Feathery Phenomena Along the International Selkirk Loop

Mountain Bluebird () [1]

Feathery phenomena await you along the International Selkirk Loop, a byway filled with birding adventures. Join other birders or embark on your own adventure on one of North America's only international byways. Birding opportunities flourish along every turn surrounding the Selkirk Mountains in northeast Washington and Idaho in the US and southeast British Columbia in Canada. The byway provides a peaceful and inviting setting for birdwatchers who want to see their fair share of fowl without crowds of people. Public lands along the byway house the largest medley of wildlife in the lower 48 states. More than 50 mammal and 265 bird species will greet you along the way.

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to start your birding adventures. The refuge provides a marshy migration habitat for thousands of waterfowl. Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, and Tundra Swans make their homes here in the spring while Canada Geese can be seen in the fall. Mallards, Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal, Redheads, Wood Ducks, and Common Goldeneyes can often be seen year-round.

If you haven't had your fill of birds at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, stop in at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. This wildlife area is comprised of 17,000 acres of marshes, a major river, a lake, self-guided boardwalk tour, and a three-story viewing tower. During your visit, you’ll likely see Tundra Swans, Greater White-fronted Geese, Osprey, and more of the byway's 265-plus bird species in the area.

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Washington portion of the Selkirk Loop and is a forested refuge that provides important habitat for many mammals and more than 200 bird species.  Common birds to see on this refuge are Bald Eagles, Northern Goshawks, White-headed, Pileated, and Black-backed Woodpeckers; warblers, Nuthatches, Thrushes, Flycatchers, Vireos, and waterfowl.  Check with the park headquarters for a list of five birding hot spots on the refuge.

Don't miss any opportunity to pull out your binoculars and pause in the Colville National Forest to see other birds and wildlife. The forest is home to abundant wildlife, giving you a chance to see more than just the trees.

When planning your birding adventure along the International Selkirk Loop, be sure to check out the birding information on the Selkirk Loop's website.  The Selkirk Loop has recently identified 40 key birding sites among the Selkirk Loop's region.  There is an excellent resource map that can be ordered, identifying and providing useful information about each site.  You can preview the map's content by going to the Loop's virtual map page.  Anywhere you stop, adventures are yours to claim along the International Selkirk Loop.  Whether you are scoping out Canada Geese in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, joining the fun at the Tundra Swan Festival in February in Usk, Washington, or seeing any other number of birds in the Colville National Forest, your birding expedition will yield excellent results.