Congress established the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in 1993 to protect a unique environment that supports one of the world's most dense concentrations of nesting birds of prey. Falcons, eagles, hawks and owls are found here in unique profusion and variety. It is part of the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS).
The area's 485,000 acres host some 800 pairs of hawks, owls, eagles and falcons that come each spring to mate and raise young. The birds are not on display, and for the most part are wary of humans, usually keeping their distance. The best times to look for raptors are mornings or early evenings in mid-March through June.
Numerous recreation activities besides bird-watching are also possible in the NCA. The NCA is "nature in the rough," with few public facilities, but the birds and their environment offer rich rewards to those willing to experience the area on its own terms and who have the patience to fit into the natural rhythms of life here.
Location | About 20 miles south of Boise, Idaho
From Interstate 84, take exit-44/Idaho Hwy 69. Continue south for eight miles and turn south on Swan Falls Road and travel 3 miles to the NCA boundary.
VOLUNTEER | Snake River Raptor Volunteers
VIDEO | Haven for Hawks in Idaho
Click on Gallery on the bottom of the page, then choose "Haven for Hawks" from the video list page-right
Fast Facts
Total area | 600,000 acres
485,000 acres public; 65,000 acres private; 39,000 acres State; 1,000 acres military; 10,000 acres surface waters (rivers, lakes, reservoirs)
Raptor species | 24
16 nesting, 8 migrating/wintering