birding montana - gallatin valley
1. Lindley Park and Sunset Hills Cemetery
At the east end of downtown on Main Street, this oasis of trees offers a bit of quiet in the city and good birding nearly any time of the year.
During the spring listen for Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Yellow-rumped Warbler, while looking for other migrants. Most of the year Black-billed Magpie, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Brown Creeper are present. In the winter the extensive plantings of spruce and fir in the cemetery may attract Dark-eyed Junco, Pine Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch, Red Crossbill, and Pine Siskin. In turn, the songbirds draw in Cooper's Hawk, Merlin, and Great Horned Owl.
2. Linear Park/ Gallagator Trail
This trail is part of an expanding network of trails around Bozeman and extending to the foothills. This old railroad right-of-way, which runs from South Church (below Sunset Hills Cemetery) to the Museum of the Rockies on Kagy Boulevard, is the core of that network.
You should see birds that do well in an urban setting, such as Mallard, Downy Woodpecker, and Black-capped Chickadee. The September migration can be quite good with numbers of warblers and sparrows moving through the brushy areas. During the winter look for Sharp-shinned Hawks and flocks of Bohemian Waxwings.
This trail parallels Bozeman (Sourdough) Creek through some of the most diverse deciduous habitat in the valley. Spring through fall, listen and watch for an excellent variety of breeding and migrating passerines. American Redstart, Veery, Warbling Vireo, and a few Flycatcher species are some of the birds that nest here.
The easiest way to access this trail is from Goldenstein Lane. From Main Street take South Church (which becomes Sourdough Road) to Goldenstein Lane. Turn right onto Goldenstein Lane and continue to the far side of the Sourdough Creek bridge. The trailhead is on the right.
4. East Gallatin Recreation Area
This park on the north side of town includes Glen Lake, some grassy areas, and a willow/cottonwood riparian corridor along the East Gallatin River. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, but the spring and fall migrations can produce some interesting birds. Between the lake and the river, Western Meadowlark and Savannah Sparrow are possible. Along the river look for Willow Flycatcher and Gray Catbird.
From Main Street, take North 7th to Griffin Drive, turn right and continue across the railroad tracks and take the first left onto Manley Road. The entrance is at the far side of the lake. A small donation is requested.
5. Fish Cultural Development Center/"M" trail
The fish hatchery next to Bridger Creek is five miles from downtown Bozeman. The mix of cottonwood, willow, dogwood, and Douglas fir at the mouth of Bridger Canyon is a magnet for many types of birds. Some of the birds you might see along the short nature trail include Calliope Hummingbird, Yellow Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, and American Goldfinch. Fish Hatchery Road on the far side of the creek is a good spot to watch for Belted Kingfisher and American Dipper.
Across Bridger Canyon Drive from the fish hatchery is the trailhead for both the "M" trail and the Foothills trail. Juniper, chokecherry, and hawthorn grow along these trails. Frequenting these slopes are Townsend's Solitaire, Lazuli Bunting, Green-tailed Towhee, and Chipping Sparrow.
This is one of the most accessible spots to bird the foothills transition zone. There is a system of trails that climb through willow, aspen, and Douglas fir habitats. As you make your way up the hill you may encounter Ruby-crowned Kinglet, MacGillivray's Warbler, Western Tanager, and possibly even a Great Gray Owl.
From Main Street take South 19th Street five miles south to where the road curves to the west. The entrance to the preserve is on the left.
This spring-fed pond is an old gravel pit, which even in winter has open water. The pond is a designated waterfowl protection enclosure, so there is no hunting here. This 16 acre pond is the best spot in Gallatin Valley for viewing waterfowl. It is not uncommon during migration periods or winter to see more than ten species of waterfowl. In the late fall, Tundra Swans may be side by side with Trumpeter Swans. Up to 3,000 Common Goldeneye and a number of Barrow's Goldeneye have been seen on the pond in winter.
From Bozeman, take Interstate 90 west to the Belgrade exit, turn right on route 85, then turn left on route 205. Travel west on route 205 (frontage road) for six miles and then turn left on Heeb Road. The pond is on the left immediately after you pass under the Interstate.
In terms of birding, this ski area is best known for the fall raptor migration. From late August through October up to seventeen species of raptors have been seen gliding south along the spine of the Bridger Mountain Range. Peak numbers of migrating raptors (mostly Golden Eagle) usually occur the first two weeks of October. Over 200 Golden Eagles may be observed in a single day. Year-round residents of the mountain such as Blue Grouse, Gray Jay, and Steller's Jay are possible while climbing the Ridge.
To get to Bridger Bowl from Bozeman, follow the ski area signs north on highway 86 (Bridger Canyon Drive). Once at the ski area, follow the main road to the right of the base lodge until you get to the gate and small parking lot. From here it is a strenuous 2,100 foot climb to the top of the ridge.
This nearly 50 mile loop, with spectacular views, takes you through pasture land, wheat fields, juniper scrub, and cottonwood riparian habitats. In the winter and spring this trip can be exceptional for viewing raptors, with Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, and Prairie Falcon likely. During the winter, also look for birds of the north, like Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting. In the summer you'll see birds of the open country such as Horned Lark, Mountain Bluebird, and Western Meadowlark.
To reach the beginning of this loop, from Bozeman take 19th Ave. north, cross over I-90 and turn right onto Springhill Road.
Encompassing the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, this park hosts many breeding birds in addition to being a major travel corridor for birds during migration. In the summer look overhead for soaring American White Pelican and Turkey Vulture, and remember to scan the cliffs above the Gallatin and Missouri Rivers for White-throated Swift and Pinyon Jay. Around Fort Rock there are Western and Eastern Kingbirds, as well as Rock Wrens. A mile beyond the Fort Rock picnic area, the town of Trident is also a good spot during spring and fall to look for migrating passerines.
From I-90, take the Three Forks exit, and follow the signs to the park. After two miles take Hwy 286 to the left. Fort Rock picnic area is three miles down the road with several points of interest along the way.
11. Three Forks Ponds/ Old Town Road
These ponds often have interesting waterfowl and are a favored stop-over for a variety of terns. You can also see Osprey nesting nearby.
Old Town Road traverses two very different habitats in four miles: the cottonwood bottomland of the Jefferson River and the sage scrub along Mud Springs Gulch. During the summer listen for Western Wood Pewee and Bullock's Oriole in the cottonwoods and Sage Thrasher and Brewer's Sparrow in the sage.
For both of these spots take the Three Forks I-90 exit, thirty miles west of Bozeman. To reach the ponds, turn toward Three Forks and then take the first left (Talc Road). Old Town Road is the first immediate left after turning away from Three Forks.
Birding Beyond Gallatin Valley
Cottonwood Reservoir
Allow for at least half a day to make this trip, as there are many birding opportunities along the way. Take State Route 86 thirty-eight miles north up Bridger Canyon. At Route 86 and Hwy 89 junction, turn left and travel two miles; the reservoir will be on your left.
On your way to the reservoir, about halfway to US Hwy 89, you'll cross Battle Ridge. On either side of the Ridge, there is excellent willow riparian habitat with a mix of coniferous forest as you travel over the divide. Throughout this area look for Willow Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
As you leave the forest for the open country you may see Red-naped Sapsucker, Mountain Bluebird, and Lazuli Bunting. The stretch of road running down the Flathead Creek drainage toward the Shields River Valley is outstanding raptor country at any time of the year.
At times the reservoir can be difficult to bird with distance, lighting, and the wind adding to the challenge, but the rewards can be great with many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and possible rare species.
Willow Creek/Harrison Reservoir
This lake and its mud flats attract many different types of waterfowl and shorebirds, and is a staging area for Sandhill Cranes in the fall. It is the premiere spot in our area for shorebirds - late summer and fall being especially notable for numbers and variety. Many state and local rarities have been documented here.
Most birds congregate on the mud flats on the south end of the lake, where access is limited (private property). Boaters and skiers use the reservoir heavily during summer weekends and holidays.
Approximately 50 miles from Bozeman, this trip requires at least four hours. Head west from Bozeman on Hwy 191 and at "Four Corners" continue straight on Hwy 84 to Norris. At Norris turn right on Hwy 287 and go 10 miles to Harrison. At Harrison look for the fishing access sign to Willow Creek Reservoir, which lies 4 miles to the east.
Ennis Lake
This lake is a major stop-over and staging area during spring and fall migrations for thousands of birds, including Common Loon, Eared and Western Grebes, and Trumpeter and Tundra Swans. As with the other reservoirs, a scope is a necessity for the best birding. On this trip you pass through arid grasslands, as well as along the Madison River for several miles, with opportunities for side trips along the way.
This is the same route as if you were going to Willow Creek Reservoir, until you reach Norris. At Norris turn left on Hwy 287; at McAllister turn left onto Ennis Lake Road. After two miles pull into the Meadow Lake Fishing access. This is the best area on the lake to search for shorebirds. Continue along the north shore, cross the bridge and turn right. At the top of the hill is a good vantage point to scan the deeper water for loons. Often, large numbers of waterfowl will shelter in the southeastern corner of the lake. Look for Sandhill Crane, Marsh Wren, and Yellow-headed Blackbird in the marshes. At this point the road leaves the lake and returns to Hwy 287 south of the town of Ennis. On Hwy 287, five miles north of Ennis, turn right onto Jordan Lane (an unmarked dirt road), for a good view of the southwest corner of the lake and sometimes great numbers of waterfowl.
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