Idaho wildlife
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Osprey are fish-eating raptors seen near Idaho mountain lakes.
See the Osprey up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Best viewed in morning or late afternoon; check Idaho Fish and Game's osprey nesting report for active sites.
Where to look
Alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Mountains, Sawtooth National Recreation AreaCoeur d'Alene Lake, Coeur d'AleneHenry's Lake, Island Park
Conservation status
Common summer resident in Idaho
Good to know
Do osprey migrate through Idaho?
Yes, they are summer residents, arriving in April and departing by October.
What is the best way to spot an osprey?
Look for nests on tall structures near water or watch for hovering flight over lakes.
Make it a trip
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