When searching for an exciting drive, look no further than Idaho's Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. See first-hand Lake Pend Oreille, which was left in the aftermath of ancient Ice Age floods. As you travel the byway, the skies will be flooded with all kinds of birds. All you need to do is bring your binoculars and scope to enjoy the birding the area has to offer.
The Denton Slough Waterfowl Area offers a fun stop for birders. Migrating waterfowl love to visit the area, and Tundra Swans are commonly sighted each fall. Similarly, Western Grebes bring their nesting colony to the area in the spring. Other waterfowl and songbirds can be seen in the inlet year-round.
If waterfowl and songbirds interest you, stop at the Pack River Wildlife Area. Stay warm in the winter by viewing birds from your car. Eagles wintering in the wildlife area are frequently seen from automobiles driving the byway.
If you want to get close to Blue Herons, osprey, waterfowl and songbirds, the Johnson Creek Recreation Area is an excellent spot. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains a boat launch and docks, which supply easy access to the water, allowing you to observe these birds up close. If you want to watch the skies from a more comfortable location, plan an adventure in the Trestle Creek Recreation Area. A day use area provides restrooms and picnic tables. If you stop here during winter months, you’ll probably see eagles. If you visit during the spring, summer or fall you may be able to spot ospreys fishing the waters.
Another opportunity for first-class birding along the byway lies in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests which include the St. Joe, Coeur d'Alene, and Kanisku Forests. You will be able to do lots of bird watching here. Bald Eagles, the Common Loon, Harlequin Duck, Peregrine Falcon, Flammulated Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, and Northern Goshawk make their home in the forests.
Find what you are looking for on the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Relax as you drive, enjoy the scenery and look to the skies. You’ll find that the byway suits all of your needs and satisfies your bird watching fancy. Plan a trip to spend the day or longer along the byway and you will catch a glimpse of waterfowl, songbirds, eagles and more.
