Birding opportunities abound in spring
Guest Commentary:
Within a 150 mile radius of Libby, as the crow flies, there are numerous and awesome opportunities for birding. And now is the time.
Actually, the birds are not waiting for us, for the birding season has already started. Eagles are scouting nest sites, herons are fishing, hawks keep watch on forest edges and Tundra Swans are being spotted.
Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational hobbies in our area. It can be a fun family or friends group outing as usually no strenuous hikes are involved. It is also a low investment hobby, requiring only a small outlay in a pair of binoculars and a birding pocket field guide. It is an investment of sorts in ourselves, as a spring walk in nature can help get us in shape and does wonders for the soul.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks have two programs worth considering coming up in the near future in Heron. The first is an advanced animal and bird tracking class on March 28, where professional trackers will also cover looking for tracks, signs and nests of eagles, hawks, herons, harriers, water ouzels and waterfowl.
The second program, on April 4, will begin with an interesting power point on birds of prey, followed by a field session visiting marshes and riverside viewing areas. More information is available from the Friends of Scotchman Peaks website.
If you want to learn more about bird and wildlife photography, join local professional wildlife photographer Randy Beacham and a local wildlife biologist for a free workshop April 11 on improving wildlife photography skills. This workshop is presented by the Montana Wildnerness Association, and more information is available on their website.
Montana Audubon, Flathead Audubon and Montana Wilderness Association are co-sponsoring “Wings, Tails, Tracks and Trails,” April 25 at a wildlife preserve east of Kalispell. Here, participants will learn about tracking and spotting terrestrial and avian/waterfowl species that frequent wetland habitats. Check the respective websites for additional information.
As May flowers pop up, birding continues at Northern Idaho College in Sandpoint for a “Family Birding Outing” May 2. This family friendly event is guided by professional outdoor education specialists.
Ready for a Canadian Adventure? Check out the second annual Creston Valley Bird Fest, from May 9 until May 11.
In mid-May, Montana Wilderness Association again rises to the occasion with a well-timed Kootenai/Flathead Valley short hikes and road tour birding bash May 16. Designed for all levels and physical capabilities, this excursion leaves options for exploring a unique area.
So my fellow outdoor enthusiasts, dust off those binoculars and spotting scopes, stick that camera in a daypack with a good lunch, a bird book, and some water and grab a friend and prepare to meet some new ones. Get outside and breathe, do some birding, and enjoy. It’s a new adventure every time.
— Brian Baxter has worked in the woods for 40 years, and is an Outdoor Educational Specialist.