Lake Lowell is usually ice free by the end of February and the local birds respond to the call. Local Canada geese begin setting up nesting territories on the islands in early March, with the peak of the hatch happening on April 15. Migrating waterfowl and other birds drift through the area from March to May, with few concentrations of large numbers. One exception is White-fronted geese which gather on the Snake River in large numbers below Homedale and Weiser. Raptors also nest early, with most completed by April.
Early summer is the time to see the dancing Western Grebes on Lake Lowell.
Large numbers of White Pelicans are common on the lake and the resident Bald Eagles can be seen finding food for their young. On the river large brood groups of local Canada geese are common on pastures and fields adjacent to the river. By late July and early August locally raised duck begin to congregate on the lake. Local Mallards and Wood Ducks can be found on the lake in flooded vegetation. As summer progresses the lake is slowly drawn down for irrigation.