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Welcome to Flathead Audubon
To conserve birds, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem diversity in northwest Montana, through education and conservation programs.
Behind the scenes of Merlin Bird ID
Do you use Merlin Bird ID? Anyone who uses the Merlin Bird ID app quickly realizes the power and utility you now have in the palm of your hands. Whether you use it to get better at bird songs, help with a survey, or just find out who’s singing in your backyard, this tool is a wonder.
Elliot Ress worked on this program and the engine behind the app called MerlinVision. Come join us October 14th at our general meeting as Elliot will give us a glimpse on how this amazing technology is helping birders and non-birders alike! To learn more about the program and how to join, click here!
Jewel Basin Hawk Watch is soaring again!
On August 25th, we started counting migrating raptors buzzing along the ridgeline of the Swan Range in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. Keep track of how the counts are going by visiting our (new) tally site at Trektellen.org. For more information about the program, click here.
Thanks to everyone who gave during the Great Fish Community Challenge!
This year we raised more money than ever through the Great Fish Community Challenge thanks to donors such as yourself! Our preliminary results show that over 135 donors gave $32,910 which far exceeds previous years. On October 22nd, the Whitefish Community Foundation will announce their match which will provide even more funds to continue the important work of conserving birds, their habitat, and ecosystem diversity through our education and conservation programs.
From the birds to the board of directors, we thank you!
Love birds? Lend a hand! (or wing?)
We could use your help.
If you have vintage photos of Flathead Audubon Society members that you can share with the History Committee, please contact linda@flatheadaudubon.org
We also need volunteers for our Education Committee. These individuals would help with the learning kits and events. Please contact darcy@flatheadaudubon.org if interested.
We need writers for the Bird of The Month column in the Pileated Post newsletter. Please contact Darcy at the above email for this as well.
It takes many hands to run an Audubon Chapter, and it is fulfilling and fun!
Where you should bird in the Flathead?
This is an exciting time of year to be out birding. Fall migration is in full swing! Where to go? Check out our Birding Hotspots page for some ideas and head over to the Flathead portion of eBird to see what other birders are finding nearby!
Contact Darcy Thomas at darcy@flatheadaudubon.org
Natives Rule!
Native insects feed on native plants which provide food for native birds… and their offspring! We’ve put this all together in a great video called Natives Rule! This video gives you a deep dive of why all of these “natives” are important and how you can help support this critical system. This video joins our growing catalog of Educational Videos that you can watch any time, anywhere, on any device!
Past meeting presentations available online
Speaking of videos, we have been recording our general meetings on Zoom and have them available for replay! Want to learn about the natural history of Trumpeter Swans? How wolves and ravens interact in Yellowstone? Head on over to our Videos page to see all of the past presentations.
Stay updated with the Flathead Audubon Fly-by!
In addition to our monthly Pileated Post, we also have a short email we send out called the Flathead Audubon Fly-by. It contains a brief reminder of events, any last minute announcements, and a splash of birdiness to your inbox. It’s even more important over the summer when our meetings take a break and we have a slew of field trips!
It’s densely packed like peanut butter suet and can be yours by signing up below*.
* You’ll only be signing up for Flathead Audubon communications. We don’t give/sell/distribute your email address to anyone else.
Catch all of the Latest News here!!
- Bad Rock Canyon WMA Field Trip Report – 2024
By Darcy Thomas I can’t tell you we didn’t get caught in the rain, but I can tell you we had a lot of fun and saw quite a few fabulous birds. Michell Tyler and I led a group of six birders along the trail from the new parking area to the old parking area… - Birds of Prey Festival 2024 a Rousing Success!
by Denny Olson Our 15th Birds of Prey Festival, now a biennial event, was an educational success by any measure. Wild Wings Rescue brought 20 spectacular rescue birds, Flathead Land Trust, Flathead Lakers, Owl Research Institute and Center for Native Plants had informative booths and interactive activities. Our own Flathead Audubon booths educated visitors about… - October 2024 Chirps and Squawks
Highlights from the September 3, 2024 Board of Directors Meeting We could use your help. If you have vintage photos of Flathead Audubon Society members that you can share with the History Committee, please contact linda@flatheadaudubon.org We also need volunteers for our Education Committee. These individuals would help with the learning kits and events. Please contact darcy@flatheadaudubon.org if… - Peeps from the President – October 2024
By Darcy Thomas I love birds. Birds are everywhere, so you can be delighted by them most anywhere you are. They are colorful and gorgeous. Their behavior is fascinating to study and observe. They fill the air with music. As much as I love birds, I find my enjoyment of them grows when I can… - Flathead Valley Bird Report – October 2024
By Dan Casey Rare and Notables – August-September 2024 It was a good month for shorebirds and raptors. Seventeen Broad-winged Hawks were seen at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch through the period, along with six Swainson’s Hawks. Pablo Reservoir once again proved to be one of the best places in western Montana to find Buff-breasted… - Brown Creeper
By Beth Gardner I must admit, the Brown Creeper is one of my favorite birds. What is it about this little drab bird? Is it the humorous behavior? Is it the mystery of the bird? Or is it just the funny name? With a name like that you are left wondering if this is a…
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