Discover Birds of Idaho Found Near Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Birdwatchers are in luck as Northern Idaho offers some of the best viewing opportunities to see the birds of Idaho that call this region home. Beyond the ranching community in Harrison, Idaho, the town is gradually becoming one of the best bird-watching sites for locals and visitors alike. The best part is that these sites are all near Red Horse Mountain Ranch, an all-inclusive dude ranch that’s the perfect home base for any getaway.
What Birds Can You Expect to See in Harrison?
Bird viewing enthusiasts can rejoice as they find it easier to locate birds in Northern Idaho, thanks to the Idaho Birding Trail. Some of the birds popularly seen in Harrison are eagles, osprey, waterfowl, swamp sparrows, northern shrike, yellow warbler, black ten, red-necked and horned grebes. The availability of bird species is dependent on the season, as, during winter, most birds migrate.
A Guide to Bird-Watching Sites in Harrison, Idaho
Knowing where to look for birds is just as important as knowing what types of birds to look for. Below are a few of the most popular trails and places to go birding.
The North Idaho Bird Trail
Enjoy the view as you meander down this 24-mile centennial trail, which commences from the Idaho-Washington border to the scenic Higgens Point State Park on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail is paved but non-motorized, so it’s perfect for walking or riding. It features rest areas and overlooks historical points. Some of the frequently visited points on the trail are:
- Cougar Bay: Most of the birds that gather here are migrating and nesting waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds.
- Tubbs Hill: From a distance, you may see osprey and woodpeckers on the north side of the hill.
- Independence Beach and NIC Beach: Some birds you can expect to find here are Brown Creeper, MacGillivray’s Warblers, and Pygmy Nuthatch.
- Higgins Point: All year round, expect to see a wide array of waterbirds and waterfowl. However, you can find birds like the Common Loon and Spotted Sandpiper during the summer.
The Trail of Coeur d’Alenes
The Trail of Coeur d’Alenes covers several habitats, agricultural fields, deep water, wetlands, agric fields, and more. It hosts some of Idaho’s best and most popular birds. With over 180 bird species on this trail, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of some rare species.
Thompson Lake Wildlife Refuge
On hot summer afternoons, you may see some waterbirds playing around in Thompson Lake. Some of the most frequent birds to Thompson Lake Wildlife Refuge are belted kingfish, American White Pelican, red-winged blackbirds, and Canada Goose.
Unwind in Comfort at RHMR
If you want to be cozy and comfortable as you explore the outdoors of Northern Idaho, Red Horse Mountain Ranch has the perfect cabins and suites and hilltop home accommodations at affordable rates. Our 560-acre dude ranch is also a great spot to see what birds of Idaho you can spot, including raptors. Reach out to us online or call 888-689-9680 to learn more about our ranch or book your stay.