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Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Wildlife Viewing & Birding in Kuna
Activities
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Region
Southwest

The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area was established by Congress in 1993 to protect a unique desert environment that supports North America’s highest density of nesting raptors. More than 700 pairs of raptors nest each spring along 81 miles of the Snake River Canyon, including 150-200 pairs of Prairie Falcons (the highest breeding density in the world). Watch for eagle flight displays in March, chick feeding in May and see hatchlings take their first flights around early June.

Resources
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area - Bureau of Land Management

Things to Know

  • In addition to outstanding bird and wildlife viewing, visitors may ride on horseback, hike, hunt, mountain bike, picnic and camp. The 485,000-acre Birds of Prey area also encompasses these great recreation sites
  • Celebration Park Visitor Center
  • Cove Camping
  • Dedication Point Overlook
  • Halverson Bar Trail System
  • Swan Falls Picnic Area
  • You can find a map of the entire Conservation Area here.
  • The map also shows an auto tour of the Conservation Area so you can plan your route.
  • Raptors are in the Snake River Canyon year-round, but the best time to see them is mid-March through June, when birds are on the nest and the young are learning to fly.
  • Catch a glimpse of the area’s birds of prey at Dedication Point, a spectacular overlook on the rim of the Snake River Canyon. A ¼-mile trail with interpretive signs offers insights about the birds, geology and other wildlife. 
  • Spring and fall weather conditions in sheltered canyon areas average 5-10 °F warmer than temperatures in nearby Boise. This makes recreation outdoors possible in winter, early spring and late fall when many higher-elevation recreation areas are still affected by weather. Consequently, it is also warmer in the canyon in the warmer months so be prepared with hats and water.
Location

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