International Migratory Bird Day
(05/14/05

For those interested in learning how to birdwatch and to identify birds, sign up for the Beginning Bird Walk. No experience is necessary, although binoculars are handy to have with you. Staff will take you on a leisurely stroll along the Nature Trail and help identify the birds seen. Pointers on what to look for, where to go and how to continue birdwatching will be offered. Commonly seen birds are tree swallows, yellow warblers, Bullock's orioles and, of course, American robins. One year, the beginning birders were lucky enough to see the nesting pair of Great Horned Owls along with their fledgling (an unusual sighting even for the most advanced birders!)

For those looking for more of a challenge, take advantage of the Backcountry Birders Hike. A Refuge Biologist will take a small number of people into the backcountry. Birders will be looking, and listening, for a variety of flycatchers found in the forest, along with Lazuli buntings, spotted towhees and gray catbirds found along the creeks.

The Range also offers birdwatching opportunities along Red Sleep Mountain Drive. Because this route takes you through a variety of habitats, there are opportunities to see western meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows in the grasslands, spotted towhees and willow flycatchers along the shrubby creeks, red-breasted nuthatches and blue grouse in the forest as well as common mergansers and belted kingfishers along Mission Creek. This road is open for visitors to take on their own. Afternoon activities include demonstrations and talks about bluebirds and photography, as well as trivia contests, free posters and all sorts of bird information and bird watching tips.

ALL GUIDED BIRD ACTIVITIES NEED TO BE RESERVED, SO CALL THE NATIONAL BISON RANGE AT 406-644-2211 EXT 207 TO REGISTER.

Directions: International Migratory Bird Day takes place at the National Bison Range. The entrance is located at Moiese on Highway 212. From the north (Polson, Kalispell) the junction for 212 is on Highway 93 about 3 miles south of Ronan; the entrance is about 12 miles from that point

.From the south (Missoula), take Highway 93 to the junction of Highway 200 at Ravalli to the junction of Highway 212 at Dixon. The Range is about 5 miles from this junction

.From the east, take the St. Regis exit off I-90, take Highway 135 to Highway 200. Then Highway 200 east to Highway 212 at Dixon. The Range entrance is about 5 miles from this junction.

International Migratory Bird Day
132 Bison Range Road, Moiese, MT 59824

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