Latest on Avian Influenza A(H5) and A(H7) by Carole Jorgensen Local media sources have mentioned the continued spread of avian flu and implicated wild birds as major vectors in the state. Waterfowl, particularly dabbling ducks, are thought to be a reservoir of influenza A(H5) and A(H7). The March 2023 USDA update of avian influenza detections…
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by Kathy Ross “Each patch of restored native habitat is just that—a patch in the frayed fabric of the ecosystem in which it lies. By landscaping with native plants, we can turn a patchwork of green spaces into a quilt of restored habitat. More native plants mean more choices of food and shelter for native…
Read MoreBy Darcy Thomas Spring migration is not far off. You can help birds on their journey by turning out the lights. Audubon’s Lights Out program is a nationwide effort to convince cities to turn their lights out for migrating birds, providing them safe passage between their wintering and nesting grounds. Every year, as billions…
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by Darcy Thomas On a blustery winter day in March with dark, turbulent clouds and crepuscular rays brightening the countryside, eight delighted birders joined Margaret and I on a tour of the Mission Valley in a quest to view birds of prey. We saw many wonderful birds including Merlin and American Kestrel, Red-tailed and Rough-legged…
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Jenna Kimble wins Wildlife Conservation Award from Flathead Audubon for her project “Bird Brain” at the 2023 Flathead County Science Fair. Jenna used a maze and her own chickens to test their power to learn. Her hypothesis was that the chickens would take the trial-and-error approach to learning each time to find food at the…
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by Debbie Funk and Carol Bibler More than 50 years ago, two adventurous little girls spent some of their happiest days playing in the woods that they called “Down Below.” Even then, as fourth and fifth graders, they knew it was a special place. It was their place, where they enjoyed solitude and freedom in…
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