Camas National Wildlife Refuge

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Camas National Wildlife Refuge

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National Park Overview
About half of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Idaho consists of lakes, ponds and marshlands the remainder is grass sagebrush uplands, meadows and farm fields. Camas Creek flows through the length of the refuge.

During migration, which peaks in March-April and October, up to 50,000 ducks and 3,000 geese may be present on the refuge. Tundra and trumpeter swans visit in the hundreds during migration.

The refuge has become a popular swan watching destination with hundreds of tundra and trumpeter swans stopping over during migration. Several state record songbird observations have been made in refuge cottonwood groves on the refuge.

Water management is a critical component of Camas Refuge operations. An extensive system of canals, dikes, wells, ponds and water-control structures is used to manipulate water for the benefit of wildlife, with an emphasis on nesting waterfowl.

Haying and prescribed fire are used to manipulate vegetation in some fields and small grain crops are grown to provide supplemental feed for geese and cranes and to keep them from damaging private croplands.

Nature of the Area
Camas Refuge provides vital habitat for a variety of migratory birds. About half of the refuges 10,578 acres are lakes, ponds and marshlands. The remainder consists of grass-sagebrush uplands and meadows. Camas Creek flows for 8 miles through the length of the refuge and is the source of water for many lakes and ponds. Several wells on the refuge also provide water for wildlife during the summer. Songbird numbers peak in May-June during spring migration. After feeding and gaining energy, they continue on their way to nest in the surrounding mountains or nesting areas farther north. They peak again in August-September as they pass through on their way south.

Waterfowl numbers peak in March-April and October-ovember. Trumpeter swans nest on the refuge nearly every year. They are present at all seasons, but along with tundra swans -re most abundant during spring and fall migrations. At times, 50,000 waterfowl may be present. As ducks and geese move north in the spring, some find the refuge an ideal place to build nests and raise young. During June-August, broods of ducklings and goslings can be seen swimming - refuge shorelines. Duck species produced in great numbers are redheads, mallards, gadwalls, shovelers, lesser scaup and ruddy ducks.

The marshes attract colonies of nesting waterbirds, including the great egret, snowy egret, cattle egret, great blue heron, black-crowned night-heron and white-faced ibis. In the spring and fall, chances are good you will see sandhill cranes. Grebes, loons, pelicans and bitterns may also be observed. Shallow water and mudflats are good places to look for shorebirds such as willets -vocets, black-ecked stilts and sandpipers.

Refuge uplands support a rich variety of other migratory birds, including hawks and owls. Long-billed curlews and short-eared owls are common in the sagebrush grasslands. Non-migratory birds present year-round include the ring-ecked pheasant and sage grouse.

Bald eagles, recently removed from the list of endangered species -re present throughout the winter, with numbers peaking in early March. Look for them in large cottonwood trees, which they use for nighttime roosting. In 1983, the refuge erected a nesting tower with hopes of reintroducing the endangered peregrine falcon. Six years later, they nested successfully in the tower and have since nested there every year. Today, peregrines may be observed in the spring, summer and fall.

Smaller mammals that are observed are muskrat, beaver, coyote, cottontail and porcupine. You may also occasionally see long-tailed weasel, badger and red fox. Rodents such as meadow vole, ground squirrel and deer mouse are also seen--often by the various refuge predators which are looking for a meal.

White-tailed deer are the most common large animal. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope are less likely to be seen. Moose are sighted frequently in the marshes and willows along Camas Creek. Elk are secretive and less likely to be seen.

Fishing and Hunting
Hunting

Hunting is permitted only in designated areas. All hunters must carry a valid State hunting license plus all required State and Federal stamps, validations and permits.Ducks, geese, coots, mergansers, snipe, pheasants and sage grouse may be hunted. Dates, hunting hours and bag limits for these species correspond to State regulations. Waterfowl hunters may enter the refuge one hour before legal hunting hours. Approved nontoxic shot is required for hunting all species. Temporary blinds of natural vegetation may be constructed, but such blinds are available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. Construction of permanent blinds is prohibited. All personal property including decoys must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day.

All other species are protected and may not be killed.

More Info

Bird Checklists of the United States Camas National Wildlife Refuge Hamer, Idaho Camas National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeast Idaho about 36 miles north of Idaho Falls - the small

Boise District Bird Guide -- Boise, ID Burley District Bird Guide -- Burley, ID Camas National Wildlife Refuge -- Hamer, ID (Printed 9/85) City of Rocks National Reserve -- Almo, ID (Printed 4/97
This Hermit Warbler was present at Camas National Wildlife Refuge on May 22, 2001 from approximately 815am through at least 600pm. The photo was taken hand held with an Oympus C2100 digital
This first year male Summer Tanager was photographed at Camas National Wildlife Refuge on May 17, 2002.
From Interstate 15, take the Hamer exit (exit 150), turn east and go about a quarter of a mile into the little village of Hamer.

Turn north on the frontage road, continue about 3 miles then turn west. Continue nearly 2 miles to the refuge. There are signs after you turn off the interstate.