For the Flighty Tourist … Bird Watching in Montana
Three new birding trails have recently been inaugurated in Montana, bringing more and more bird watching fans to the Big Sky state. Offering spectacular settings where you can observe everything from yellow warblers to sage grouse, take any of the stunning trails that run through the Bitterroot Birding Trail to the west, the Northeastern Plains Birding Trail, or the Southeastern Montana Birding Trail.
Hike a long the Clark Fork River to discover Red-naped Sapsuckers while you angle for the local bull trout. Then watch the Great Blue Herons build their nests in the cottonwood trees as you enjoy a restful lunch on Kelly Island.
Keep your binoculars out for Western Tanagers along the granite walls of Blodgett’s Canyon. With the forest fires of 2000, the area was cleared to reveal not only the local rock climbers managing the vertical cliffs, but also the Lazuli Buntings that normally were camouflaged by the formerly dense woods.
Ring Billed Gulls and Gray Catbirds can be seen along Fort Peck Dam. Bring your rod and reel to have a go at the enormous walleye and paddlefish that call the deep reservoir home.
Southeastern Montana features sage grouse that live in the wide expanses of sagebrush. Here in Custer County you can watch the males do their mating dance during the early spring, their plumage displayed for all to see, including the females of their dreams!
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