by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – October/November 2023 This period presented several of the less common species we have come to expect in late fall, including all three scoter species, Short-billed Gulls, and a Swamp Sparrow. Pacific Loons were seen in several locations, including two at Rogers Lake. Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting and Bohemian…
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by Darcy Thomas Northern Saw-whet Owls were the focus of the next two bird outings in October. We travelled to the Flathead Lake Biological Station to learn about owl ecology and watch researchers from the Owl Research Institute band, weigh, and measure owls they caught in mist nests during the evening. Participants got to watch…
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by Darcy Thomas In the darkness of an early October morning, a small group of birders gathered together at the West Valley Ponds viewing area with binoculars and spotting scopes and waited for sunrise. At first light, Canada Geese began to cackle and Mallards began their quacking. Then as sunrise brightened the skies with gorgeous…
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by Denny Olson The evening version of Sandhill Crane watching happened October 1, after a downpour rain delay of one day. The cranes staged at distance or just out of sight, while a few hundred Canada Geese came into the pond. A fairly good variety of waterfowl were there from the start. Just at sunset,…
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by Dan Casey With another 21 surveys conducted since the last update in the Pileated Post, the 16th season of raptor surveys in the Jewel Basin has continued to result in above-average numbers for many species. We had tallied 2,586 raptors of 17 species as of October 15th. These included record numbers of Broad-winged Hawks,…
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Put up a Feeder, Count Birds, Enter your Data What is FeederWatch? Project FeederWatch turns your love of feeding birds into scientific discoveries. FeederWatch is a November-April survey of birds that visit backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. You don’t even need a feeder! All you need is an area…
Read Moreby Dan Casey Rare and Notables – September/October 2023 It was an excellent month for migration, with record numbers of Broad-winged Hawks at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch, and an influx of gulls (including Lesser Black-backed and Short-billed). A small group of Greater White-fronted Geese in Somers was followed by two which spent several days…
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by Jake Bramante With the cooler weather coming on, there’s a temptation to get out the bird feeders once again, but wait just a little longer! This time of year, nature still has a bounty of seeds and late insects to keep our feathered friends well fed. While they would appreciate a suet cake or…
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by Dan Casey Mark your calendars for October Big Day — October 14, 2023! Like the Global Big Day in May, October Big Day is an opportunity to unite around our shared love of birds. Last October, nearly 35,000 people from 185 countries submitted 80,000 checklists with eBird, demonstrating the power of birds to bring…
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by Lisa Bate Glacier National Park (GNP) will host its annual Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program on October 14 from 11am to 3pm near Lake McDonald Lodge. Meet at the Golden Eagle interpretive sign near Jammer Joe’s Restaurant parking lot in the Lake McDonald Lodge area. Snacks and hot beverages will be provided. Park biologists…
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