by Donald Jones We had 21 participants battle a snowy Morning. Thankfully the snow diminished by 9:30 AM leaving us a calm snowy landscape. An attempt at owling (3.5 hours) came up with a total of “0” Owls. Thankfully we had a volunteer take a drift boat down the Kootenai River and came up with…
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by Jim Oates Most sections were counted twice (but not double counted) so everyone who wanted to participate had an opportunity within the Covid guidelines. There were 29 birders, who reported 74 species, one less than 2019. Some of the highlights were: A ferruginous hawk (11 years since last); 3 peregrines, 2 together, all seen…
Read Moreby Rob Rich As the season dithered between fall and winter on December 19, 12 devoted naturalists sought birds for the Upper Swan Valley CBC. The morning’s heavy rain gave way to overcast skies with periodic wind gusts in the afternoon, when temperatures rose into the low 40s. While the ground remained white in the mountains,…
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by Craig Hohenberger The 47th annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count was held Saturday, December 19, under cloudy skies, periodic light showers, with mild to moderate SW winds throughout the day. Snow depths were non-existent and/or limited to the higher eastern edges of the count circle; temperatures ranged from 36-46 degrees F. Lakes and ponds were…
Read Moreby Ellen Sullivan and Lewis Young The 28th annual Eureka Christmas bird count was held on Friday, December 18 in mild weather that ranged from 34°F to 40°F. The count this year was conducted with appropriate Covid-19 protocols which accounted for a reduced number of field going observers. Sixteen people went to the field and…
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by Margaret Parodi and Kathy Ross You Can Be Part Of The Team—Every Bird Counts The 24th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will take place February 12-15, 2021. The GBBC is a free, fun and easy nationwide event that engages bird appreciators of all ages in counting birds to create a real time snapshot…
Read MoreDue to pandemic restrictions on safely gathering, this year’s local Kalispell and Bigfork Christmas Bird Counts will not be taking volunteers. The coordinators will be relying on individuals who have conducted the counts in the past to conduct them this year. They will reach out to those individuals for assistance. If you’re a regular contributor…
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Rare and Notables – November 2020 Incredibly, the YELLOW-BILLED LOON (immature) found on Dickey Lake by Nikki M. on July 5th was present until Oct. 21st at the latest (Lewis Y.) Unsure if it is still around. 10/19 – Surf Scoter found at the Creston wetland (Craig H.) 10/23 – Mew Gull spotted at the…
Read Moreby Joshua Covill Rare and Notables – October 2020 Incredibly, the YELLOW-BILLED LOON (immature) found on Dickey Lake by Nikki M. on July 5th is still present! Dan Casey resighted the loon on Oct. 17th 09/18 – Swamp Sparrow found near Creston (Craig H.) 09/21 – 2 White-faced Ibis in the West Valley Ponds…
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