The best air show in east Idaho — for a limited time
Published at | Updated atROBERTS — Market Lake Wildlife Management Area near Roberts is a magical place in the spring. It’s one of the first places ice recedes. Migrating spring birds know this and use the WMA ponds as a rest stop on their way to summer nesting grounds.
The pond’s popularity is to your benefit. For a only few weeks in March, Market Lake turns white. Thousands upon thousands of snow geese float on the water and fly overhead.
“It tells us our management is going in the right direction,” says Josh Rydalch, Idaho Department of Fish and Game population biologist. “They could stop by and if they don’t find anything, they’re going to move on quicker, but if they’re there and they’re there for longer periods of time in that type of number, we’re doing something right.”
To witness the white wonder’s visual overload, drive 15 minutes north of Idaho Falls to Market Lake. Or, if you have more time, drive another 15 minutes north to Camas National Wildlife Refuge.
The wild air show is well worth the road trip.
Outdoor journalist Kris Millgate is based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. See her work at www.tightlinemedia.com.