2010 Sacajawea Audubon Spring Birding Trips
Everyone is welcome to join Sacajawea Audubon for our spring birding trips, from beginners to experts. Participants in all trips will meet at the front parking lot of the Museum of the Rockies at 6:45 a.m. and leave at 7:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Car pools will be arranged at the museum; an offer to help with gas to the person driving is always appreciated but not mandatory. Dress for the weather; good footwear is a must as field trip conditions are not always dry. Contact the trip leader for more details about any trip.
May 8: East Gallatin Recreation Area
Leader: Andrew Guttenberg 585-2623
(4-hour trip; easy walking)
This trip covers several habitats in a relatively small area. In the wet riparian areas bordering the East Gallatin River are many early migrants including warblers. The grasslands, brushy areas and lake will provide many opportunities for sparrows, swallows and water birds. At this location, nearly anything is possible.
May 15: Mount Ellis
Leader: John Parker, 586-5863
(4 to 5-hour trip; 3 miles walking; moderately strenuous)
We will explore a variety of habitats including grassland, aspen meadow and conifer forest edge, while we look for early spring migrants such as Red-naped Sapsucker, Orange-crowned Warblers, and several species of sparrows, among many others.
May 22: Sourdough Nature Trail
Leader: Lou Ann Harris 587-2777
(3-hour trip; easy walking)
After leaving the MOR parking lot, this trip will begin at the Goldenstein entrance. The trail is an easy, level stroll following Sourdough Creek. This trip is at the peak of spring migration so we should see and hear a variety of flycatchers, thrushes and warblers.
May 29: Mission Creek
Leader: Robin Wolcott, 582-0070
(Until mid-afternoon; bring a lunch)
After leaving Bozeman, we will meet at AlbertsonÕs parking lot in Livingston at 7:30 a.m. and then leave from there at 7:45 a.m. Car-pooling is essential.
In rolling prairie we may find McCownÕs Longspur, Long-billed Curlew, and raptors. In the Mission Creek Valley we will watch for Wild Turkeys and listen for warblers, and watch forcrossbills in the spruce forest. On the return trip we may see Lark Buntings. We have seen over 110 species along this route, including SpragueÕs Pipit, Upland Sandpiper, and Broad-winged Hawk.
June 4-6: Please join us at the 2010 Montana Audubon Bird Festival in Missoula, MT. Festival participants typically have a lot of fun, meet a lot of bird enthusiasts from around Montana, and learn more about the birds in the area and beyond. Field trips and Saturday presentations and banquet are festival highlights. Contact Montana Audubon or go to www.mtaudubon.org. Kids or grandkids welcome. Come join the fun.
June 12: Trail Creek to Battle Ridge
Leader: Jeff Pentel, 586-3534
(Until mid-afternoon; bring a lunch)
We travel through a variety of habitats, from lowland riparian to juniper woodlands and high-altitude forest, focusing on birding by sound and sight. We have seen 65-85 species on this trip, including Ovenbird, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird. At Battle Ridge Campground we have seen Black-backed Woodpeckers and WilliamsonÕs Sapsuckers. Walking is easy, and a spotting scope would be helpful for viewing waterfowl and shorebirds at Cottonwood Reservoir
June 19: Sypes Canyon
nLeader: Ron Farmer, 586-3987
(3 to 4-hour trip; moderately strenuous)
The trail begins in an aspen grove where we may find Lazuli Buntings, Warbling Vireos and Yellow Warblers. On a dry hillside we may see a Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrows and TownsendÕs Solitaires. In a mixed willow, cottonwood and conifer habitat we can expect SwainsonÕs Thrush, both species of chickadees and juncos. Grouse and Gray Jays are possible at a higher elevation. Expect a moderate to steep uphill walk.