Mission Valley Raptors – Winter 2025

Join Dan Stoken for a day of observing raptors in the Mission Valley. From our meeting place, Safeway in Polson, we will travel through the Mission Valley towards Pablo Reservoir and Round Butte, continuing towards Moiese Valley Road or Ninepipe depending on time, weather, and recent bird activity.  Expect to see a variety of winter raptors including Ferruginous Hawks, which have been relatively abundant in recent months, Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks, Bald Eagles, several species of falcon, and possibly the first Great Horned Owl nests of the year. Although raptors will be the focus of this trip, we hope to encounter many other interesting winter birds such as Northern Shrikes, American Tree Sparrows, Snow Buntings, and swans.

Please bring water, snacks or lunch, binoculars and a spotting scope (if you have one). Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and appropriate layers for the weather.  Please plan to carpool from Safeway as we intend to limit the field trip to four vehicles to minimize traffic.  We plan to return to Polson by 3 PM.  Sign up is required and space is limited.  To sign up, please contact Dan Stoken at dan.stoken88@gmail.com or 406-880-2868.