Waterfowl migration in the spring and fall can peak to 40,000 birds. Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, and American Wigeon are commonly found during this time. Black Tern, Red-necked Grebe, and Bald Eagle nest within the NWR. Deep Creek Trail is excellent for breeding landbirds, such as Least Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, American Redstart, Bullock’s Oriole, and a Bank Swallow colony.

Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl such as mallards, northern pintail, and teal. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Idaho's Panhandle approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border and 5 miles west of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Established in 1964 as a migratory waterfowl refuge, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for more than 220 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and 22 species of fish. Wetlands, meadows, riparian forests and cultivated agricultural fields (for producing valuable wildlife food crops) are interspersed in the valley bottom adjacent to the west banks of the Kootenai River.

Wetlands include open-water ponds, seasonal cattail-bulrush marshes, tree-lined ponds and rushing creeks. The western portion of the refuge ascends the foothills of the scenic Selkirk Mountains which consists of dense stands of coniferous trees and tranquil riparian forests.

The Refuge provides important habitat and a resting area for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Approximately 220 species of birds can be seen on the refuge.

DIRECTIONS: On US 95, N of Bonners Ferry, turn L (W) on Riverside Ave—this rd is just S of the bridge crossing the Kootenai River; go ~7 mi to where Riverside Ave turns into West Side Rd; Turn R (N) on West Side Rd for 1.5 mi to Kootenai NWR HQ.