Guess what: you don’t have to be a guy going through a midlife crisis to get into birdwatching. Noticing the feathered friends that share the world with us can prove a relaxing, rewarding hobby for people of all ages. And it turns out Jackson Hole birdwatching is the best birdwatching. (Also, the best season for birdwatching runs from June through September.)
Here, the valley sits right along major migration routes, which means the bird population rotates like a seasonal cast of characters—except instead of understudies, you get cranes, hawks, and the occasional show-stealing bluebird. It’s peaceful, mildly competitive (with yourself, of course), and happens to take place in one of the most scenic backdrops in the country. All in all, checking out birds isn't a bad way to spend a morning.
Birds of Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole’s bird lineup is strong enough to keep things interesting. Over 300 birds have been documented here, but you’d get bored if we tried to list them all, so here’s a sampling:
- Bald eagles: The proud symbol of America. You may have heard of them.
- Ospreys: They dive dramatically into water like they know they’re being watched. Do they still do it when nobody’s keeping an eye on them? Impossible to tell.
- Goldeneye: Not to be confused with the awesome Nintendo 64 game every millennial played at a sleepover at least once during the '90s. (Hey, it's my turn to be Natalya!)
- Merganser: We’ll be honest, we had to look this one up. Turns out it’s a type of large duck. Who knew?
- Sandhill cranes: These things look slightly prehistoric—and act accordingly.
- Mountain bluebirds: They're the state bird of Idaho, but Idaho is okay if we borrow them.
- Great blue herons: These birds are notorious liars. For one, they're not always blue.
- Killdeer: These do not, much to our secret disappointment, kill deer. I mean, we love deer and all, but we kinda wanted to see a tiny little bird take on something a hundred times its mass.
The Best Spots for Jackson Hole Birdwatching
If you’re looking for reliable places to start your birdwatching quest, Jackson Hole delivers without making you work too hard. Click on each place below for a detailed description. The last one has a special spot in our hearts, so we’ve reserved a section at the end of this blog post to go into more detail.
- Mormon Row
- Oxbow Bend
- Jackson Lake Dam
- Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
- South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area
- National Elk Refuge (see below)
Our Favorite Jackson Hole Birdwatching Spot
The National Elk Refuge itself deserves its own moment. Beyond the elk (who, understandably, tend to steal the spotlight), the refuge is a haven for birds, especially during migration seasons. The mix of open water, grasslands, and protected space creates an environment where birds actually want to hang out—which, as it turns out, is helpful when your goal is to see them. Try the expanded observation deck at the visitor center!
In the end, Jackson Hole birdwatching is less about expertise and more about showing up. You don’t need to know every species or own expensive gear to enjoy it—just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to stand still longer than usual. And when you’re staying at Flat Creek Inn, you’re already positioned close to some of the best spots around. The birds will handle the rest.
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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. He's actually staying at Flat Creek Inn this coming weekend. Don't worry, he'll let you know how it goes.
