by Beth Gardner Noisy. Drab. Pest. These are common reactions when I mention the starling. That is totally understandable. They are indeed loud, nonnative, and commonplace. But they have one amazing super power. Starlings form impressively large flocks, and to watch these flocks fly can be one of the great wonders of nature. But before…
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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…
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by 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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with an overview of the Owl Research Institute (ORI) Presented by Denver Holt Founded by Denver Holt in 1987, the Owl Research Institute (ORI) stands as one of the most active owl research groups in the world. For over 35 years, ORI has been dedicated to the pursuit of in-depth and lasting studies that illuminate…
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By Kate Stone and the late Lewis Young With big game rifle hunting season approaching, you can help wildlife by switching to non-lead bullets if you are a hunter. Lead bullets, even copper jacketed lead bullets, fired from high velocity guns fragment on impact losing 20-40 percent of their mass when they hit an object….
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by Gael Bissell The Spring Match Challenge was hugely successful! First, our members donated another $13,656 during the Challenge Match (on top of the $23,686 donated prior). Because of the value of Owen Sowerwine to the Flathead Valley and the outpouring of community support, Flathead Audubon received a generous and unexpected $50,000 Community Grant from…
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by Margaret Parodi Effective July 1, 2023, everyone ages 12 and older needs a Montana Conservation License to access most state lands (does not include state parks). Since there are numerous Audubon field trips that do use State Lands, we encourage all Audubon members and field trip participants to get this license. Fishing access sites…
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by Darcy Thomas Clear skies and cool air greeted a group of six in Kila the morning of September 16th. We got off to a shaky start with crows, starlings, house sparrows, coots, robins, magpies, and mallards on our list. It was worth a chuckle. We kept birding and were rewarded at the fishing access…
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by Denny Olson As with most good things in life, it starts with getting up. Early. Lunch for the day, raingear, extra layers of clothing to adjust to the autumn temperature swings at high elevation, extra drinking water, bear spray, binoculars, foam sit pad, first aid kit, sunscreen and hat, hiking poles, multi-tool and headlamp…
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