The 52nd Libby Christmas bird count took place December 18 with 9 field observers and 6 feeder watchers. The temperature ranged from a low in the morning of 18 degrees to an afternoon high of 25 with little to no wind. The day did feature snowfall from light to quite heavy nearly all day making…
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The 29th annual Eureka Christmas bird count was held on Saturday December 18 on a snowy day that ranged from 17°F to 27°F. Koocanusa Reservoir was unfrozen as were the streams but smaller lakes and ponds were completely frozen. Sixteen people went to the field and 15 feeders were counted as well. We recorded 55…
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by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – Dec/Jan A “Red” Fox Sparrow and a White-throated Sparrow joined long-staying Brown-headed Cowbird and Lesser Goldfinch as notable birds visiting valley feeders. Up to three Snowy Owls were seen in the Lower Valley near Somers throughout the period, and all five species of falcons were found locally during…
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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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by Craig Hohenberger The 48th annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count was held Saturday, December 18th, under cloudy skies and snow throughout the day, with mild SSW winds. Snow depths were about 7 inches at the eastern edges of the count circle and 2-3 inches in the valley; temperatures ranged from 15-26 degrees F. Lakes and…
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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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by Denny Olson It has been an unforgettable year. The uncertainty of COVID and all of its variants has us all wishing for personal contact, more mobility and that calming feeling of being safe from invisible and unpredictable forces. It doesn’t help that, just when we are seeing a glimmer of light on the horizon,…
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by Denny Olson In the summer of 2017, Flathead High School International Baccalaureate Students Conrad Hedinger, Molly Adams and Sarah Randolph did increment borer fieldwork aging black cottonwood trees at 16 plot points in a grid pattern at Owen Sowerwine Natural Area (OSNA). The casual observation suspicion that cottonwoods were not regenerating very well was…
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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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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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