by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – Nov/Dec An out-of-season Brown-headed Cowbird and a regionally rare Lesser Goldfinch continued to sporadically visit feeders in Creston and Somers, respectively, throughout the period. Foy’s Lake and the West Valley Crane Viewing Area each supported a variety of waterfowl as warmer temperatures kept these sites primary ice-free. A…
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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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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…
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by Denny Olson Part Two: The places on the planet — restoring balance (see part one here) Last month I outlined the big, planetary picture. About big, planetary balance. But there’s something else you might want to know — because you don’t just live “on a planet”. You live in a place on that planet….
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by Derrick Rathe I am fortunate to call NW Montana home. My childhood was spent on the Southern shore of Flathead Lake. Where my family and I would spend every ounce of free time traveling this mass state in search of ghost towns and natural phenomena. After graduating from the University of Montana, my summers…
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by Carole Jorgensen Good: 1) a study on reed warblers in England showed that they can navigate using magnetic fields, using them almost like GPS. When moved in a cage from England to outside their range in Russia, they were able to use magnetic fields to find their way back to their migratory route. A…
Read MoreHighlights 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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Many 2021 Counts will again be structured to minimize transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Check with the organizer of your usual CBC to find out the plan for your Count. Count Date Contact information Bigfork Sat., Dec. 18 Craig Hohenberger, asoleado2003@yahoo.com, 406-890-1629 Eureka Sat., Dec. 18…
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In accordance with local tradition, the Kalispell Christmas Bird Count will be held on Sunday, Jan. 2nd (two weeks after the Bigfork CBC). Pete Fisher has asked me to re-assume compiler duties now that I am back in the valley, and I agreed to do so, at least this year. Given ongoing Covid concerns, we…
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Once again, we are soliciting volunteers for the Bigfork CBC. If you were a regional leader last year, and will be participating in the Bigfork CBC this year, please let me know. I will assume that all recent local leaders will cover (bird) their previously assigned area, if not, please inform me. I will be…
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