The Biologist at Minidoka Refuge reports that there are 20,000 to 25,000
Canada Geese using the refuge right now. He also reports large numbers of
Common Loons. It is not unusual to see 5-10 loons from one spot at Minidoka
NWR. Birder reports include many Western Grebes, Horned Grebe, Mallard,
Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin,
Western Sandpiper, and Long-billed Dowitcher. Most people visit the part of
the refuge that is managed as Lake Walcott State Park, but there are many
other accessible areas. To see a map of the refuge visit
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Minidoka%20Map.pdf.
The results of the waterbird survey included Tundra Swan – 14, Trumpeter
Swan -9, Canada Goose – 2, Mallard – 2048, Northern Pintail – 37, Gadwall –
16, American Wigeon – 137, Northern Shoveler – 12, Green-winged Teal – 24,
Canvasback – 14, Redhead – 11, Lesser Scaup – 77, Ring-necked Duck – 143,
Bufflehead – 5, Ruddy Duck – 28, Hooded Merganser – 2, Eared Grebe – 3,
Pied-billed Grebe – 1, Western Grebe – 1, American coot – 300, Sandhill
Crane – 4, Killdeer – 2, Long-billed Dowitcher – 4, Greater Yellowlegs – 1.
Birder sightings also include Black-bellied Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper and
a Blue Jay – a rarity in Idaho.
The first Rough-legged Hawk of the season was at Grays Lake NWR Friday.
Staff report sightings of Mountain Bluebirds still, Trumpeter and Tundra
Swans, and Ruffed Grouse. The cold snap brought diving ducks such as Lesser
Scaup. The best place to see these species is along the trail to Bear
Island which is a stop on the Idaho Birding Trail. This is also a good
location to see moose. Parking for this location is on the east side of the
refuge on Grays Lake Road
The results of the weekly waterbird survey at Bear Lake Refuge included
Canada Goose – 25, Trumpeter Swan – 4, Mallard – 31, Northern Pintail – 2,
Gadwall – 498, American Wigeon – 1, Northern Shoveler – 194, Redhead – 4,
Canvasback – 4, Bufflehead – 26, Lesser Scaup – 20, American Coot – 1046,
American White Pelican – 3. Also noted were flocks of 15 Tundra Swans and
16 Snow Geese that flew over calling but did not stop.
If you want to know about all what we’re doing at Bear Lake, Camas, Gray’s
Lake and Minidoka Refuges, check us out and Like us at
https://www.facebook.com/SEIdahoRefuges/. We have posts this week about
neck-collared Trumpeter Swans and more.
Thank you for your interest!
Steven F. Kahl
Deputy Project Leader
Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex
4425 Burley Dr., Ste. A
Chubbuck, ID 83202
P (208) 237-6615 ext 112
F (208) 237-8213
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