Little Spokane River Painted Rocks Area Field Trip Report

Submitted by Lisa Clark, Coeur d’Alene Audubon Member

On April 8, a group of 14 Coeur d’Alene Audubon members set out for a field trip to the Painted Rocks area along the Little Spokane River. We began with an introduction from Washington State Parks Interpretive Ranger Cory Carpenter, who shared context on the site’s petroglyphs and the history of human presence in the area—an informative start that grounded the morning in both natural and cultural observation.

Hooded Merganser

Before heading out on the trail, our field trip leader, Ted, noted that this trail is an intimate space, and recommended that we maintain as much quiet as possible to maximize our observations. As such, we moved slowly along the trail—pausing often to listen, scan, and compare notes. This quiet and slow pace allowed for shared discoveries and quiet exchanges among a group that included both long-time members and several new members visiting from Sandpoint. Their familiarity with birds and easy camaraderie added to the experience, and we look forward to returning the favor with a trip north later this year.

The landscape offered as much to observe as the birds themselves. Yellow-bellied marmots moved among the granite outcrops above, while the Little Spokane River wound below in its natural, undisturbed channel. Serviceberry was in bloom, and the early signs of spring were evident in the budding trees and shrubs.

Canada Goose

One moment of particular interest came when a Canada Goose was observed perched in a tree cavity roughly 15 feet from the trail, actively feeding on insects. The behavior prompted speculation about possible nesting, and a few of us plan to revisit the site to follow any developments.

After several hours in the field, part of the group gathered for lunch nearby at the Kalispell Country Club, continuing conversations that had started on the trail—another reflection of how these outings foster not only careful observation but also the sharing of knowledge and experience. Overall, we all had a great time and look forward to birding this trail again in the future.

Species directly observed and identified:

1. American Robin

2. Bald Eagle

3. Black-billed Magpie

4. Black-capped Chickadee

5. Canada Goose

6. Cinnamon Teal

7. Common Merganser

8. Common Raven

9. Dark-eyed Junco

10. Downy Woodpecker

11. European Starling

12. Green-winged Teal

13. Hooded Merganser

14. Mallard

15. Mourning Dove

16. Northern Flicker

17. Pileated Woodpecker

18. Pygmy Nuthatch

19. Red-breasted Nuthatch

20. Red-tailed Hawk

21. Red-winged Blackbird

22. Song Sparrow

23. Spotted Towhee

24. Tree Swallow

25. Turkey Vulture

26. Violet-green Swallow

27. Western Bluebird

28. White-breasted Nuthatch

29. Wood Duck