by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – March-April Although mid-April snows reminded us that winter was not entirely over, winter resident bird species such as Snowy Owl and Bohemian Waxwing departed, and spring migrants (swallows, cranes, waterfowl, shorebirds and more) continued to arrive on schedule throughout the period. Snow Geese were seen throughout the valley,…
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Flathead Valley Bird Report – May 2021
by Dan Casey Rare and Notables, Arrivals – March/April 2021 3/18 – White-throated Sparrow – Big Mountain (Shannon and Bridger D.) 3/20 – Ross’s Goose – Egan Slough Rd. (Craig H.) 3/20 – Mew Gull – (present two weeks) Somers Bay (Danny T.) 3/31 – Red-necked Grebe (6) – (first of year) Smith Lake (Derrick…
Read MoreSpring/Summer 2017 Field Trips Recap
by Cory Davis and Kathy Ross It was another full and exciting spring and summer for birdwatching in the Flathead Valley. We had a lot of fun, observed some excellent birds (lifers anyone?), and saw some beautiful country. Thank you to all of our wonderful and dedicated field trip leaders! Earth Day 2017, April 22:…
Read MoreAmerican Coot
The “All” American Coot by John Hughes The American Coot, Fulica americana, (Fulica from Latin meaning “coot”) is truly the “All” American Coot. While conventional range maps indicate the absence of Coots in some states in the northeast and Alaska, an examination of eBird’s range map confirms yearly sightings in all continental U.S. states and…
Read MoreVirginia Rail
Sora
By Gail Cleveland Even though I have been watching birds for more than 25 years, I can bring to mind most instances when I have seen the more elusive members of the family Rallidae (coots, rails, crakes and gallinules). I remember seeing my first Virginia Rail in a marshy area in the lower Flathead Valley….
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