I’m from the UK, but visiting my wife’s family in the USA over Christmas and New Year, and we’ll be spending some time in Boise county (near McCall). I’m not sure how much time I’ll have, but I’m hoping to do a little bit of birdwatching to see if I can see something a bit different from the birds we get over here!
I’m wondering if anyone can recommend any good hotspots where I might be able to see some interesting local birds and animals – as well as what kinds of birds I might expect to see while I’m there? It’s quite hard to orient yourself when you’re not used to a place.

From a quick google, I think I’d be excited to see American Goldfinch, House Finch, Evening and Pine Grosbeak, White Throated and White Crowned Sparrows, Bufflehead, Snow Goose, Stellar’s Jay, Great Horned Owl – these would all be lifers for me! I’d also love chances to get photos of Bald Eagles and Northern Cardinals.

I’d also love to see a Snowy Owl and a Great Grey Owl, but I understand these would be really rare that far south.

But any other tips on birds, places – or even any bird watching events in the area between the 23rd and 30th December – that would be really appreciated!
Thank you so much in advance,
Mike

On Dec 5, 2025, at 1:55 PM, Eric Rude via groups.io <rudeeric@…> wrote:

What city is Veterans Park in?

On Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 1:54 PM Diann Stone via groups.io <dstoneak2id=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:

Very special sighting! I’m glad several of you saw it.

Diann Stone   Boise Depot Bench

On Fri, Dec 5, 2025, 10:57 AM LWentz via groups.io <lwentz41=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

Black-and-white warbler continues at Veterans Park in cottonwoods by Brown bridge across the side channel. With a mixed flock of Chickadees, Kinglets and others. East of the veteran’s parkway bridge. 

Seen by

Linda Wentz 

Louisa Evers

Sean Pursley

Shannan Brimmer

Pat McGrane

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

—

Eric Rude

Teacher: Forensic Science, Dual Credit Biology

Pocatello High School

Pocatello, Idaho