sandhill cranes at flat ranch preserve Photo courtesy of Barry Ladd Photography — sandhill cranes at flat ranch preserve
Photo courtesy of Barry Ladd Photography

It’s almost spring and the birds are calling. The “ker-lee” call of the curlews or the trumpeting of the sandhill cranes if you’re in Island Park. Birders, this is a secret hot spot where it is said that the songbirds can’t wait to greet you. If you’ve always wanted to be a birdwatcher, this is the place to start.

Just minutes away from your cabin is the Flat Ranch Preserve, which just happens to be home to one of the largest populations of long-billed curlews in Idaho, a rather uncommon (and very charming) shorebird.

Attention photographers — these “candlestick birds” are very photogenic.

FLAT RANCH PRESERVE

The expansive untouched landscape of the Flat Ranch Preserve (1,450 acres), where an abundance of wildlife freely roams within the Greater Yellowstone at the headwaters of Henry’s Fork River, is protected by The Nature Conservancy’s stewardship and commitment to preserving the land since 1994. It is currently open to the public, just fifteen miles from West Yellowstone, and…it’s free.

The ranch is a serene place to visit with so many things to do: trails, picnicking, fishing in Henry’s Fork, or simply taking in the spectacular views of wildflowers and wildlife in the wetlands.

BIRDING DESTINATION

While enjoying the curlews, don’t miss these other winged friends at the Preserve: sandhill cranes, bald eagles, ospreys, short-eared owls, and mountain bluebirds. The landscape is also lush with wildflowers in the summer, so look for mule's ear, larkspur, prairie smoke, and blue camas. Get your camera ready.

A majestic eagle, Photo courtesy of barry ladd photography

Beyond birds, you’re also likely to find wolves, bears, deer, and the beautiful pronghorn trekking through this Yellowstone area, one of the largest in-tact ecosystems on earth.

LONG-BILLED CURLEWS

For bird lovers meandering the grasslands this Spring, watch for North American’s largest shorebird’s signature tricks, according to All About Birds:

Walking or running along the ground
Taking flight: jump into the air, toss their legs behind them, and pull their neck in slightly
Landing: swing their wings upward, flutter briefly, and touch down on their long legs before bringing their wings down, and sometimes they will run a short distance on the ground before coming to a stop
Hunting: search for prey in groups, walking side by side to flush up grasshoppers and other insects during the breeding season
The crouch-and-run display: Around the nest, curlews are highly territorial and perform threat displays toward intruders, sometimes crouching down and lifting their wings slightly while running toward the intruder
Aerial displays: Males court females with aerial displays, calling, and ritualized scraping and nest-building gestures, often fluttering up to 50 feet above the ground and descending with their head stretched out, wings curved downward, and legs tucked up into the body while calling
Resting: sometimes standing on one leg with their long bill tucked under their shoulder

Think these curlews sound pretty charismatic? They’re coming this Spring and will stick around all summer.

OTHER PLACES FOR BIRDWATCHING

Madison River
Eagles and Osprey can be seen often on the Madison River, down river from Hebgen Dam going toward Ennis.

Snake River
Swans like to frequent the Snake River anywhere between Mack’s Inn and Harriman.

Read here for more fun things to do in Island Park.

an Osprey about to enjoy lunch, Photo courtesy of barry ladd photography

WHAT TO BRING

You will definitely want to pack a lunch and make a day out of this beautiful preserve. Don’t forget plenty of water and snacks, too, if you plan to wander the trails. For to-go lunches, check out this list of the best food in Island Park. The pastrami sandwich at Connie’s comes to mind.

Aside from food, (the essential), it would be nice to have a sketchpad if you’re an artist — you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine wildlife in their natural habitat. Comfy water-resistant shoes, layered clothing, and of course your binoculars!

Don’t have any binoculars, or left them at home? Check Robin’s Roost, a lovely little market where people on Tripadvisor say they can find a little of everything they need. You may also pick up snacks, to-go lunches, and any other supplies you may need for your birdwatching adventure.

Of course, you will need a cozy, charming cabin to rest your head (and a hot tub to soak in) after a long day exploring the Greater Yellowstone area.

SPECIAL THANKS TO BARRY LADD PHOTOGRAPHY

Barry Ladd’s journey as a photographer began in 1972, capturing images for his high school yearbook using black and white film. His passion now is to create beautiful and lasting memories for others to enjoy and take pleasure in. Being in photography for over 40+ years, he is still always learning and striving to be better. Ladd, who prides himself on being people-friendly and providing affordable service, started his own business in 2016 and has enjoyed seeing it grow every year. Find him on Facebook @barryl.ladd

THE LITTLE CHALET IN THE FOREST

This charming little cozy cabin now has a hot tub!

We rebuilt the Little Chalet by hand, from demolition down to the bare logs, with love and dedication so a small party can cuddle up and experience why we are so enchanted by Island Park, Idaho. Our custom handmade entry door opens up to a cozy clean space with whimsical accents, windows, and a large deck that offers a stunning forest view... and we offer you a warmest welcome gift so you will feel absolutely spoiled here. Take a virtual tour here.

The Little Chalet conveniently sits right next to the Big Chalet cabin if you need more space for a larger group. The Big log cabin sleeps up to 6-7 and this Little Chalet cabin can sleep up to 5.

Don’t let your favorite cabin get booked up before Spring is over!

BOOK YOUR CABIN Close to yellowstone and the preserve here