Hagerman typically winters 30,000-40,000 ducks. Amazing numbers of Bald Eagle and waterfowl can be present during winter especially when other water bodies are frozen. It is a great place to find rare gulls, especially in early spring, but only Herring, Ring-billed, and California are common. Glaucous, Lesser black-backed, Mew, and Iceland Gulls can be found here too.

Large populations of breeding waterfowl (Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Redhead, and Ruddy Duck), Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Northern Harrier occur within the WMA. During spring and summer, waterbirds (American Coot, Pied-billed and Western Grebe, Virginia Rail, Sora, Forster’s Tern), shorebirds (Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Long-billed Curlew), and a great diversity of songbirds are common. During migration, Common Loon, Tundra Swan, and other shorebirds can be seen.

The Snake River Aquifer bursts through the walls of the Snake River Canyon and cascades into the river just upstream from this refuge.  This constant influx of 58 Degree water along with numerous geothermal hot springs in the area keep the river and the myriad of small ponds free of ice all winter. This, combined with relatively mild climate and the expansive corn fields in the surrounding area, create a perfect storm for hundreds of thousands of winter waterfowl.

DIRECTIONS: I-84 Exit #155 (Hagerman/Wendell); zero mileage; W on Hagerman Hwy (2950 S) 8.7 mi; at T intersection, turn L (S) on US 30; S on US 30 to rest area at mp 183.6 to bird the planted trees and dike trail along marsh; 0.3 mi S of the rest area, at mp 183.3, L onto State Fish Hatchery Rd; go 0.4 mi to state and federal fish hatchery.