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Field Activities |
Experienced birders
lead group outings to observe birds and other wildlife. People of all
ages and birding experience may participate in these opportunities to
spend time with birding enthusiasts, improve bird identification
skills, and enjoy the natural world. We offer a variety of birding
excursions. Check our
calendar for a schedule of upcoming outings.
For birding hotspots in
the Missoula and Bitterroot Valley areas and a bird check list,
select here. For printable maps of these birding hotspots, select
Missoula or
Bitterroot Valley. |
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Bird
Surveys |
Understanding bird
population trends and habitat needs is central to meaningful bird
conservation. Our bird surveys engage citizens in bird observation
that collects important population and habitat information. The data
we gather form the basis for citizen science that supports conservation
efforts. |
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Christmas
Bird Count
(CBC) |
Each December, groups of
birders of all experience levels participate in the counting of bird
species and their numbers in the Missoula area. These results, which
are combined with data from other CBCs conducted throughout the
hemisphere, contribute baseline information for a variety of studies
and conservation efforts. An evening potluck supper follows to tally
birds and share stories. |
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Birdathon |
Teams of birders ranging
from novice to veteran have fun counting bird species over the course
of a 24-hour day each spring. Sponsor pledges are based on the number
of species seen by participants. Chapters compete for terrific prizes!
This annual event raises funds to support our research awards and
environmental education projects. |
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Birding
Hotline
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We serve as a local and
state-wide contact to assist people with bird identification. We manage a
taped telephone hotline to collect inquiries and reports about rare,
out-of-season, out-of-range, or otherwise interesting birds seen by
anyone in Montana. Online postings enable us to disseminate this
information in a timely manner. The Birding Hotline number is: (406)
721-9799. |
