Wildlife in the Arboretum
Moose in the Arboretum
Occasionally, moose wander through the Arboretum, especially in late fall and early winter. While exciting to see, these large animals are wild and unpredictable. If you encounter a moose, maintain a safe distance, remain calm and give them space to move freely.
Birdwatching in the Arboretum
In addition to its vast plant collections, the Arboretum’s diverse habitats attract both resident and migratory birds year-round, making it one of the top birdwatching destinations in Latah County.
The combination of maturing ornamental plants, natural forested slopes, ponds and garden areas provides food, nesting areas and stopover sites for more than 160 documented bird species. Common sightings include robins, sparrows, Canada geese, California quail and great blue herons. Seasonal migrants like hummingbirds, hawks, chickadees and waxwings are frequent visitors, while rarer sightings have included a great egret, red-breasted sapsucker and purple finch.
Bird sightings at the Arboretum are recorded in eBird, a global birding database sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. As of now, the U of I Arboretum is the second most-reported birding “hotspot” in Latah County. Users have logged 166 species — an impressive number compared to other popular birding locations in Idaho.
Tip: Bring binoculars and visit during early morning or evening hours for the best birding experience.
Top bird habitats in the Arboretum
- Forested slopes on the west side
- Pond and wetland areas near the center
- Xeriscape and Butterfly Gardens on the south end