Flathead Valley Bird Report by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – FEB/MAR 2023 In many past years, Tree and Violet-green Swallows would already be circling Somers in small numbers as I write this (3/16). But not this year, as winter has been slow to lose its grip. Nevertheless, waterfowl numbers increased predictably during the period,…
Read Moreby Dan Casey Rare and Notables – JAN/FEB 2023 The latter half of January and the first half of February can often be the slowest birding season of the year. Crusted snow and ice can decrease habitat suitability for seedeaters and raptors, and many waterbodies are frozen. Such was the case this winter, and few…
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by Craig Hohenberger The 49th annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count was held Saturday, December 17, under cloudy skies and mild SE winds. Temperatures varied from 19 to 28. Snow depths were about 4 to 6 inches in the valley, and at the eastern edges of the count circle there was up to a foot of…
Read MoreRare and Notables – DEC 2022/JAN 2023 Mid-December through mid-January was a period with mostly gray skies, periodic snows, and one period of deep cold. As the snow and lakes iced over, raptor numbers declined, but several species of owls were among the notables. “Winter finches” were scarce, with few reports of redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks…
Read MoreRare and Notables – Nov/Dec 2022 As we shifted into winter weather, smaller lakes froze and the waterfowl flocks on Flathead Lake and River grew, particularly mixed flocks of Aythya species (Redhead, Canvasback, scaup). The first Snowy Owls of the season arrived, and there were a few notable lingering birds that more typically leave us…
Read Moreby Dan Casey Rare and Notables – Jan/Feb At least two Snowy Owls persisted in the Lower Valley northeast of Somers throughout the period and were enjoyed by many local and visiting birders. Seasonally uncommon to rare, a White-throated Sparrow and a Brown-headed Cowbird continued at feeders in Whitefish and Creston, respectively. Migrant waterfowl numbers…
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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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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…
Read Moreby 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…
Read Moreby Dan Casey Rare and Notables – March 2021 2/19 – Gyrfalcon hunting large flocks of Mallards, N. Shore WMA (Dick W.) 2/24 – Snowy Owl in Lower Valley off Farm and Manning Roads through 2/24 (m. ob.) 3/03 – Mountain Bluebird (first of year) in Lower Valley (Craig H.) 3/06 – Western Bluebirds (first…
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