Friends of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

09/09/2026

The auto-tour route closure is tied to the Riverside Road closure as it exits onto Riverside where the construction is happening. The construction newsletter says the project will be completed on November 9, 2026. The Refuge does not dictate the construction schedule but we are working with the contractors to ensure that hunters will have access to the Migratory Bird Units at the start of the waterfowl season, the first weekend of October.

09/01/2026

Learn the difference between Mule Deer and Whitetail Deer

When trying to determine mule deer vs whitetail, use these five tell-tale signs to make a positive ID of the deer you're looking at.

08/25/2026

"Thank You" to Shannon Ehlers, Mike Vennard, Jethro Runcomonth's bird count!

Explore a complete list of bird species observations in this region.

08/19/2026

A specie of bird on our refuge named Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird native to US and Canada who travels great distance -- "roughly 5,600 miles (9,000 km) twice a year between western mountain meadows and pine-oak forests in Mexico."
https://www.popsbirding.com/blogs/hummingbird-guide-by-species/calliope-hummingbird

08/11/2026

Mike Vennard spotted two Sandhill Cranes yesterday https://ebird.org/region/USFWS_617
Here is more info about them: https://www.sflorg.com/2026/03/met03292602.html

08/04/2026

https://www.prismnews.com/local/kootenai-id/kootenai-national-wildlife-refuge-protects-habitat-offers

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge pairs habitat protection with public access, from 40,000-bird migrations to auto-tour wildlife viewing near Bonners Ferry.

07/28/2026

Swamp Smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides) is wildflower native to Kootenai Wildlife Refuge:

Swamp smartweed has sword shaped leaves and small flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of branches. Flowers are greenish white with pink tips.

07/21/2026

07/14/2026

4 American White Pelicans were spotted on the refuge last weekend! https://ebird.org/species/amwpel

Thank you Roger Doucet and SJ R for July's e-bird count! https://ebird.org/region/USFWS_617

Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.

07/07/2026

https://www.fws.gov/story/2026-07/kootenai-national-wildlife-refuge-seeks-public-comment-compatibility-determinations

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public review and comment on its Draft Compatibility Determination for an underground powerline right-of-way project. Northern Lights, Inc. has requested to relocate the existing above-ground power line within the Refuge by burying it beneath the county r...