|
|
 |
Flathead Audubon’s “Birding Hotspots in the Flathead
Basin” provides short descriptions of 13 places in the
Flathead Valley and nearby areas that offer great
opportunities to see a variety of bird species,
accompanied by a map that shows where these “hot” spots
are, and how to get to them. The brochure also
contains a full list of all bird species seen in the
Flathead, with information on relative abundance by
season breeding status of each species.
CLICK HERE FOR .PDF VERSION
Those who will be visiting the Owen Sowerwine Natural
Area (one of the brochure’s “hotspots”) may wish to look
at the list of all the birds that have been sighted
there. Birders are encouraged to report any species they
see at OSNA that are not on this list.
CLICK HERE FOR OSNA
BIRD LIST .PDF
There are a variety of other good birding places in the
Flathead, besides those identified our “Hotspots”
brochure, encompassing a variety of different habitat
types. Many birders enjoy checking out one of the
following, for example: |
| |
|
|
1.
National
Bison Range
The 18,500-acre National Bison Range, established in
1908, is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the
nation and consists of native Palouse Prairie, forests,
wetlands and streams. More than 200 species of birds
share the area with 350 to 450 bison. The entrance to
the National Bison Range is located off Highway 200 at
Moiese and is most easily accessed from Highway 93 about
75 miles south of Kalispell. |
| |
For
information contact National Bison Range
132 Bison Range Road
Moiese, MT 59824
Phone: 406-644-2211
Email:
bisonrange@fws.gov
|
|
|
2.
Ninepipe and Pablo
National Wildlife Refuges
This exceptional wetland complex contains over 800
glacial potholes and a 1,770-acre reservoir. It was
established in 1921 and is located within the Flathead
Indian Reservation. An access road and paved trail
provide for waterfowl and shorebird viewing where about
200 bird species have been recorded. Great Blue Herons,
Double-crested Cormorants, ducks, grebes, Short-eared
Owls and a wide variety of song birds can be observed
along with superb viewing of raptors during the winter.
Ninepipe NWR is located just south of Ronan along
Highway 93; Pablo NWR is north of Ronan to the west of
Highway 93. Watch for refuge, Waterfowl Production Area,
and Wildlife Management Area signs. The refuges are
crossed by several county roads. |
| |
For
information contact Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife
Refuges
132 Bison Range Road
Moiese, MT 59824
Phone: 406-644-2211
Email:
bisonrange@fws.gov
|
|
|
3.
Thompson Chain of Lakes
This 3,000-acre area, reaching from McGregor Lake to
Loon Lake, offers opportunities for camping and fishing
as well as birding. Waterfowl is abundant and loons have
historically nested on these lakes. Adjacent uplands
provide opportunities for viewing forest birds. The
Thompson Chain of Lakes is located along Highway 2
approximately 40 miles west of Kalispell. |
| |
For
information contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
490 N. Meridian
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-752-5501
|
|
|
4.
Bull River Wildlife Management Area
The 1800-acre Bull River WMA is located between the East
and West Cabinet Mountains in the headwaters of Bull
River and Lake Creek drainages. It encompasses wetland,
lake and streamside habitats as well as an upland boreal
forest to provide outstanding birding opportunities. The
Bull River WMA is located about 20 miles south of Troy
and immediately South of Bull Lake along both sides of
Highway 56. |
| |
For
information contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
490 N. Meridian
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-752-5501 |
|
|
5.
Lone Pine State Park
Lone Pine State Park was established in 1947 and is the
second oldest state park in Montana. The park covers
270 acres of forest habitat and has over seven miles of
hiking trails. Lone Pine offers an excellent birding
opportunity and is home to several different species of
songbirds and raptors. The park is located five miles
southwest of Kalispell, above Foy’s Lake. From downtown
Kalispell, go west on U.S. Highway 2 to Meridian Road.
Take a left on Meridian and follow this road up the hill
for 3 miles. Watch for a brown state park sign and take
a left on Lone Pine Road. Follow this road up the hill
and through the park entrance gate. There is a $5
entrance fee for out-of-state vehicles. |
|
| |
For information contact Lone Pine State Park
300 Lone Pine Road
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-755-2706 |
|
|
6.
Jewel Basin Hiking Area
Jewel Basin is a specially designated backcountry area
at the north end of the Swan Mountain Range east of
Kalispell and southeast of Columbia Falls. It includes
15,349 acres for hiking and camping, 27 alpine lakes and
50 miles of hiking trails. The mountains are forested
with spruce, fir and some whitebark pine. Mount Aeneas
is the highest peak at 7,528 feet. Mount Aeneas is the
site of the American Bird Conservancy’s Hawk Watch.
Seventeen species of migrating raptors, particularly
accipiters, have been counted here between late August
and mid-October. Jewel Basin also offers opportunities
to observe many other bird species, such as, Cassin’s
Finch and Olive-sided Flycatcher, in addition to
fishing, wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities.
Jewel Basin may be accessed from the west from near
Bigfork and Echo Lake and also from the east from Hungry
Horse Dam. Group size is limited. |
|
| |
|
For information contact:
Hungry Horse Ranger District Office
PO Box 190340
Hungry Horse, MT 59919
406-387-3800
Swan Lake Ranger District Office
200 Ranger Station Road
Bigfork, MT 59911
406-837-7500
Flathead National Forest
Forest Supervisor’s Office
1935 3rd Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-758-5200
www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/
|
|
|
| |
|
|
