Field Trip Descriptions

Friday

FRI 1: Lone Pine State Park

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Moderate | Bathrooms: Yes
Extra cost- State Park

Great views and great birding with Lone Pine State Park will greet festival participants who arrive in the Flathead Valley early and want to get started early on bird watching. We will meet at the Visitor Center at 10 a.m. where we will watch feeder birds before walking along designated dirt trails with some uphill for a short walk of about a half mile looking for Townsend’s Solitaires, several species of woodpeckers, vireos, grosbeaks, and warblers. A short walk to an amazing vista overlooking the valley will reveal the blue waters of Flathead Lake to the south and the Swan Mountains to the east with a peekaboo look into the peaks of Glacier National Park. On the drive back to the Red Lion Inn in Kalispell we will look for Red-necked, Eared and Horned Grebes and other waterfowl including Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye in the Foys Lake area.

Entrance Fee: $8/vehicle for out-of-state vehicles.

FRI 2: Flathead Lake Bio Station

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathrooms: Yes

Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is situated at Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake. The station, part of University of Montana, does research in the limnology and ecology of lakes and rivers, environmental monitoring of Flathead Lake and its watershed, and education. Tom Banzak will lead a classroom presentation about the work done by FLBS followed by a Q&A session and tour of the facility. Come early with a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. After the tour participants can opt to continue to Kalispell to prepare for the festival or walk the trails on the property to birdwatch.

Saturday

SatA1: Tally Lake

6:15 AM | Also offered Sunday
Easy | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car

This excellent field trip winds through a wide variety of habitats. It is possible to see every warbler species found in northwest Montana at this location as participants spend time exploring Forest Service lands on the way to Tally Lake. Neotropical migrants such as American Redstart, Wilson’s Warbler and Northern Waterthrush, as well as the Fox Sparrow, can be found here in streamside thickets, Townsend’s Warblers and Western Tanagers are often observed in the thick conifer stands, and Common Loons and Bald Eagles breed along the shores of Tally Lake. This trip will focus on bird identification in the field by both sight and by ear. Mostly driving with some optional short walking (<1/4 mile) around the campground on flat ground.

Fee: $5 per vehicle.

SatA2: Camas Creek

6:15 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car- Glacier National Park

We’ll drive to Glacier National Park’s west entrance and go straight to Fish Creek Picnic and Campground for a creekside walk. Harlequin Ducks, American Dippers and thrushes are possible as well as other coniferous old-growth species. Then we will drive up the gravel Inside North Fork Road, a diverse habitat area with stops at creek crossings, backsides of large sedge fens, burns of different ages and a hike to a large meadow at Camas Creek. Time permitting, we will visit a good spot for Lewis’ Woodpeckers on the way back. (Note: This is a narrow back road, and we will require car pooling to have minimum vehicles.)

SatA3: West Glacier

6:15 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car- Glacier National Park

We’ll carpool to Glacier National Park’s Camas Creek trailhead, backtracking to Apgar along the primitive Inside North Fork Road, with a stop at the Howe Lake trail, and on to the Oxbow Trail on lower McDonald Creek, each area having over 100 bird species documented in June. In the Camas Creek area, expect Sandhill Crane, Ruffed and Spruce Grouse, Common Yellowthroat, Fox and Lincoln Sparrows. Rarities include Alder Flycatcher, Boreal Chickadee, and LeConte’s Sparrow in Christensen Meadow. Meadow can be wet, waterproof boots and gaiters or rain pants are recommended. We’ll look for Pacific Wren and Olive-sided Flycatcher at the Howe Lake trailhead. Then, following a restroom stop in Apgar (no restrooms at trailheads), on to the popular Oxbow Trail along lower McDonald Creek which samples upland conifer and creekside riparian habitats rich in plant and avian species. Highlights here include Calliope and Rufous Hummingbirds, Townsend’s, MacGillivray’s, Wilson’s and Orange-crowned Warblers, American Redstart and Northern Waterthrush, Cassin’s, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Hammond’s and Willow Flycatchers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Creeper, Pileated Woodpecker, Bald Eagle and Osprey; rarities here include Vaux’s Swift, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, Veery, and Pine Grosbeak. Total walking distance less than 5 miles on level trails.

SatA4: Bike and Bird Going to the Sun Road

6:00 AM * note the earlier departure time*
Bike | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car- Glacier National Park

Join us as we pedal up the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping frequently to listen and look for birds. Target species include Harlequin Ducks, Varied Thrushes, Pacific Wrens, Fox Sparrows, and many more! We’ll leave at 6 a.m. from the hotel to get parking spots at Avalanche Campground. From there, we’ll pedal approximately 4.5 miles to Logan Creek (or as far as we can go) and then turn around and head back.

For the sake of time, it’s encouraged for the participants to already have a park entrance pass, bicycle, and a way to get themselves and the bicycle to Avalanche Campground. On the morning of the field trip, bicycles and carriers can be rented in Apgar at a discount from Glacier Outfitters.

Group size is limited to 10 participants.

SatA5: Finger & Lagoni Lakes

6:15 AM
Difficult | Bathroom: No

Join us for a morning of birding and hiking along the Finger Lake trail near Olney. The trail winds through marshy areas, over rocky ridges with patches of dead timber, cedar and larch old growth forest. From the trailhead, it’s a 2.8-mile roundtrip with a 377 ft. elevation gain to Finger Lake including a few short steep portions. And for participants that have the time and energy, there is the option to hike to Lagoni lake- a 3.3-mile, 223 ft. elevation gain- through similar marsh and forest from the same trailhead.

Expect to see or hear a variety of forest and wetland species including American Three-toed and Pileated Woodpeckers, Hammond’s and Western Flycatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pacific and Marsh Wren, Warbling and Cassin’s Vireos, MacGillvray’s, Townsend’s, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Song and Fox Sparrows, Western Tanager, Swainson’s Thrush and Common Loon.

SatA6: Nirada & Cromwell Creek

6:15 AM
Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathrooms: No

Birding around Niarada brings us to a remote and sparsely populated area west of Flathead Lake with a rich diversity of habitats. Here we will visit Cromwell Creek and nearby marshy zones that provide essential nesting and foraging habitat for water-loving species including Rock Wrens that nest in the rocky crevices along the road. The open fields surrounding Niarada support ground-nesting birds and raptors. Browns Meadow Road is graced with forested slopes where woodpeckers, thrushes and warblers thrive. June is peak breeding season, making it an excellent time to observe birds actively singing, nesting, and feeding young. We will look for Lazuli Bunting, Western Meadowlarks, Common Yellowthroats, Vesper and Savannah Sparrows, raptors, Sandhill Cranes and Lewis’s Woodpeckers. Other birds we will hope to see include the Yellow-breasted Chat, Spotted Towhee, Clark’s Nutcracker, Common Nighthawk, Gray Catbird and Bullock’s Oriole. This day will find us birding mostly by car with short walks along the road making it the perfect trip for those who love birds but who don’t want to walk miles to see them!

SatB1: Owen Sowerwine

6:45 AM | Also offered Sunday
Moderate | Bathroom: Yes

A unique 2024 Conservation Easement on this Department of Natural Resources & Conservation land provides protection to 405 acres of critical riparian and river bottom habitat located at the edge of town, along the braided Stillwater and Flathead Rivers. A wander on the mainland trails offers possible sightings of Belted Kingfisher, Tree and Bank Swallow, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Hooded and Common Merganser on the river and slough. It’s common to hear and/or see woodpeckers, Ruffed Grouse, Western Wood Pewee, Cedar Waxwing, chickadees, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Northern House Wren, and Black-headed Grosbeak. The trails are mostly level with a few short ups/downs, but are very primitive with uneven natural surfaces requiring stepping over roots, sticks, and possibly small logs, and ducking under some branches. At a leisurely pace, we will go about 2.5 miles total, and take a mid-point break at the Stillwater River.

SatB2: Breeding Birds of Smith Lake

6:45 AM | Also offered Sunday
Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathroom: Yes

The Smith Lake area is a very popular birding location in the Flathead Valley. We will drive Smith Lake Road looking for sparrows, orioles, warblers, and other breeding migrants and then make our way to Smith Lake in search of waterfowl and wetland species. We will explore a diversity of habitats. Potential birds include Red-necked Grebe, Sora, Sandhill Crane, a variety of duck species, and Wilson’s Snipe. This is primarily a driving trip with several stops to get out and bird. Easy; no walking needed.

SatB3: Loons

6:45 AM | Also offered Sunday
Moderate | Bathroom: Yes

This exciting field trip will explore a series of lakes near Kalispell, exactly which lakes will be decided in early June after loon nesting and hatching status on local lakes are known. The plan is to observe several successfully nesting pairs of Common Loons with their young of various ages. Potential lakes could include Thompson Chain of Lakes, Ashley Lake area, or lakes north and west of Kalispell and Whitefish. Many other waterfowl, grebes, possibly Black Terns and other lakeshore bird species might be observed. We will discuss vocalizations, behavior, territories, habitat, population status, and management issues. Bathroom stops will be included. Bring spotting scopes if you have them. Expect a few short steep walks down or along a lakeshore bank or out on docks.

SatB4: Springbrook Ranch

6:45 AM
Moderate | Bathroom: No

Explore the diverse bird and plant habitat of Spring Brook Ranch southwest of Kalispell. We will focus on birds as we wander near the Birch Creek riparian habitat rich with mature aspen, western larch and Engelman spruce. We will also explore the rolling ponderosa pine and Douglas fir uplands and ranch land. The landowners manage their large ranch with a special focus on birds and wildlife and will talk about their conservation philosophy. The ranch is protected by a conservation easement. We will be walking 3-4 miles mostly off-trail near wetlands and steep, rolling hills. Please come prepared with binoculars, hiking boots, clothing layers, rain gear, and drinking water. Group size is limited to 8.

SatB5: Somers Area Hotspots

6:45 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car- State Park

We will visit two excellent trails in riparian areas bordering Flathead Lake and Somers Slough (Burnell Avenue in Somers Beach State Park, and the Sonny Boon Memorial Trail). Expected birds include Nashville Warbler, Bullock’s Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, Willow Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallows and more. Following these two short, level hikes, we will visit several of the wetlands in the farmlands north of Somers (Wiley Dike, Reed’s Slough, Farm Road). We can expect a wide variety of waterfowl, including Ruddy Duck, Redhead, Canvasback, Gadwall, Trumpeter Swan and more, along with open country birds such as Clay-colored and Savannah Sparrows.

SatB6: McWenneger Slough

6:45 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes

Join Flathead Land Trust in visiting the large conserved McWenneger Slough property east of Kalispell as well as a 682-acre river corridor conservation easement north of McWenneger Slough along the upper Flathead River.

We will learn about the property owner’s role in creating public access at McWenneger Slough. The river corridor property includes over 1.25 miles of backwater channels of the Flathead River and almost 400 acres of riparian habitat including forested habitat with spruce, cottonwood, alder and ponderosa pine as well as agricultural land. Highlights of birds you will likely see include Bald Eagle, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Blue Heron, and a variety of songbirds. Wildlife observed on the property include grizzly bear, black bear, mountain lion, coyote, and elk.

Over 100 species of birds have been observed on McWenneger Slough, and its habitat is important to waterfowl during their migration. Highlights of birds you will likely see at McWenneger Slough include Trumpeter Swan that nest there, Bald Eagle, Osprey, and waterfowl.

These conservation easement lands add to a network of conserved land totaling over 14,000 acres along the Flathead River and north shore of Flathead Lake helping sustain abundant wildlife, excellent water quality and the incredible quality of life we enjoy in the Flathead Valley. Be prepared to walk down a trail on a steep slope to the backwater channel of the Flathead River.

SatB7: East Flathead Valley Conservation Lands

6:45 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes

Come along with Flathead Land Trust to view plentiful riparian/wetland birds on two significant conservation easements east of Kalispell. One will be the 53-acre wetland/pond property at the outlet of Mill Creek and a major 497-acre farm that includes a portion of Egan Slough, an old oxbow of the Flathead River. Mill Creek is a warm spring creek which provides important migratory waterfowl habitat in spring when other areas are ice-covered and in winter for many birds. There are a variety of habitats on this property including large riparian shrubs such as hawthorns and willows as well as small ponds. Highlights of birds you will likely see include Wood Duck, Willow Flycatcher, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Red-naped Sapsucker and other songbirds and waterfowl. The Egan Slough property includes agricultural land and a forested island in Egan Slough. The aspen, birch, spruce and ponderosa pine habitat on the over 60-acre island surrounded by over a mile of Egan Slough provides great habitat for many birds including a pair of Bald Eagles that nest there. Other birds you will likely see include Great Blue Herons, Sora, snipe, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, and a plethora of songbirds and waterfowl. Both properties are used by over 150 species of birds and wildlife including grizzly bear, black bear, and river otter. These two newer conservation easements add to a network of conserved lands totaling over 14,000 acres along the Flathead River and north shore of Flathead Lake helping sustain abundant wildlife, excellent water quality and the incredible quality of life we enjoy in the Flathead Valley. Be prepared to walk down a two-track road on a steep slope to Egan Slough and on game trails on the island in Egan Slough. Bring sturdy shoes and bug spray. Bathroom stop at Woody’s.

SatB8: West Valley Conservation Lands

6:45 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes

Learn about conservation easements and their role in protecting bird habitat on multiple conservation easements northwest of Kalispell including two farms totaling over 1,000 acres one of which includes a large pothole wetland important to migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

This West Valley farm and wetland support a major fall staging area for over 500 Greater Sandhill Cranes. Additionally, over 200 species of birds have been observed here annually. Highlights of birds you will likely see on these lands or along the back roads include Sandhill Cranes, Eared Grebes, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Ducks, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Bald Eagle and a variety of other waterfowl. The other conserved farm closer to Whitefish includes agricultural land and riparian habitat along 1.7 miles of the Stillwater River and is adjacent to the Kuhns Wildlife Management Area. Habitat includes riparian shrubs such as red osier dogwood, chokecherry, and alder and trees such as spruce, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine. Over 100 species of birds have been observed here and wildlife including grizzly bear, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, wolf, coyote, fox, and elk. Highlights of birds you may see include Willow Flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cassin’s Vireo, Belted Kingfisher, and many other songbirds. Bathroom stop at second farm.

SatB9: Creston Fish Hatchery

6:45 AM
Easy+ | Bathroom: Yes

Join us at the Jessup pond pavilion for a morning walk at the Creston Fish Hatchery and Jessup Pond exploring resident ducks, geese & swans. Other birds that may be seen are raptors, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, American Dippers, woodpeckers, owls & song birds. The hatchery grounds and Jessup pond will involve easy walking. Wear suitable boots and layers for possible wet or cold conditions.

SatB10: Live Raptors at Wild Wings

10 AM **Note the later start time. Visitors are not permitted before 10 AM because they are cleaning and feeding the birds. After breakfast, participants can choose to relax and meet at 10 AM, or we will provide nearby options for some quick birding before you head to the Wild Wings facility.

Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathroom: Yes

Visit Wild Wings Raptor Recovery Center, a local raptor rehabilitation facility, and have the opportunity to see some of their resident education raptors up close! Wild Wings has a variety of raptors in their care, ranging in size from American Kestrels to Cooper’s Hawk to Bald Eagle. On this visit, we’ll learn about raptor identification and important conservation actions that can help support and protect wild birds. After the formal presentation, you are welcome to stay and meet other education owls and hawks

Sunday

SunA1: Tally Lake

6:15 AM | Also offered Saturday
Easy | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car: $5

This trip winds through a wide variety of habitats. It is possible to see every warbler species found in NW Montana as we explore Forest Service lands on the way to Tally Lake. Neotropical migrants such as American Redstart, Wilson’s Warbler and Northern Waterthrush, as well as Fox Sparrow, can be found in streamside thickets, Townsend’s Warblers and Western Tanagers are often observed in conifer stands, and Common Loons and Bald Eagles breed along the lake shores. This trip will focus on bird identification in the field by both sight and by ear. Mostly driving with some optional short walking (<1/4 mile) around the campground on flat ground. Fee: $5 per vehicle.

SunA2: East Glacier

6:15AM
Moderate | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car- Glacier National Park entrance fee

This trip is perfect for anyone heading east from Kalispell after the festival. First, we’ll make quick stops at Tunnel Creek and Marias Pass on the south side of Glacier National Park. Then on to Looking Glass Rd., with short stops at overlooks, a pond near Kiowa, and the Beaver Pond Trail in East Glacier. With time (some will leave to head home), we’ll take a short walk on the Visitor Center trail to the St. Mary River footbridge. From there (or anywhere along the way) participants heading east can continue on home.

SunA3: Swan River and Lake

6:15 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes

We’ll begin with a short hike at the Swan Lake Boat Access, expect Red-necked Grebe, Least Flycatcher, and other riparian birds. Then on to the Bog Road viewing site at the Swan River Wildlife Refuge. Birds may include American Bitterns, Black Terns, Wilson’s Snipes, Virginia Rails, Sandhill Cranes, American Redstarts, Willow Flycatchers. Next we’ll drive south to The Nature Conservancy’s Swan River Oxbow Preserve and take a short hike (½ mile). Potential species include Lincoln’s Sparrow, MacGillivray’s and Townsend’s Warblers, and Hammond’s Flycatcher. Lastly, we’ll drive down the Porcupine Cr. Road to the Swan River for American Dipper, Northern Waterthrush, and Red-eyed Vireo. Two hikes are short, on flat, often wet and muddy.

SunA4: Firebrand Pass Trail

6:15 AM
Moderate | Bathroom: Yes
Extra fee per car: Glacier National Park entrance fee

Spend the day on the east side of Glacier National Park, exploring wetland, aspen and mixed conifer habitats, and a diverse array of wildflowers. We will head east on Highway 2 ~ 80 miles from Kalispell. At the Firebrand Pass/Lubec trailhead, the trail enters the park next to the rich riparian area around Coonsa Creek. Plan on walking less than 4 miles on mostly level ground, including a short bushwack on an elk trail. Expect a variety of waterfowl in and around Coonsa Creek and nearby Lubec Lake, where Red-necked Grebes nest, numerous sparrows, including White-crowned, Fox and Lincoln Sparrows, Willow, Least and Alder Flycatchers, several warbler species, including possible Tennessee Warbler, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, plus Veery.

SunA5: Mission Valley

6:15 AM
Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathroom: Yes

The Mission Valley is a special birding area, where riparian woodlands, open grasslands, and river corridors create prime habitat for late-spring and early-summer bird activity. With the breeding season in full swing and migratory species still moving through, June offers an excellent opportunity to observe a wide variety of resident and visiting birds.

SunA6: Photography and Birds at Creston Fish Hatchery

6:15 AM
Easy + | Bathroom: Yes

Join us for a hands-on bird photography field trip at Creston Fish Hatchery with Will Laurie, a Florida native and accomplished bird photographer. Creston’s ponds and surrounding habitat attract a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, making it an ideal outdoor classroom for photographers of all levels.

SunA7: Harrell Forest

6:15 AM
Moderate/ Difficult | Bathroom: Yes

The Harrell Forest trail in Bigfork offers a chance to find many of the valley’s most prominent songbirds! Common birds include Townsend’s Warblers, Orange-Crowned Warblers, vireos, chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets, thrushes, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, flycatchers, and many different types of woodpeckers. This trailhead has a pit toilet at the parking lot, gradual incline and lots of shade – we will likely hike around 3 miles but possibly less depending on how much we stop to observe birds. We will aim to get to the viewing point about halfway through the trail to pause and admire Flathead Lake before heading back down.

SunA8: CSKT Bison Range

6:15 AM
Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathroom: Yes
Extra cost per car: $20 entrance fee

Birding at the CSKT Bison Range is, simply put, wonderful. Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrows in the native prairie, Lazuli Buntings and Bullock’s Oriole in shrubby thickets, Red Crossbills, Dusky Flycatchers, Red-naped Sapsuckers, and Dusky Grouse in the forest, and Golden Eagles and Lewis’ Woodpeckers at High Point. Wildflowers are especially abundant this time of year. Whitetail and mule deer, elk, pronghorn coyote and bear make their home on the range. And then there are the bison! Along with the magnificent view of the Mission Mountains to the east, the Mission Valley to the north, and a long view of the Flathead River valley to the west from High Point this will be a memorable day. $20 entrance fee per car.

SunA9: Badrock Canyon

6:15 AM
Moderate | Bathroom: No

Join Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks staff for a 4-mile out and back hike through a recently acquired 772-acre Wildlife Management Area just east of Columbia Falls. The property is one of the largest remaining intact parcels along the Flathead River. This hike is flat (less than 20 ft of elevation gain) and will take you along the river bottom, past a backwater slough, spring creeks, and through riparian and conifer forests. Over 120 bird species have been documented here. Possible birds include Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, and many warblers including Orange-crowned Warbler, American Redstart, and Common Yellowthroat.

SunB1: Owen Sowerwine

6:45 AM | Also offered Saturday
Easy | Bathroom: No

A unique 2024 Conservation Easement on this land protects 405 acres of riparian and river bottom habitat along the Stillwater and Flathead Rivers. Mainland trails offer possible sightings of Belted Kingfisher, Tree and Bank Swallow, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Hooded and Common Merganser on the river and slough. Common birds: woodpeckers, Ruffed Grouse, Western Wood Pewee, Cedar Waxwing, chickadees, nuthatches, Brown Creeper, Red-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Northern House Wren, and Black-headed Grosbeak. The trails are mostly level with a few short ups/downs, but are primitive with uneven surfaces. At a leisurely pace, we will go ~2.5 miles, and take a mid-point break at the Stillwater River.

SunB2: Breeding Birds of Smith Lake

6:45 AM | Also offered Saturday
Easy | Accessible: Yes | Bathroom: Yes

The Smith Lake area is a very popular birding location in the Flathead Valley. We will drive Smith Lake Road looking for sparrows, orioles, warblers, and other breeding migrants and then make our way to Smith Lake in search of waterfowl and wetland species. We will explore a diversity of habitats. Potential birds include Red-necked Grebe, Sora, Sandhill Crane, a variety of duck species, and Wilson’s Snipe. This is primarily a driving trip with several stops to get out and bird. Easy; no walking needed.

SunB3: Loons

6:45 AM | Also offered Saturday
Easy+
Bathroom: No

Explore a series of lakes near Kalispell, locations determined in early June after loon nesting and hatching status on local lakes known. The plan is to observe several successful nesting pairs of Common Loons with their young. Potential lakes: Thompson Chain of Lakes, Ashley Lake area, or lakes north and west of Kalispell and Whitefish. Other species: waterfowl, grebes, possibly Black Terns and other lakeshore bird species. We will discuss vocalizations, behavior, territories, habitat, population status, and management issues. Bring spotting scopes if you have them. Expect a few short steep walks down or along a lakeshore bank or out on docks.

SunB4: East Side/Riverside Conservation Easements

6:45 AM
Easy | Bathroom: No

Visit several conserved extraordinary private farms and wetlands in the East Flathead Valley. (Note: These are similar but different properties than the Flathead Land Trust East Valley Tour). You will visit lands along Brenneman’s Slough, a unique warm spring; several productive ponds; Flathead River backwater sloughs and shorelines; open and forested lands along Riverside Road, ending at a large farm surrounding Mill Pond. Likely species are Bald Eagle, Osprey, Trumpeter Swan, Great Blue Heron, a variety of waterfowl, Sandhill Crane, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, Western Wood-pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, and a variety of woodpeckers, swallows and sparrows.

SunB5: Birding the Top of Big Mountain

6:45 AM
Moderate | Bathroom: Yes
Extra fee per person: chair lift ticket

Bird the top of Big Mountain in Whitefish along the Danny On and East Rim Loop trails. We’ll look for Canada and Steller’s Jays, Boreal and Mountain Chickadees, Common Raven, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Fox and White-crowned Sparrows, Pacific Wren, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Grosbeak, and Swainson’s, Varied, and Hermit Thrushes. Dusky Grouse, Vaux’s and Black Swifts have been observed. The trip begins and ends at the Summit House on the top of Big Mountain. Then we will bird the upper portion of the Danny On trail to the East Rim Loop. We’ll bird the mostly level East Rim Loop and head back up to the summit. Total distance: ~ 2 miles; elevation gain ~300 feet. Participants buy own chair lift ticket. Limited to 12.

SunB6: Birds and Native Plants at Wayfarer State Park

6:45 AM
Easy+ | Accessible: Yes | Bathroom: Yes
Extra fee per car: State Park

Join a local naturalist to explore the rich biodiversity at Wayfarer State Park. Enjoy a leisurely late spring walk through Lupine/Ninebark understory with Spotted Towhee foraging in the leaf litter and Lazuli Buntings calling from Chokecherry branches. Experience the native plants, birds, butterflies and other pollinators that thrive in this native habitat on the east shore of Flathead Lake. Easy to moderate walking.

SunB7: Lawrence Park

6:45 AM
Easy | Bathroom: Yes

Explore an easy two mile walk at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. This is a city park that includes a developed park, wetlands, mature trees, a walking trail through mixed riparian habitats along the Stillwater River. The park has birch, large cottonwoods, and dense dogwood understory. A variety of woodpeckers from Downy to Pileated nest here. Wood ducks are a possible sight. A natural area of swampy tangle support Red-eyed Vireo and Black-Headed Grosbeak in the overstory and Northern Waterthrush and Yellow Warbler in the understory. Spotted Sandpiper, Common Merganser, Belted Kingfisher, and Tree Swallows have all been observed in the park.