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; a dollar or two for 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. Put cell phones in your car and keep unnecessary conversations to a minimum. Contact the trip leader for more details about any trip. We encourage beginning birders to participate. Come have a good time and learn something new.
¥ May 10: Mount Ellis
Leader: John Parker, 586-5863
(4 to 5-hour trip; 3 miles walking; moderately strenuous)
We will explore grassland, aspen meadow and forest edge habitat while we look for early spring migrants such as Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow and Orange-crowned Warblers, among many others.
¥ May 17: East Gallatin Recreation Area
Leader: Lou Ann Harris, 587-2777
(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 many early migrants including warblers and flycatchers are likely. The grasslands, brushy areas and lake will provide many opportunities for sparrows, swallows and water birds. At this location and time, nearly anything is possible.
¥ May 24: Sypes Canyon
Leader: 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 Townsend's Solitaires. In a mixed willow, cottonwood and conifer habitat we can expect Swainson's Thrush, both species of chickadees and juncos. Grouse and Gray Jays are possible at a higher elevation. Expect a moderate to steep uphill walk.
¥ May 31: Sourdough Nature Trail
Leader: Mary Griffith, 586-3528
(3-hour trip; easy walking)
After leaving the MOR parking lot, this trip will begin at the Goldenstein entrance of the trail just east of Graf. The trail is an easy, level stroll following Sourdough Creek as it travels into Bozeman. We should see and hear a variety of flycatchers, thrushes and warblers.
¥ June 6-8: Please join us at the 2008 Montana Audubon Bird Festival in Billings, MT.
See www.mtaudubon.org.
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 banquet are festival highlights. Contact Montana Audubon or go to www.mtaudubon.org. Kids or grandkids welcome. Come join the fun June 6-8.
¥ June 14: Mission Creek
Leader: Robin Wolcott, 582-0070
(Until mid-afternoon; bring a picnic lunch)
After leaving Bozeman, we will meet at Albertson's 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 McCown's Longspur, Long-billed Curlew, raptors, Mountain Bluebirds and pronghorns. We may see towhees, warblers, and tanagers. In the Mission Creek Valley we will watch for Wild Turkeys and listen for warblers, and watch for crossbills in the spruce forest. On the return trip we may see Lark Buntings. We have seen over 110 species along this route, including Sprague's Pipit, Upland Sandpiper, and Broad-winged Hawk, but we usually average about 75 species. This trip is for all skill levels.
¥ June 21: Trail Creek to Battle Ridge
Leader: Jeff Pentel, 586-3534
(Until mid-afternoon; bring a picnic lunch to eat at Battle Ridge)
We travel through a variety of habitat, from lowland riparian to juniper woodlands and high-altitude forest, focusing on birding by sound and sight for beginners to advanced birders (interested children welcome). We have seen 65-85 species on this trip, including Ovenbird, Corilleran Flycatcher, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird. At Battle Ridge Campground we have seen Black-backed Woodpeckers and Williamson's Sapsuckers. Walking is easy, and a spotting scope would be helpful for viewing waterfowl and shorebirds at Cottonwood Reservoir.