At our February 2022 General Meeting, Dan Casey discussed his work on grasslands preservation primarily with ranchers to help grassland birds and their preferred habitats. His work entailed going from town to town, meeting with ranchers and landowners to discuss ways to help them achieve goals of feeding cattle (and keeping their lands as grazing…
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Remembering June Ash
February 2022 Program – The Challenges of Grassland Bird Conservation
presented by Dan Casey Grassland-dependent bird species are the most rapidly declining North American birds. Luckily, diverse public/private partnerships have been formed to address the critical issue of declining habitat quality and quantity. Innovative approaches have been developed to define and deliver actions to protect, restore and enhance grassland habitats. Dan Casey will draw on…
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January 2022 presentation on the reintroduction efforts of Sharp-tailed Grouse in Western Montana now available for replay!
At our January 2022 General Meeting, Ben Deeble discussed the efforts to reintroduce and establish Sharp-tailed Grouse in Western Montana. While plentiful east of the Continental Divide, Sharp-tailed Grouse no longer inhabit their historical range west of the divide. Ben discusses some natural history of these fascinating birds and the efforts underway to return them…
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January 2022 Chirps and Squawks
Highlights from the December 6, 2021 Board of Directors Meeting Rod Wallette, Treasurer, reported that WCF has discontinued the Day of Giving fundraiser, he is seeking bids to renew the FAS insurance policies, and the Montana Audubon Wildlife Grant application will be submitted. Rod also initiated continuing discussion about investments/endowments at WCF, and it was…
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Flathead Audubon Turns 45
by Linda Winnie In December 1976 the Bigfork Bird Club voted to turn itself into an Audubon Chapter named the Flathead Audubon Society. The first meeting of this new organization was held in Bigfork in January 1977, 45 years ago. Officers were elected, and the group began gathering the 35 new members it needed to…
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January 2022 Program – Sharp-tailed Grouse Restoration in Western Montana
presented by Ben Deeble After their absence of over 20 years, this fall the reintroduction of sharp-tailed grouse to western Montana was launched. The effort culminates years of habitat analysis, planning, and partnership by private landowners, non-governmental organizations, and public agencies. The goal is to restore a sustainable population of sharptails for at least the…
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December 2021 presentation on the ecological effects of recolonizing wolves in Washington is now available for replay!
At our December 2021 general meeting, Aaron Wirsing of the University of Washington discussed his predator ecology research on the ecological effects of wolf recolonization in Washington state. This presentation primarily focuses on the effects to the white-tailed and mule deer populations. Aaron has an extensive background in studying predator ecology and his team of…
Read MoreDecember 2021 Chirps and Squawks
Highlights from the November 1, 2021 Board of Directors Meeting A representative of Whitefish Community Foundation gave a presentation about the endowment opportunities they offer. The BOD will discuss the options at their next meeting. Treasurer Rod Wallette reported that we received the funds from the Great Fish event, and he allocated them to Education,…
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June Ash—Long-time Flathead Audubon Member
June Ash passed away peacefully on November 10 with the comfort of family present. In the week before her passing, she made sure that her bird feeder was filled. June was a long-time Flathead Audubon member, and served Flathead Audubon in various capacities for over 20 years, including as Board member, Membership Chair, and organizer…
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