by Dan Casey Rare and Notables – Sept/Oct 2022 Unseasonably warm weather continued to dominate, and perhaps made some bird linger, and slowed the passage and arrival of such winter visitors as Rough-legged Hawks (which did show up in low numbers at the Jewel Basin). Broad-winged Hawks made a good showing in the Jewel, with…
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October 2022 Chirps and Squawks
Highlights from the September 6, 2022 Board of Directors Meeting The Birds of Prey Festival is on track to be held on 9/17, Jewel Basin Hawk Watch is currently being conducted, and our participation in the Great Fish Community Challenge is in full swing. It’s a busy time of year!! Darcy Thomas is interested in…
Read MoreConservation Educator’s Niche – September 2022
by Denny Olson Once again, the summer sneaked away with busy-ness, and it is Jewel Basin Hawk Watch (JBHW) time. A number of us addicts will soon be sitting on what seems like the top of the world, straining eyes to the north, watching for approaching dots in the sky, and testing ourselves with the…
Read MoreEarth Day 2022 Celebration Field Trip at Creston Fish Hatchery
March 2022 Chirps and Squawks
Highlights from the February 7th, 2022 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…
Read MoreThe American Coot
Flathead Valley Bird Report – February 2022
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…
Read MoreBigfork CBC 2021 Results
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 MoreConservation Educator’s Niche – January 2022
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,…
Read MoreJanuary 2022 Chirps and Squawks
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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