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Snake River Birds of Prey

Home to the Greatest Concentration of Nesting Birds of Prey in North America

The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) was established by Congress in 1993 to preserve wildlife habitat and provide other compatible uses of the land. More than 700 pairs of raptors nest each spring along 81 miles of the Snake River Canyon. Cliffs tower to 700 feet above the Snake River, providing countless ledges, cracks and crevices for nesting raptors.

Snake River Valley - Bob Wick
Photo Credit: Bob Wick

While the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is open year-round, the best time to visit is mid-March through June. In March watch for eagle flight displays; in May for chick feeding; and the first week of June for fledging of the young.

Snake River - Antonia Hedrick
Photo Credit: Antonia Hedrick, BLM

Types of nesters include:

  • Prairie Falcons
  • American Kestrel
  • Golden Eagle
  • Northern Harrier
  • Western Screech-owls
  • Red-tailed and ferruginous hawks
  • Rufous Hummingbirds
  • Rock and Canyon Wrens
  • Loggerhead Shrike
Photo Credit : Larry Ridenhour, BLM

The 485,000-acre Birds of Prey area encompasses these recreation sites:

  • Celebration Park Visitor Center

    Idaho’s only archaeological park, with huge basalt melon gravel revealing petroglyphs 100 to 10,000 years old.

  • Cove Camping

    36 campsites with gravel pads, cabanas, fire rings, community water spigots, outhouses, garbage service, boat ramp and docks, and an RV dumpsite.

  • Dedication Point Overlook

    Overlook 400 feet above the Snake River and watch for raptors, sparrows, an so much more at the plateau.

  • Halverson Bar Trail System

    A two-mile sandbar along the Snake River, two shallow lakes nestled below the rimrock and sand dunes, and miles of hiking trails.

  • Swan Falls Picnic Area

    The oldest hydroelectric generating site on the Snake River, now operating as a museum for visitors.

Check out a detailed map and learn more about the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area here: www.blm.gov

Snake River Up Close - Bob Wick
Photo Credit: Bob Wick, BLM

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