by Darcy Thomas On a drizzly day in May, a group of twelve from Flathead and Mission Audubon met at the University of Montana’s field station in Yellow Bay to learn about ecology and research of the Flathead Watershed, hear the famous food web disaster of Mysis shrimp, and enjoy a quick picnic before tromping…
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by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – MAR/APR 2023 Mid-March offered its usual diversity and abundance of waterfowl, with great numbers of geese and ducks throughout the valley (despite the late ice-out). Eurasian Wigeon were seen among the flocks at many sites around the valley, from March 17through April 11. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal at…
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by Denny Olson I’ve already been gathering research materials for the FAS 2019 Phenology Calendar. Informal discussions with our ad hoc committee are centering around a return to “Birds of Glacier Country” ideas, but I’ve been working on the assumption that we will arrive near that topic with our theme, and I’ll write the monthly/daily…
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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:…
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By Ben Young A“Enigmatic.” “Unknown.” Take a glance at the species account for the Black Swift (Cypseloides niger) in your field guide and you’ll see such descriptors associated with aspects of its life history. How else can one describe a non-perching bird that is seen only as it flies (Sibley 2000) (often foraging high enough…
Read MoreBy Lisa Bate The Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi) is the smallest swift in North America, just slightly smaller than its eastern counterpart, the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica). Best described as a “flying cigar,” this species is easily recognized by its small, cigar-shaped body with long, pointed wings, and short stubby tail. Typically, they can be…
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