Here in northwest Montana we are fortunate to have both a population of common loons and good fishing in many lakes that support loons. Unfortunately, the lead sinkers and jigs often used for fishing pose a significant threat to loons. Loons often swallow fishing tackle and lead is toxic to loons. One lead sinker can…
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From Bat Conservation International Thousands of spinning wind turbine blades may be threatening the survival of one of North America’s most widespread migratory bats, says a study published recently in Biological Conservation. While scientists and the wind industry have known for more than a decade that wind turbines kill bats, the research is the first…
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From MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks Montana’s hibernating black bears and grizzly bears will soon be stirring. Adult males usually emerge first from winter dens in mid-March. When bears emerge from their dens, they are physically depleted and food is a priority. Bears are often tempted to go where raccoons and domestic dogs are getting…
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by Gael Bissell and Cory Davis We are excited to present our first 2017 Conservation Achievement Recognition to Steve Gniadek who is clearly one of the most dedicated conservation-minded people in the Flathead. Steve, who has assimilated extensive and diverse wildlife experiences throughout his career, is now a happily retired wildlife biologist living in the…
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Can you help? From Linda Winnie, Co-Chair, Owen Sowerwine Committee Flathead Audubon’s OSNA Volunteer Monitoring Program starts its 11th year in March. This Program provides the on-site information that underpins our management of the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area. Reports from Volunteer Monitors keep our OSNA On-the-Ground Manager up to date on maintenance needs at Owen…
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As well described at the February FAS program, Montana’s waters are at high risk from aquatic invasive species such as the non-native mussels found last summer in eastern Montana. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has proposed amendments to rules that outline new regulations needed in the battle to contain, detect and prevent the risk of…
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7by Amy Seaman, Conservation Program Manager, Montana Audubon The legislature is moving ahead at a rapid pace. We have already testified on 24 bills (supporting 13 and opposing 11), held one citizen lobby day and as you may have heard, contributed to a highly successful public lands rally: on January 30th, the capital was packed…
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As 2016 comes to an end, Flathead Audubon volunteers and our funding partners have conducted nine years of season-long hawk migration surveys at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch. After recording 60 birds over four surveys during the last week of August, we conducted 22 surveys in September, including a six-day stretch (Sept 25-30) where 1,129…
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by Lewis Young, Conservation Chair Last spring the FAS Board of Directors approved the purchase of 10 vent screens that prevent the entrapment and death of birds and bats in outhouses. Studies across the West have shown that large numbers of birds, especially cavity-nesting species such as bluebirds and small owls, are frequently trapped and die…
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Flathead Land Trust is working to conserve a 400-acre portion of the Sandhill Crane staging area in West Valley. Laura Katzman of the Land Trust reported on this project at our October meeting. Here is a short summary for those who missed her presentation. Large numbers of Sandhill Cranes, at times more than 400 birds, gather…
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