10% 10%
other Graph illustrating 7% 7%

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
Shorebirds N N Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y
Songbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Upland Birds N N N N N N N N N N N N
Waterbirds Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Waterfowl N N Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y
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.

    Geese, Swans and DucksGrebesHawks and EaglesLoonTerns

    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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