birding...

Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta ©Robert Royse http://www.roysephotos.com/index.html

If you had to pick one word to describe the birding habitat of Montana it would likely be diverse. From the near-rain forest conditions of the northwest to the arid plains of the east to the alpine tundra of the south, Montana has birding opportunities in abundance. It is the fourth largest state, over 147,000 square miles in area, containing part of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, Glacier National Park and the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park. You might hear the call of Chestnut-Backed Chickadees at elevations of just above 1800 feet near the Kootenai River, or watch Black Rosy Finches feeding at the edge of a receding snow field at almost 11,000 feet on the Beartooth Highway in July. A birder who is willing to spend a few weeks travelling the state in early summer could tally a list of 200 species or more.

Montana has some unique opportunities for birding, such as the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman. In October it is the site of the highest concentration of migrating Golden Eagles in the lower 48 states. From the top of the mountains above Bridger Bowl Ski Area, you can watch the eagles migrate (almost 2000 per season in some years); as well as over a dozen other raptor species. Hawkwatch International has had two observers at the observation point for the last several seasons, taking a census of the migrating eagles and other raptors, and they will gladly point out birds to any visitors who have the fitness and stamina to make the climb. On the way up and down you might see Rock Wrens, Green-tailed Towhees, Blue Grouse and Gray Crowned Rosy Finches. If you can handle the two-hour walk and 8600-ft (2646 meter) elevation, it is well worth the effort.

Gathering points for birders are often the many national wildlife refuges and wildlife management areas in the state. From Medicine Lake in the northeast to Ninepipe in the northwest, to Red Rock Lakes in the south, Montana`s refuges are rich in species and habitats. Freezout Lake WMA is a staging area for over 100,000 Snow and Ross`s geese in spring and fall migrations. Benton Lake NWR, only a short drive from Freezout, boasts nesting species such as Short-eared and Burrowing Owls, White-faced Ibis, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Loggerhead Shrike, Franklin`s Gull, Vesper Sparrow and Sharp-tailed Grouse, as well as many waterfowl and shorebirds. In May and June the refuge provides a blind for public viewing of dancing Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Another spectacular pair of birding areas is Ninepipe NWR and the National Bison Range in north-western Montana. From a single observation point in the wetland areas of Ninepipe you can see abundant waterfowl, Bald and Golden Eagles, nesting colonies of Great Blue Herons and Double-crested Cormorants, several species of hawks and falcons, American Avocets and Black Swifts, all under the backdrop of the beautiful and rugged Mission Mountains. The nearby National Bison Range complements Ninepipe with grassland species such as Grasshopper Sparrow and Gray Partridge, as well as higher altitude species like Clark`s Nutcracker, Lewis`s Woodpecker, Mountain Bluebird, Red-naped Sapsucker and Townsend`s Solitaire. Looking out over the valley from Antelope Ridge, you can imagine the days when tens of thousands of bison roamed the state grazing prairie grasses, and providing cowbirds` original native habitat – their own backs.

A sudden change in habitat and elevation, such as from Ninepipe to the Bison Range and Mission Mountains, is typical of many of the best birding areas of Montana, especially in the western half of the state. There are several small and isolated mountain ranges rising up out of the prairie, and wide river valleys separating steep mountain ranges, such as the Centennial Valley - the location of Red Rock Lakes NWR. At this refuge Swainson`s Hawks nest within 20 yards of the road, fledgling Bald Eagles test their wings over the water, flocks of American White Pelicans soar with a grace and poise like no other bird, and Trumpeter Swans share the waters with Long-billed Curlews, Cinnamon Teal and Clark`s Grebes, to name only a few. Spectacular birding surrounds the refuge for miles on all sides.

Montana is known as Big Sky Country, a fitting description of the wide open land found in most of the state. One advantage of these big skies is the great raptor viewing at almost all times of the year. For a great day of raptor watching in the prairie wind, visit the Kevin Rim (say Kee-vin) where sandstone cliffs rise dramatically from the mixed grass prairie north of Great Falls. The world`s highest nesting density of Ferruginous Hawks is here as these regal buteos hunt the ground squirrel colonies dotting the countryside to the south and east. Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, American Kestrels and Red-tailed Hawks share the Ferruges` abode as well. Watch for Great-Horned Owls and a potential Merlin, too. Both McCown`s and Chestnut-collared Longspurs as well as Horned Larks and Sprague`s Pipits pirouette over the lands bordering these cliffs. The farmlands and ranchlands on the way to and from the Kevin support puddle ducks (Gadwalls, the 3 western North American teal, Northern Shovelers, among others) in wet years, with Long-billed Curlews, Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and Swainson`s Hawks rounding out some further notable species. Isolated pairs of Burrowing Owls can sometimes even be found along a roadside culvert or washout so keep your eyes peeled along the road!

When birding Montana there is one book you should always carry in addition to your field guide: Terry McEneaney`s Birding Montana. It is an essential and comprehensive companion for anyone birding in the state. Besides the thorough information on bird species, birding areas and tips on the unique characteristics of each area, McEneaney gives sound advice about travel, equipment, hazards and precautions, the kind of advice that often makes the difference between a bad trip and a great one. It covers 45 major birding areas in the state, with excellent maps and directions. Buy this book. It is as complete and accurate as they come.