The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), in southwest Idaho, was established in 1993 to protect a unique environment that supports one of the world's densest concentrations of nesting birds of prey. Falcons, eagles, hawks, and owls occur here in unique profusion and variety. It is part of BLM's National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS).
The area was set aside in response to information gained from one of the most intensive raptor research efforts ever undertaken. Decades of scientific studies defined the area critical to the future of unique bird populations which have captured national and international attention.
This unique area encompasses 485,000 acres and hosts about 800 pairs of falcons, eagles, hawks and owls that come here each spring to mate and raise their young. The best time to view raptors is from mid-March through June during morning and early evening hours. Numerous other recreation opportunities are available such as camping, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, hunting, OHV riding, and scenic/wildlife viewing. A developed campground is located at Cove Recreation Site and primitive camping is available throughout the area.
The NCA is nature in the rough. The birds are not on display. For the most part they are wary of humans and keep their distance. Public facilities in the area are few, but the raptors and their environment offer rich rewards to those who meet the area on its own terms and who have the patience to fit into the natural rhythm of life here.
Fast Morley Nelson Birds of Prey NCA Facts
Total Area — 600,000 total acres (485,000 acres public; 65,000 acres private; 39,000 acres state; 1,000 acres military; and 10,000 acres surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs)
Raptor Species - 24 (16 nesting, 8 migrating/wintering)
Location: About 20 miles south of Boise, Idaho. From Interstate 84 take Exit 44 (Idaho Highway 69) south eight miles. Turn south on Swan Falls Road and head south three miles to the conservation area boundary.
Fees/Facilities:
- No fees
- Season use: Year-round; Best bird watching is Spring
- Developed campground
- Boat ramp
- Trails
- Drinking water
- Restrooms
- Exhibits/Interpretive displays
- Cultural or historical sites
- Shooting restrictions
- Vehicles are required to stay on existing roads and trails
Idaho Falconers Association Adopts Portion of Birds of Prey Conservation Area
A representative of the Idaho Falconers Association (IFA) has contacted BLM with an offer to help maintain a small portion of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). This group of falconers began their stewardship efforts with a clean-up event on October 17, filling a 30-cubic yard dumpster with discarded tires, household items and broken clays from illegal target shooting. They also repaired part of a fence in their adopted area, the north side of Kuna Butte. Several members expressed concern about the vandalism of signs and gates, fences being cut, and increasing erosion caused by newly created off road OHV trails. According to IFA’s representative, Kelly Hardy, “With the support of the BLM, we hope to do more to ensure that this is a safe and clean place for people to walk, to ride their horses, for falconers to fly their hawks and to retain a small pocket of wildlife habitat close to Kuna. We hope that the people of Kuna will come to value this open space so close to their homes and treat it with respect.” Plans are to repair additional sections of fence and schedule another clean-up next spring.
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