Bird walks begin April 18 at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Bonners Ferry Herald | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week AGO
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN A great blue heron comes in for a landing in Myrtle Creek this week at the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. The popular auto tour road opened Monday for the spring season.
The Friends of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge are hosting a series of guided bird walks this spring, beginning Saturday, April 18.
The walks, which are led by KNWR manager Shannon Ehlers, will also be held May 23 and June 20, offering participants an opportunity to observe migratory and resident bird species during peak spring activity.
Each walk runs from 9 to 11 a.m., with participants meeting outside the refuge headquarters office, 287 Westside Road.
Organizers encourage participants of all experience levels to attend. Those attending the walks should dress for changing weather conditions and bring water, binoculars, and a bird identification book. Spotting scopes are optional.
Visitors should be aware that access to the refuge is impacted by road construction. Riverside Road through the refuge is closed for improvements beginning March 30 and is expected to remain closed through at least mid-summer, with construction continuing into the fall.
More information about the closure and the detour route can be found on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website at fws.gov/carp/story/2026-03/road-closures-kootenai-nwr.
For questions or more information, contact the refuge office at 208-267-3888.