Though Montana is more known for its furry, four-legged mega fauna, birders have begun flocking to Big Sky Country to experience the state’s recently inaugurated birding trails. The Bitterroot Birding Trail, perched on the western flank of the state, the Northeastern Plains Birding Trail, and the Southeastern Montana Birding Trail offer birders prime new venues to spot mountain chickadees, yellow warblers and numerous other species.
Here are a few highlights along the trails…
Scan for Red-naped Sapsuckers and cast for bull trout and along the pristine Clark Fork River. Stop for lunch at Kelly Island and watch Great Blue Heron’s build their nests atop the billowy cottonwood trees.
Take a hike into Blodgett Canyon’s granite towers in search of Western Tanagers perched in the fire-ravaged arboreal corpses. Forest fires in 2000 enabled clear viewing of lazuli buntings… as well as rock climbers scaling the sheer cliffs.
Stroll along the famous Fort Peck Dam, keeping a keen eye out for Ring-billed Gulls or Gray Catbirds. Nearby, monster walleye and prehistoric paddlefish swim in the reservoir’s depths, eluding all but the most skilled anglers.
In Southeastern Montana’s Custer Country, thousands of acres of sagebrush serve as habitat for the stunning sage grouse. In the early spring, sage grouse males exhibit an elaborate drumming dance, strutting and displaying their plumage.
We invite editorial inquiries on Montana’s birding trails and would be happy to assist qualified journalists with putting together a firsthand, in-the-field experience.
Bitterroot Birding Trail
Northeastern Plains Birding Trail
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