Flathead Valley Bird Report – December 2021

by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – Oct/Nov Wintery weather was slow to come, but winter migrants and residents began to arrive, including Tundra Swans, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Shrikes, Bohemian Waxwings and Common Redpolls. Rarities included all three scoter species, 2 lingering Anna’s Hummingbirds, and a Lesser Goldfinch in Somers. See https://ebird.org/region/US-MT-029?yr=all for more. 9/28…

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Conservation Corner – December 2021

by Gael Bissell Good News! Migratory Bird Treaty Act Is Back!  But Improvements Need Your Support! (It’s Easy!!!) From National Audubon Action Alert: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it is not only reinstating bird protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), but is also considering strengthening the rules going forward. A…

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November 2021 tribute to veterans who became ornithologists and wildlife biologists is now available for replay!

At our November 2021 general meeting, David Manuwal presented an extensive list of ornithologists and wildlife biologists who served in the military at some point in their lives. As he states, the life of a veteran really seems like multiple lives. We are grateful for their military service as well as their service to conservation….

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Field Trip Report: Sandhill Crane Viewing – Fall 2021

by Darcy Thomas A group of 12 bird lovers participated in the Sandhill Crane Viewing at the West Valley ponds just north of Kalispell. Darcy Thomas led the group which saw over 250 Sandhill Cranes. From the Bird and Wildlife Viewing Area a large group of cranes grazed in the agricultural fields very near the…

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Smith Lake Field Trip Report – September 2021

by Darcy Thomas A morning of bird watching at Smith Lake in Kila was very successful September 8 with  eleven birders joining Darcy Thomas around the lake. Two were visiting from out-of-state and the youngest was only 5 years old. It was a bit chilly at 41 degrees when we started but warmed up comfortably…

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