By Lisa Bate
Glacier National Park (GNP) held its annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Twenty-four participants contributed to this event, covering ten different routes in Glacier and one bird feeder, within the count circle, just outside the park. Participants spent the day counting all bird species and individuals detected. The weather was mild with little wind and temperatures hovering around freezing. In most places, there was little, if any, snow. Due to abnormally high temperatures, observers on both the Lower McDonald Creek and McGee Meadow routes had to take detours to get around flooded areas and roads. Skiing was not possible this year. Observers on the Avalanche route were able to bike the entire length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road up to Avalanche Creek.
Birds were plentiful, with 1,484 birds detected on count day, comprising 45 different species. Bohemian Waxwings were the most abundant at 385, followed by 314 Pine Siskins and 171 Common Redpolls. We also counted many crossbills. A species new to Glacier’s CBC was observed when a female Purple Finch was seen at the McClelland’s bird feeder just outside the park, within the count circle. The next day, two of the more colorful males showed up, dipped in their purple highlights. Purple Finches have been notable this year, with a good number detected throughout the Flathead Valley and even in East Glacier.
Another notable sighting was a single female Harlequin Duck observed on Upper McDonald Creek. Harlequin Duck expert Cyndi Smith suspected this was a first-year bird who lost its mom and siblings and did not know which way to migrate. This was the third time a Harlequin Duck was observed as part of the GNP count. Also, along Upper McDonald Creek, observers detected a “grand slam” of chickadees with all four species counted: Black-capped, Mountain, Chestnut-backed, and Boreal Chickadees! The sighting of two Black-backed Woodpeckers was another highlight. In addition to birds, observers documented lynx, otter, and skunk tracks.
Glacier’s first CBC was held 63 years ago, in 1962. Thanks to all participants for contributing their expertise, time, and energy to this annual event. Your efforts are invaluable in tracking long-term changes in species abundance, diversity, and range shifts, in Glacier and throughout North America. Thanks to Glacier National Park Conservancy and its donors for supporting birds and providing hot drinks and snacks both before and after the count. It was so good to see everyone again!