U R R Up. __ Lincoln's Sparrow. S, Su, F. R R R Up. __ Fox Sparrow. S, Su, F. R R R Up, Ri. __ Golden-crowned Sparrow S,
Hells Canyon Bird Checklist
A Checklist for the Birds of Hells Canyon Welcome to the Hells Canyon Complex (HCC), an Idaho Powerowned and -operated, three-dam hydroelectric complex made up of Brownlee, completed in 1959; Oxbow, completed in 1961; and Hells Canyon, completed in 1968. These three dams have operated continually, supplying electricity to Idaho Power customers. The company also has built four beautiful parks in the canyon for public use and maintains a fish hatchery at Oxbow. Some of these facilities were built in response to federal requirements as part of the license Idaho Power received to build and operate the dams. Idaho Power also acquired approximately 24,000 acres of habitat mitigation lands for relicensing the HCC. Daly Creek, purchased in 2005 and located along the Powder River Arm of Brownlee Reservoir, functions as the headquarters for these lands. Other purchased lands include properties along Sturgill, Cottonwood and Wildhorse Creeks in Idaho and Eagle and Pine Creeks in Oregon. Idaho Power manages these areas to promote wildlife habitat and minimize operational impacts the HCC may have on wildlife habitat, particularly mule deer winter range. While these lands were purchased to meet federal requirements, Idaho Power has embraced the philosophy of operating its projects for the benefit of the public, since its earliest days. We appreciate the public trust Hells Canyon we have been given and recognize our role supports an as one of the many stewards of the river in abundance of this area, which is why we have developed bird species. this booklet for your use and enjoyment. If you are interested in birding, you have come to a great place, as there are a variety of habitats in Hells Canyon that support a wide diversity of bird species. This booklet lists birds likely to be seen in Hells Canyon and where they may be located. The list was compiled using four years of avian surveys conducted along the Snake River from Farewell Bend to the confluence of the Snake and Salmon Rivers supplemented with information available in bird guides. Brownlee Reservoir Brownlee reservoir is approximately 50 miles long and encompasses several habitat types supporting many bird species. The upland communities surrounding this body of water provide an excellent opportunity to view raptors (eagles, hawks, and falcons) as they soar high above searching for prey.There also are numerous tributaries lined with riparian vegetation important for resident and migratory songbirds.There are many excellent public access areas to look for birds along this reservoir and its tributaries. For example, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) operates Brownlee Wildlife Management Area along the reservoir. Please contact the IDFG for more information at (208) 257-3363. Other opportunities exist in Woodhead Park (owned and operated by Idaho Power), Steck Park (Bureau of Land Management), Farewell Bend State Park (State of Oregon) and the Spring Recreation Site (BLM).
The Powder River Arm of Brownlee Reservoir provides an excellent and rare opportunity to view shore birds migrating through this area. Large numbers of wading birds congregate here, particularly in the fall as they move to their wintering grounds far to the south. The birds are attracted to the mud flats created by a fluctuations in the reservoir’s water level. As many as 15 different species of wading birds have been observed in one day. Oxbow Reservoir This booklet Oxbow reservoir begins the rapid transition from the dry rolling hills of Brownlee to a lists birds steeper, wetter climate. Songbirds find this likely to area particularly attractive. Oxbow’s wetter be seen in climate enhances the presence of shrubs, Hells Canyon which provide food, cover and nesting habitat for a variety of songbirds. Some of and where the most common species include spotted they may be towhees, lazuli buntings and black-capped located. chickadees. Oxbow also provides a refuge for waterfowl during fall and spring migration. Most stay only a day or two so keep your eyes open. You could observe Harlequin ducks, hooded mergansers or even loons. Some suggested areas for finding birds include McCormick Park, Cottonwood Creek and the area around Oxbow Dam. Hells Canyon Reservoir Birding really becomes an adventure along Hells Canyon reservoir. The steep and rugged terrain is composed mostly of native bunchgrass that once covered much of the country. There are many excellent tributaries to look for birds along this reservoir. Kinney, Eckles and Allison Creeks all have trails for short hikes where you may observe raptors, sparrows and wrens in the uplands, as well as vireos, warblers and fly catchers in riparian and mountain shrub habitats. The reservoir and surrounding areas abound with game birds, songbirds and raptors. For some great hiking and birding, try the wilderness trail on the Oregon side of the reservoir to McGraw Creek. For more relaxed birding, try Idaho Power’s Hells Canyon or Copperfield parks or visit the U.S. Forest Service information center below Hells Canyon Dam. In addition, the steep Kleinschmidt and Ballard roads, which scale the canyon walls, allow serious birders to reach higher elevations where a variety of jays, woodpeckers and forest grouse can be observed in the mixed conifer forests.
A word of caution: Please be careful in all of your travels in Hells Canyon, particularly when hiking. There are many hazards including poison ivy, rattlesnakes and steep, rocky terrain. This information is provided for your enjoyment
Hells Canyon Area Map Hells Canyon Dam
Hells Canyon Nat’l. Rec. Area
95
Hells Canyon Park
N
New Meadows
Copperfield Park
Oxbow Dam
Halfway
McCormick Park
Brownlee Dam
86
WoodHead Park
Council
Richland
71
84
Sna ke R
ive
r
WMA Headquarters
Cambridge
95 Steck Park Weiser
Farwell Bend Park OREGON
IDAHO
IDAHO
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
LOONS __ Common Loon __ Yellow-billed Loon
Abundance Season
Habitat
S, F, W W
U R R R R R
Wa Wa
Grebes __ Pied-billed Grebe __ Western Grebe __ Clark’s Grebe __ Eared Grebe
S, Su, F, W S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F, W
U C U R
U U U R
Wa Wa Wa Wa
Pelicans __ American White Pelican
S, Su
C
R
Wa
Cormorants __ Double-crested Cormorant
S, Su, F, W
C U R
Wa
C C C
Wa, Ri
R R R U R R R R R R
Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri
R R R U C C C
Wa Wa Wa Wa, Ri
Herons, Egrets, Ibis, Bitterns __ Great Blue Heron S, Su, F, W __ Black-crowned Night-heron Su, F __ Snowy Egret Su __ Great Egret S, Su __ Cattle Egret Su __ White-faced Ibis Su Swans, Geese, Ducks __ Tundra Swan __ Trumpeter Swan __ Snow Goose __ Canada Goose __ Greater Whitefronted Goose __ Ross’ Goose __ Mallard __ Wood Duck __ Northern Shoveler __ Green-winged Teal __ Cinnamon Teal __ Blue-winged Teal __ American Wigeon __ Northern Pintail __ Gadwall __ Common Goldeneye __ Barrow’s Goldeneye __ Bufflehead __ Common Merganser __ Hooded Merganser __ Red-breasted Merganser __ Harlequin Duck __ Oldsquaw __ Greater Scaup __ Lesser Scaup __ Ring-necked Duck __ Canvasback __ Redhead
S, F W W S, Su, F, W
U U U R
W R S R S, Su, F, W A C C S, Su, F, W R R R S, Su, F, W R R R S, Su, F, W C C C S, Su, F U U U S, Su, F R R R S, F, W C U U S, F, W R R R S, Su, F, W U U U S, Su, F, W A A A S, Su, F, W C C C S, F, W U U U S, Su, F, W A A A S, Su, F, W U U U S, W R R R S, F, W R R R S, W R R R S, F, W R R R S, F, W R R R S, Su, F, W R R R W P P P S, F, W R R R
Wa Wa Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa, Ri Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
Abundance Season
Habitat
Swans, Geese, Ducks (cont’d) __Ruddy Duck S, W __ White-winged Scoter S, F, W
R R R Wa R R R Wa
Vultures __ Turkey Vulture
C C C
Up, Ri
C C C C C C C U U R U U U U U U U U U U R R R U R R U U U C C C R R R U U U R R R
Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri
Quail, Grouse, Partridge __ California Quail S, Su, F, W C C C __ Mountain Quail S, Su, F, W R __ Ruffed Grouse S, Su, F, W C C C __ Dusky/Blue Grouse S, Su, F, W U U U __ Spruce Grouse S, Su, F, W P P P __ Greater Sage-Grouse S, Su, F, W R __ Sharp-tailed Grouse S, Su, F, W R __ Gray Partridge S, Su, F, W C U U __ Chukar S, Su, F, W C C C
Up, Ri Ri Ri, Fo Up, Fo Fo Up Up Up Up
Turkey, Pheasant __ Wild Turkey __ Ring-necked Pheasant
S, Su, F, W S, Su, F, W
U U
Ri Ag
Coots, Rails __ American Coot __ Sora __ Virginia Rail
S, Su, F, W S, Su S, Su
C U U P P P P
Ri Ri Ri
Avocets, Stilts __ American Avocet __ Black-necked Stilt
S, Su, F S, Su, F
U P
M M
Plovers __ Black-bellied Plover __ Snowy Plover __ Semipalmated Plover __ Killdeer
S, F S, F S, F S, Su, F
R P R C R R
M M M M
U
M
S, Su, F
Eagles, Hawks, Falcons __ Bald Eagle S, Su, F, W __ Golden Eagle S, Su, F, W __ Red-tailed Hawk S, Su, F, W __ Ferruginous Hawk S, Su, F __ Swainson’s Hawk S, Su, F __ Rough-legged Hawk W __ Sharp-shinned Hawk S, Su, F, W __ Cooper’s Hawk S, Su, F, W __ Northern Goshawk S, Su, F, W __ Northern Harrier S, Su, F, W __ Osprey S, Su, F __ American Kestrel S, Su, F, W __ Merlin S, F, W __ Prairie Falcon S, Su, F __ Peregrine Falcon S, Su, F
Sandpipers, Phalaropes __ Semipalmated Sandpiper S, F
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
Abundance Season
Sandpipers, Phalaropes (cont’d) __ Solitary Sandpiper S, F __ Least Sandpiper S, F __ Spotted Sandpiper S, Su, F __ Pectoral Sandpiper S, F __ Baird’s Sandpiper S, F __ Wilson’s Phalarope S, F __ Red-necked Phalarope S, F __ Greater Yellowlegs S, F __ Lesser Yellowlegs S, F __ Long-billed Curlew S, F __ Common Snipe S, F __ Western Sandpiper S, F __ Willet S, F __ Dunlin S, F __ Long-billed Dowitcher S, F __ Marbled Godwit S, F __ Sanderling S, F
R U U U U R U R R R R R R U P R R P R
Habitat M M M M M M M M M Up M M M M M M M
Gulls, Terns __ California Gull __ Ring-billed Gull __ Franklin’s Gull __ Bonaparte’s Gull __ Mew Gull __ Common Tern __ Forster’s Tern __ Black Tern __ Caspian Tern __ Black-legged Kittiwake
S, Su, F, W C C C S, Su, F, W C C C Su R R R Su R R R Su R F R Su U R R Su R R R Su R R R W R
Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa
Doves __ Rock Dove __ Mourning Dove
S, Su, F, W S, Su, F
U R R C C C
Ag Up, Ri
Owls __ Northern Pygmy Owl __ Barn Owl __ Great Horned Owl __ Western Screech-Owl __ Barred Owl __ Long-eared Owl __ Short-eared Owl __ Northern Saw-whet Owl __ Burrowing Owl __ Flammulated Owl
S, F, W U U U S, Su, F, W U R R S, Su, F, W U U U S, Su, F, W U U U S, Su, F, W R R S, Su, F, W R R R S, Su, F, W R S, Su, W R R S, Su U S, Su R R R
Fo Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Up Ri Up Ri, Fo
Nighthawks, Poorwills __ Common Nighthawk Su, F __ Common Poorwill Su, F
C C C R R
Up, Ri Up, Ri
Swifts __ Vaux’s Swift __ White-throated Swift
R R R U U U
Wa Wa
Su, F Su, F
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
Hummingbirds __ Rufous Hummingbird __ Calliope Hummingbird __ Black-chinned Hummingbird __ Broad-tailed Hummingbird Kingfishers __ Belted Kingfisher
Abundance Season
Habitat
S, Su, F S, Su, F
U U C U U U
Ri Ri
S, Su, F
R R R
Ri
S, Su, F
P P P
Ri
S, Su, F, W
C C C
Wa, Ri
Woodpeckers __ Downy Woodpecker __ Hairy Woodpecker __ Northern Flicker __ Lewis’ Woodpecker __ Williamson’s Sapsucker __ Red-naped Sapsucker __ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker __ Pileated Woodpecker __ White-headed Woodpecker
S, Su, F, W U S, Su, F, W U S, Su, F, W C S, Su, F, W U S, Su, F, W R S, Su, F, W R F S, Su, F, W
U U U U C C R R R R R R R R R
Ri, Fo Ri, Fo Up, Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Fo
S, Su, F, W
R R
Fo
Kingbirds, Flycatchers __ Cordilleran Flycatcher __ Olive-sided Flycatcher __ Dusky Flycatcher __ Willow Flycatcher __ Gray Flycatcher __ Ash-throated Flycatcher __ Say’s Phoebe __ Western Wood-pewee __ Western Kingbird __ Eastern Kingbird
S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F
R R R R R R R R R R R R P P U U U U U U C C C U U U
Ri Ri Ri Ri Up Up Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri Up, Ri
Larks __ Horned Lark
S, Su, F, W
C R
Up
Swallows __ Violet-green Swallow __ Northern Rough-winged Swallow __ Tree Swallow __ Cliff Swallow __ Barn Swallow __ Bank Swallow
S, Su, F
C C C
Wa
S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F
C U U R R R A A A U U U C
Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa
Ravens, Crows, Jays __ Common Raven __ American Crow __ Clark’s Nutcracker __ Black-billed Magpie __ Gray Jay __ Blue Jay __ Steller’s Jay
S, Su, F, W U S, Su, F, W C S, Su, F, W U S, Su, F, W A S, Su, F, W R S, F S, Su, F, W U
U C U A R R U
U C U A R R U
Up, Ri Up, Ri Fo Up, Ri Fo Ri Fo
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
Abundance Season
Habitat
Chickadees, Bushtits __ Black-capped Chickadee S, Su, F, W __ Mountain Chickadee S, Su, F, W __ Bushtit S, Su
C C C U U U R R R
Ri Fo Ri
Nuthatches, Creepers __ White-breasted Nuthatch S, Su, F, W __ Red-breasted Nuthatch S, Su, F, W __ Brown Creeper S, Su, F, W
R R R U U U R R R
Fo Fo Ri
Wrens __ Winter Wren __ Canyon Wren __ Rock Wren __ Marsh Wren __ House Wren
S, Su, F, W S, Su, F, W S, Su, F, W S, Su S, Su
R U U C C C C C C R U U U
Ri Up Up E Ri
Dippers __ American Dipper
S, Su, F, W
U U U
Wa
Thrushes __ Hermit Thrush __ Swainson’s Thrush __ Varied Thrush __ Veery __ American Robin __ Townsend’s Solitaire __ Golden-crowned Kinglet __ Ruby-crowned Kinglet __ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher __ Western Bluebird __ Mountain Bluebird
S R R R S, Su R U U S, Su R R S, Su R R S, Su, F, W C C C S, Su, F, W U U U S, F U U U S, Su, F C C C S, Su P P P S, Su U U U S, Su R R R
Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri, Fo Ri Ri
Thrashers __ Gray Catbird __ Sage Thrasher
S, Su S, Su
R R R R R R
Ri Up
Pipits __ American Pipit
S, F
R R R
Up
Waxwings __ Bohemian Waxwing __ Cedar Waxwing
W S, Su, F
R R R Ri U U U Ri
Shrikes __ Loggerhead Shrike __ Northern Shrike
S, Su, F W
R R R R R R
Up, Ri Up, Ri
Starlings __ European Starling
S, Su, F, W
U U U
Ag, Ri
Vireos __ Solitary Vireo __ Warbling Vireo __ Red-eyed Vireo
S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F
C C C U U U U U U
Ri Ri Ri
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
Abundance Season
Habitat
Warblers __ Yellow-rumped Warbler __ Yellow Warbler __ Wilson’s Warbler __ Orange-crowned Warbler __ Nashville Warbler __ MacGillivray’s Warbler __ Townsend’s Warbler __ Common Yellowthroat __ American Redstart __ Yellow-breasted Chat
S, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F
C C C U U U R R R U U U C C C U U U R R R R P P P C C C
Up, Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Ri Fo E Ri, Fo Ri
Tanangers __ Western Tanager
S, Su, F
U U U
Up, Ri
Buntings, Grosbeaks __ Lazuli Bunting S, Su, F __ Black-headed Grosbeak S, Su, F
A A A U U U
Up, Ri Ri
Sparrows, Towhees __ Song Sparrow S, Su, F, W C C C __ American Tree Sparrow S, Su, F R __ Black-throated Sparrow S, Su R R R __ Sage Sparrow S, Su R __ Vesper Sparrow S, Su, F U U U __ Savannah Sparrow S, Su, F C C C __ White-crowned Sparrow S, Su, F, W U U U __ Chipping Sparrow S, Su, F, W C C C __ Lark Sparrow S, Su, F C U U __ Brewer’s Sparrow S, Su, F U R R __ Lincoln’s Sparrow S, Su, F R R R __ Fox Sparrow S, Su, F R R R __ Golden-crowned Sparrow S, F R __ Grasshopper Sparrow S, Su, F R __ Lapland Longspur W P P P __ Snow Bunting W P P P __ Dark-eyed Junco S, F, W C C C __ Spotted Towhee S, Su, F A A A __ Green-tailed Towhee S, Su R R R
Ri Ri Up Up Up Up Up, Ri Up, Ri Up Up Up Up, Ri Ri Up Up Up Up, Ri Ri Ri
Blackbirds, Orioles __ Red-winged Blackbird __ Yellow-headed Blackbird __ Brewer’s Blackbird __ Brown-headed Cowbird __ Bobolink __ Western Meadowlark __ Bullock’s Oriole __ Common Grackle
S, Su, F C S, Su, F R S, Su, F C S, Su, F C S, Su, F R S, Su, F, W C S, Su, F C S
U U R R C C C U R R C C C C R
E, Ri E, Ri Ag, Ri Ag, Ri Up, Ri Up Ri Ag, Ri
Finches __ American Goldfinch __ Cassin’s Finch __ Black Rosy-finch __ Gray-crowned Rosy-finch __ House Finch
S, Su, F S, Su, W W W S, Su, F, W
A R R R U
Ri Ri Fo Fo Ri
A R R R U
A R R R R
Br ow Ox nle bo e He w lls Ca ny on
Abundance Season
Habitat
Finches (cont’d) __ Purple Finch __ Lesser Goldfinch __ Pine Siskin __ Pine Grosbeak __ Evening Grosbeak __ Red Crossbil __ White-winged Crossbill __ Common Redpoll
S, F S S, Su, F, W S, Su, F S, Su, F S, Su, F S, F, W S
R R C P U R P P
R R R C C P P U U R R P P P P
Ri Ri Ri Fo Ri Fo Fo Fo
Weaver Finch __ House Sparrow
S, Su, F, W
U R R
Up
Legend Seasons: S = Spring, Su = Summer, F = Fall, W = Winter Abundance: R = Rare, U = Uncommon, C = Common, A = Abundant, Blank = Not Observed, P = Potential Habitat: Ag = Agricultural, E = Emergent, M = Mudflats, Ri = Riparian, Up = Uplands, Fo = Forest, Ur = Urban, Wa = Water (Reservoir or Stream)
24-hour Recreation Report
1-800-422-3143
www.idahopower.com
Hells Canyon Bird Checklist Notes Date
Printed on recycled paper. CID#22952/250/12-10 © 2010 Idaho Power
