Birding and Bird Watching in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

Bird Watching in Glacier Country

From woodpeckers to warblers to waxwings, Montana is for the birds—over 250 species of our winged friends call this place home. Glacier Country is a birder’s paradise, and here are a few good places to catch a glimpse of Western Montana birds—some of our littlest inhabitants.

Explore Glacier National Park's old-growth forests to spot the elusive harlequin duck, a small sea duck that thrives in turbulent waters along fast-moving mountain streams and rocky coastlines. These well-adapted birds are drawn to the mature forests of the park.

Keep an eye out for the majestic bald eagle along the state's waterways and lakes. Nesting year-round in Montana, bald eagles can be found near wetlands, open water areas, and major water bodies, primarily feeding on fish and occasionally waterfowl.

During autumn in Western Montana, watch for the golden eagle. These large raptors, with their impressive wingspans and keen eyesight, nest on cliffs and in large trees, often hunting in prairies and open woodlands.

Read more about birding in Glacier Country on our blog.

Where to Bird Watch in Western Montana

Glacier National Park

In the park alone, you’ll find at least 260 species of birds. It’s one of the best places to see harlequin ducks in the lower 48 states. The "clown ducks" (because of their gray/orange/black/white “costume”) are partial to the waters of McDonald Creek. You're also likely to encounter blue herons, tundra swans, Canada geese and great horned owls. Year-round residents include raptors like bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey and hawks.

Flathead and Mission Valleys

Along with hundreds of resident bird species, thousands of birds make a pit stop in the Flathead and Mission valleys every year along their north-south migratory route. This birder’s paradise offers multiple spots for life-list birding.

Prime locations include: The CSKT Bison Range, Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuges, Thompson Chain of Lakes, Bull River Wildlife Management Area, Lone Pine State Park, Jewel Basin Hiking Area, Owen Sowerwine Natural Area, the Danny On Trail, Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area, Lawrence Park, Lower Valley (Road), Church Slough, and the Blasdel Waterfowl Production Area.

The West Valley Public Bird Viewing Area near Kalispell gives birders a stellar vantage point from which to view hundreds of sandhill cranes congregating in prairie pothole wetlands during fall migration.

Missoula Valley

The Missoula Valley has its own birding and nature trail, helping birders, naturalists and eco-tourists access key birding locations. With birding hotspots, ranging from in-town to more secluded destinations, there are plenty of viewing opportunities.

Prime locations include: Kelly Island, Maclay Flat, Blue Mountain, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Mount Jumbo, Greenough Park, Riverfront-Kim Williams Trail, The Clark Fork River including Milltown State Park and I-90 East, and Pattee Canyon

Bitterroot Valley

With a variety of habitats ranging from wetlands and river bottoms to forested terrain, the 8 birding hotspots in the Bitterroot Valley provide a range of birding experiences and opportunities.

Prime locations include: Bitterroot River Fishing Access Sites, Lolo Pass, Bitterroot Canyons, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Teller Wildlife Refuge, Kiwanis Park, Hamilton, Coyote Coulee Trail, and Lake Como.