Birding

Bright and striking, the Bullock’s Oriole is one of the many bird species you can spot at City of Rocks National Reserve.

NPS

Your Guide to Birding at City of Rocks

Birding Events and Resources

Be sure to check out our Calendar or follow our Facebook page for upcoming birding events and activities.

Birding Highlights

City of Rocks, Castle Rocks, and the Almo Valley are renowned among Idaho birders for their incredible avian diversity. With 179 species documented in the area and up to 117 species counted in a single day, it’s one of the best birding locations in the state!

Birders can spot:

• Specialty Species: Pinyon Jay, Virginia's Warbler, Gray Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, and Greater Sage-Grouse.
• Idaho's State Bird: The Mountain Bluebird.
• Raptors and Songbirds: Nesting Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, Burrowing Owls, Canyon Wrens, Green-tailed Towhees, and Lesser Goldfinches.

For a complete list, explore the Checklist of Birds available online or at the Visitor Center.

Birding Habitats and Hotspots

City of Rocks’ diverse habitats support a wide variety of birds. In a single hike or drive, you can experience sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper woodlands, willow-lined streams, rocky canyons, and even alpine ridges. Some of the best birding spots include:

• Parking Lot Rock
• Stines Creek Picnic Area
• Almo Creek Wetlands
• Smoky Mountain Campground

Birding Resources

• Bird Checklist: Download the City of Rocks Bird Checklist for free or pick up a copy at the Visitor Center.
• Birder's Guide: Birder's Guide to City of Rocks National Reserve is available for $5 at the Visitor Center, this guide offers detailed birding insights for the Reserve.
• Birding Blog: Stay updated and learn more about the incredible birdlife of City of Rocks by following our BirdingBlog.

Get your binoculars ready and enjoy the rich birdlife that awaits in City of Rocks!