By Dan Casey
Rare and Notables – Mid-winter 2025
Open water lasted well into the winter period, and several waterfowl and other waterbird species followed suit. Northern Pygmy-Owls were widely reported, but interestingly, Bohemian Waxwings were not. Rough-legged Hawks also seemed less abundant and widespread than usual, being outnumbered by Red-tailed Hawks on most local raptor routes. There were numerous reports of at least one Ferruginous Hawk between Polson and Ronan, from Dec. 19 (Braydon L. and Dan S.) through at least Feb. 9 (James M.). An immature Cooper’s Hawk, typically our rarest winter accipiter, was photographed west of Ronan Dec. 27 (James M.), and single adults were seen there and near Polson Jan. 27 (James M., Shawn R.). The only Snowy Owl report was a single bird near Columbia Falls on Dec. 28. Individual Snow Geese joined Canada Goose flocks near Somers Dec. 18 (Emily E.) and near Moiese Jan. 23 (Shawn R. and Raylene W.). Two Greater White-fronted Geese at Polson Dec. 31 (Mani G.) were found again Jan. 29 (Braydon L.). Diving ducks, unexpected in winter, included a Long-tailed Duck at Ducharme Point Jan. 7, and a White-winged Scoter at Bigfork Feb. 8 (Dan C.). A Yellow-billed Loon found on Lake McDonald during the Glacier CBC Dec. 22 (Dan F.) was just the fifth local record. Dixon Lane near Polson has proven to be a reliable place to find Dunlin, even in winter, with a maximum of 8 seen there this year Jan. 21(Shawn R.). A Short-billed Gull at the Flathead landfill Dec. 29 was still present on Jan. 31 (Emily E.). Lingering “half-hardy” birds included a Spotted Towhee, present at a Polson feeder from Dec. 16 through at least Feb. 3; a Common Yellowthroat on Post Creek near St. Ignatius Jan. 8 (Anon.); four Common Grackles at Ronan Dec. 26 (Braydon L.); and a Yellow-headed Blackbird at Ronan Jan. 6 (Shawn R. and Raylene W.). Also notable were a “green morph” Pine Siskin near Lake-of-the-Woods throughout the period (Elliott R.) and a Boreal Chickadee east of Polson Feb. 8 (Luis R.). Lastly, a Varied Thrush at Owen Sowerwine Feb. 9 (Jake B. and Jess G.) was typical for a first arrival date, but a welcome reminder of the seasonal changes ahead!
See also: https://ebird.org/region/US-MT-029?yr=all
What to Expect: Late Feb – Early March
As soon as the marshes begin to thaw, the Red-winged Blackbirds will begin setting up territories. Waterfowl numbers will start to build by early March, particularly Tundra Swans, Northern Pintails and American Wigeon. Hawk-watching should still be rewarding as the snow recedes and voles are more vulnerable. If spring breaks early, the first Mountain Bluebirds, Western Meadowlarks, and Tree Swallows may arrive before the next monthly summary arrives in your inbox.