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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Bitterroot Bird Alliance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250915T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250915T190000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20250911T215714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T215714Z
UID:1340-1757955600-1757962800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Casual Birding at Lee Metcalf NWR
DESCRIPTION:Fall greetings\, friends of Bitterroot Bird Alliance! \nWe currently have no fall programs organized\, but would like to kick off this new season with a casual birding event at Lee Metcalf on our normal September meeting day. So if you can\, please join us for an hour or two of birding at the Visitor’s Center at Lee Metcalf beginning at 5 pm on Monday\, September 15th. We will have member surveys on hand\, and anyone who completes the survey will walk away with a free BBA hat or t-shirt! \nSee you soon! \nBBA Board
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/casual-birding-at-lee-metcalf-nwr/
LOCATION:Lee Metcalf\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251115T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251115T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251029T185922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T185922Z
UID:1355-1763200800-1763211600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf
DESCRIPTION:Join Larry Weeks and Five Valleys Audubon for a beginning bird walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Meet the field trip leader at the Refuge Visitor’s Center. This field trip involves walking on level paved and unpaved paths.\n\nThe group will observe and identify birds on the Visitor Center Ponds\, Kenai Trail and in the Wildlife Viewing Area.\n\nDue to the ongoing pandemic\, please wear a mask if you carpool with people other than your household members and practice social distancing in the field.\n\n\nThere are outdoor toilets at the Visitor’s Center and the Wildlife Viewing Area.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/beginning-bird-walk-at-lee-metcalf-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251117T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251117T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251108T203003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251108T203003Z
UID:1364-1763406000-1763411400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program: Black Swifts in Montana
DESCRIPTION:Black Swifts in Montana: One of Our Most Fascinating and Mysterious Species  \nMontana Audubon Avian Specialist Bo Crees has studied Black Swifts in Montana and Idaho for the past 6 years. Bo will share the unique life history of this remarkable species along with interesting highlights\, joys\, and challenges of searching for one of Montana’s most elusive and vulnerable species in remote\, hard-to-access areas. \nDid you know that some of our Black Swifts fly continuously\, without EVER landing\, for more than 9 months?  \nOr\, that even though adults weigh about the same as a golf ball\, their incubation period is longer than that of Red-tailed Hawks\, and that Black Swift nestlings take longer to fledge than some Golden Eagles? \nPlease join us on November 17 to learn more about these fascinating\, unusual birds! \nPlease register by 3 pm on the day of the meeting:  \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PFRETOGwTXCoS4edPxXcsw  \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nBoaz (Bo) Crees discovered the wonders of birds and birding in his early 20s and was hired as a biological technician on his first bird research project in 2005\, while studying wildlife biology at the University of Montana. Bo has been involved in many bird and wildlife research projects over the past 20 years\, and has studied birds in Mexico\, Canada\, and all but two western U.S. states. In 2016 Bo and his wife\, Alexis\, moved to Helena after living in northern British Columbia for several years\, and have lived in Montana ever since. Bo is an Avian Specialist for Montana Audubon and the Montana Natural Heritage Program\, working in the field in spring and summer\, and processing data the rest of the year. In his free time Bo enjoys birding\, hiking\, creating wildlife art\, and collecting and processing rocks and minerals.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/monthly-program-black-swifts-in-montana/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251122T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251122T150000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251024T183700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T183700Z
UID:1348-1763816400-1763823600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Poets in the 'Root
DESCRIPTION:Proudly hosted by Teller Wildlife Refuge 1180 Chaffin Lane\, Corvallis\, MT \nNovember 22 1:00-3:00 \nFree and Open to the Public \nNature has always inspired poets! And\, poetry seeks to both instruct and delight. Poets in the ‘Root combines the magic and biology of nature. One person reads a poem or part of a poem that uses an element of nature to convey its message. Then the same or another person gives an explanation (5 minutes max) of some aspect of that nature element. The explanation focuses on the scientific interpretation of the nature element within the poem. \nListeners get a bit of poetry and a bit of natural history. \nAnyone can volunteer to read a poem and/or offer nature interpretation. Some read poems by others\, but if you’re a poet\, we’d love to hear your own work. \nWe’ll have snacks\, tea\, and wine. \n  \nPlease send your poems and natural history interpretation (or let us know if you need someone else to do the interpretation) to Helen Atthowe at hatthowe@gmail.com \nSupported by: BITTERROOT BIRD ALLIANCE & CHAPTER ONE BOOKSTORE. Art by Deb Goslin. \n—  \nHelen Atthowe \nhatthowe@gmail.com
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/poets-in-the-root-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251206T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251206T160000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251029T190044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T190044Z
UID:1358-1765008000-1765036800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mission Valley with Five Valleys Audubon
DESCRIPTION:This field trip is organized by our friends to the north: Five Valleys Audubon Society!!! \nJoin Thomas Kallmeyer and Five Valleys Audubon as we explore the back roads of the Mission Valley to observe overwintering species. This is a driving field trip with frequent stops for roadside birding so be prepared for variable weather conditions. \nMeet at 08:00 on the West side of the U of M Adams Center parking lot or at 09:00 at the Cenex in Ronan.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/mission-valley-with-five-valleys-audubon/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251209T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251209T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251204T202715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T152535Z
UID:1384-1765306800-1765312200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Christmas Bird Count Refresher
DESCRIPTION:Hello bird friends- \nTo get you excited for our upcoming Christmas Bird Counts as well as winter birding\, Bitterroot Bird Alliance will be hosting a virtual “CBC Refresher” session on Tuesday\, December 9th at 7 pm. Kate Stone will walk you through winter bird identification\, interesting CBC trends we’ll have our eyes on this season\, and hopefully boost your confidence that you can and will enjoy bird identification this winter. \nThe person wearing the best bird gear to our virtual event will win a free Bitterroot Bird Alliance t-shirt. Interpret the phrase “bird gear” as you will!! \nYou will need to register for this event: \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vgQDJT_XSeSFNa40jpjI3g \nYou will receive additional information in a confirmation email upon registering.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/virtual-christmas-bird-count-refresher/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251215
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251111T164438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T203502Z
UID:1377-1765670400-1765756799@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Hamilton Christmas Bird Count
DESCRIPTION:Participants will gather at 7:30 am at the Teller Education Barn at 1180 Chaffin Lane in Corvallis. \nQuestions? Contact: Larry Barnes\, 208-471-8297
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/hamilton-christmas-bird-count/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251215T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251215T193000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251205T151843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T152451Z
UID:1395-1765821600-1765827000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Holiday Social
DESCRIPTION:Join old friends and make some new ones at the Bitterroot Bird Alliance Holiday Social Gathering. We’ll be upstairs in the spacious Victor Station to socialize and enjoy some combination of beverage and/or appetizers and/or entrees.  \n\n\n\nDecember 15th\, 6 pm. Victor Station\, 2412 US 93\, Victor
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/holiday-social/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251218T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251218T190000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251211T221043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T221043Z
UID:1412-1766080800-1766084400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Hamilton Library 2026 eBird Big Year
DESCRIPTION:The library is promoting engagement with our community through the outdoors\, birds\, and eBird\, the world’s largest citizen science project. Are you ready for a Big Year?  \nFind out more info by coming to the Hamilton Public Library! \nDecember 18th\, 6 pm\, Hamilton Library\, Hamilton\, MT. 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/hamilton-library-2026-ebird-big-year/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251220T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251220T120000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251204T203156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T203156Z
UID:1057-1766224800-1766232000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION:This field trip is brought to you by our friends to the north: Five Valleys Audubon Society.\n\nJoin Larry Weeks and Five Valleys Audubon for a beginning bird walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Meet the field trip leader at the Refuge Visitor’s Center. This field trip involves walking on level paved and unpaved paths.\n\nThe group will observe and identify birds on the Visitor Center Ponds\, Kenai Trail and in the Wildlife Viewing Area.\n\nThere are outdoor toilets at the Visitor’s Center and the Wildlife Viewing Area.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/beginning-bird-walk-at-lee-metcalf-national-wildlife-refuge/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251227
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251228
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251111T164513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T202940Z
UID:1380-1766793600-1766879999@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Stevensville Christmas Bird Count
DESCRIPTION:Participants in the Stevensville CBC will gather at 7:30 am\, Saturday\, December 27th\, at the Stevensville Ranger Station (88 Main Street). We will NOT be regrouping for lunch this year\, so bring your own lunch and keep on birding! Email or call-in the day’s results. \nQuestions? Contact: Deb Goslin 406-214-7879\, 1stevicbc@gmail.com.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/stevensville-christmas-bird-count-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260120T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260120T193000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20251211T221309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T161949Z
UID:1415-1768932000-1768937400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program- Bitter Root Land Trust
DESCRIPTION:January Program: Bitter Root Land Trust Conservation Efforts \nAre you curious about efforts to conserve open space in the Bitterroot Valley? What do networks of protected private land mean for birds and other wildlife? Do you remember voting on the Ravalli County Open Lands bond in a recent election? Or did you see newspaper articles about a new public park in Victor? \nOur January program will be an in-person visit with several staff members from the Bitter Root Land Trust. Since its inception in 1997\, the Bitter Root Land Trust has worked in partnership with private landowners\, the local community\, willing donors\, and other entities to protect thousands of acres for the benefit of us all. And that includes birds and other wildlife! \nBRLT staff will provide an overview of the organization\, what their stewardship responsibilities are for conserved land\, the workings of the Ravalli County Open Lands Bond Program\, and highlight the conservation momentum in the Victor neighborhood\, including the formation of the Groff Family Park. Come with any questions you have- they’ll be ready for a lively discussion. \nIt takes a team to make conservation happen\, so we hope you look forward to meeting several members of the Land Trust team\, including Stephanie Sipe (Communications Director)\, Melissa Odell (Lands Director) and Rhiannon Klingonsmith (Stewardship Director). \n\nThis program will take place IN PERSON at 6 pm on Jan. 20th at the Neely Center at \n150 A Street South in Victor. See you there!
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/monthly-program-bitter-root-land-trust/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260213
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260217
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260202T163157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T163157Z
UID:1439-1770940800-1771286399@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Great Backyard Bird Count
DESCRIPTION:Each February\, for four days\, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. Please join the movement!! For more information\, visit the Great Backyard Bird Count Website
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/great-backyard-bird-count/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260216T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260216T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260202T162824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T225919Z
UID:1435-1771268400-1771273800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:February Program: Common Poorwill nightly activity
DESCRIPTION:How do scientists learn what nocturnal birds are doing at night? They are difficult to see\, might be dangerous for the observer to track and follow\, and getting too close might disturb normal activity. Vocalizations like hoots are biased towards males and may only be useful at certain times in the breeding season. \nThe Motus Wildlife Tracking System- and the use of “nanotags”- is most often applied to studying long-distance movements of small organisms. But we can also use data gathered from these tags to understand small-scale animal movements\, like when they are active or sitting still. Data like these can help us understand the relationships between nocturnal creatures and many factors\, including moonlight\, weather\, and food availability. We can also look at seasonal differences in movements\, or how activity changes at different stages of the breeding cycle. \nThe Bitterroot Valley boasts the only long-term study on the uncommon nightjar the Common Poorwill. Since 2015\, we have captured over 250 poorwills on the MPG Ranch near Florence. We’ve spent the last few field seasons deploying nanotags on poorwills and other nocturnal creatures to understand nightly activity patterns. In this talk\, we’ll share what we’ve learned so far. How much of the night are poorwills active? Do males and females show different activity patterns? Can we tease out how much time poorwills spend foraging versus singing? Though poorwills will be the focus of this talk\, we’ll also look at the activity of several other elusive night creatures\, like the Common Nighthawk and Flammulated Owl. \nPlease join Bitterroot Bird Alliance for this VIRTUAL program on Monday\, February 16th at 7 pm. You will need to register in advance for this meeting: \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_4JzAH-ARgi1BxZ8sZkW_A \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/february-program-common-poorwill-nightly-activity/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260221T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260211T164435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T164435Z
UID:1462-1771668000-1771678800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION:This field trip is brought to you by our friends to the north: Five Valleys Audubon Society.\n\nJoin Larry Weeks and Five Valleys Audubon for a beginning bird walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Meet the field trip leader at the Refuge Visitor’s Center. This field trip involves walking on level paved and unpaved paths.\n\nThe group will observe and identify birds on the Visitor Center Ponds\, Kenai Trail and in the Wildlife Viewing Area.\n\nThere are outdoor toilets at the Visitor’s Center and the Wildlife Viewing Area.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/beginning-bird-walk-at-lee-metcalf-national-wildlife-refuge-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260222T070000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260222T160000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260210T001934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T001949Z
UID:1444-1771743600-1771776000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Polson Raptors
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, February 22.  Polson Raptors \nJoin Alex Kearney for a drive north to the Mission Valley. While the focus will be raptors of the area\, participants will discover other wintering species and perhaps see the very beginning signs of spring migration. We will meet at two locations to organize carpools (Stevensville and St. Ignatius) and will return to the Bitterroot Valley by the late afternoon. Bring clothing for short walks from the cars\, snacks\, lunch\, and water. We’ll make several bathroom stops. Meet at 7 am at the northwest portion of the Stevensville Super 1 parking lot. \nTo register and receive more information\, please contact Alex via phone (406-360-2345) or email (ackbluefish20@gmail.com).
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/polson-raptors/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260303T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260303T170000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T215951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T215951Z
UID:1508-1772524800-1772557200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Western screech-owl nest box building party!
DESCRIPTION:Nan Christianson recently proposed a great idea backed up with a kind offer. She has a “good-sized” shop and necessary tools to make owl boxes as part Montana Audubon’s effort\, detailed here: https://mtaudubon.org/2026/02/10/50-for-50-help-us-build-50-screech-owl-boxes-in-honor-of-our-50th-anniversary/\n\n\nAs the owls’ nesting season is just beginning\, we’ll meet SOON: SATURDAY\, MARCH 7TH\, NOON AT NAN’S HOUSE\, HAMILTON.\n\nWe need to:\n\n\nsign up: Contact Nan (406) 369-0793 or Larry (208) 471-8297 right away so we can get the ball rolling.\ngather materials\n\ntools (Nan has most of the basics)\nmaterials\n\nleft-over asphalt shingles to attach to each roof to extend the life of the box\n1″ X 10″ boards. Cedar is most long-lasting\, but pine can be stained to last longer\ndonations of wood\, fasteners\, etc.\n\n\n3″ diameter drill bit\nWe may have members with wood shops and scrap (but useable) wood\nWe are budgetting $20/box and accepting sponsorships!\nIf you would like a box for you property\, bring $20 to cover expenses (should we need to buy materials)\n\n\nbuild boxes\nplace boxes in appropriate habitat\n\nIf we have our ducks (in this case owls) in a row ahead of the box building party\, we could probably make several boxes in 1-2 hours\, maybe with enough time to install the first box on Nan’s beautiful property (near Hamilton).
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/western-screech-owl-nest-box-building-party/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260311T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260311T110000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T213121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T220045Z
UID:1478-1773216000-1773226800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Birding ABC and Red Rock Family Farms
DESCRIPTION:Birding ABC and Red Rock Family Farms \n3/11/26\, 8am to 11am \nCorbin Grimes \nJoin Corbin Grimes for a one mile walk through two private properties just south of Hamilton; ABC and Red Rock Farms. They focus on sustainably producing local produce\, eggs\, chicken\, and beef. ABC even has a stunning tropical greenhouse! Both have stores offering the fruits of their labors. The properties also have wildlife that thrive alongside organic farming practices. Walk along the ABC portion of the Bitterroot River and the Red Rock portion of the Big Ditch. \nContact: 406-360-3052 \n  \nABC Acres\nABC Acres is a permaculture farm located in Hamilton\, MT\, a few miles up Sleeping Child Road. Established in 2012\, ABC was founded with a focus on healthy lifestyle\, farm\, and land management. It covers an area of 80 acres that features great trails through native tree and plant sections\, a pond\, cottonwood forest\, Bitterroot riverfront\, and farm fields. \n\nThe farm is home to resident deer\, elk\, foxes\, coyotes\, and of course birds. Songbirds\, doves\, raptors\, woodpeckers\, and seasonal migrants all make use of ABC Acres’ habitats. A unique feature of the farm is its tropical botanical garden on property that grows bananas\, papayas\, citrus fruits\, etc. – an unexpected find in Montana.\n\nABC Acres offers a membership (which is NOT required for this walk) and allows full year access where visitors can go on guided tours\, livestock feedings\, nature walks\, workshops\, and enjoy the farm store that is stocked with farm-grown and raised foods along with do-it-yourself materials. The efforts of property owners Tim & Sarah have clearly allowed for a thriving Rocky Mountain valley ecosystem.\n\nRed Rock Farm\nRed Rock Farm is a family owned operation that started in 2020 and is located across the street from ABC Acres along Sleeping Child Road. Just like ABC Acres it also follows a regenerative farming practice and has a farm store open to all.\n\nThis walk will be much shorter than the ABC one and will mostly be along the Daly Ditch\, which provides great views over farm fields and prime raptor habitat. Red-tailed Hawks are expected\, and there is a possibility of Rough-legged Hawks\, eagles\, and others as we transition into the spring. The open farm fields and nearby foothills create wonderful hunting grounds for birds of prey.\n\nThrough sustainable farming practices and care for the land\, owners Shannon & Mike have helped create a landscape that supports both agriculture and wildlife.\n\nAt the very least\, you will have an opportunity to explore two beautiful private farms and with some luck\, we will see some birds too. See you there!
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/birding-abc-and-red-rock-family-farms/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260320
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260323
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T214512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T214512Z
UID:1504-1773964800-1774223999@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Wild Wings Festival- Choteau
DESCRIPTION:  \nScan the QR code or go to this website for more information: https://www.wildwingschoteau.org/ \n 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/wild-wings-festival-choteau/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260321T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260321T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260211T164518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T164518Z
UID:1465-1774087200-1774098000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION:This field trip is brought to you by our friends to the north: Five Valleys Audubon Society.\n\nJoin Larry Weeks and Five Valleys Audubon for a beginning bird walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Meet the field trip leader at the Refuge Visitor’s Center. This field trip involves walking on level paved and unpaved paths.\n\nThe group will observe and identify birds on the Visitor Center Ponds\, Kenai Trail and in the Wildlife Viewing Area.\n\nThere are outdoor toilets at the Visitor’s Center and the Wildlife Viewing Area.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/beginning-bird-walk-at-lee-metcalf-national-wildlife-refuge-3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T213205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T213205Z
UID:1481-1774742400-1775001599@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Freezout Lake\, Choteau
DESCRIPTION:Freezout Lake\, Choteau \nMarch 29 to 31\, 2026\, Sunday AM to Tue PM \nAlex Kearney \nIf you’ve wanted to visit Freezout Lake to see its wonders\, which may include sky-darkening numbers of snow geese\, now is your chance. Alex Kearney has offered to lead a trip there at the very end of March. Freezout Lake is just south of Choteau\, about a 3.5 hours drive from Stevensville. Vast numbers of waterfowl rest and fuel up there on their northward migration each March\, and the most numerous among them are clouds of snow geese — if the timing is right. You will probably see about 30-45 species on the round-trip journey from the Bitterroot Valley. Alex has offered to research VRBOs in the area (there are several) that could accommodate 4+ people for the nights of March 29 and 30. Or\, participants may book two nights at the Stage Stop Inn. Also\, some may wish to tow their trailer to Freezout Lake where there are pit toilets and boondock camping is allowed. Alex’s job would be to help arrange car-pooling\, logistics\, and knowing when and where to go to see the best of what the area has to offer. This might include rising in the dark on both mornings to be at Freezout at dawn! But the itinerary will be flexible and Alex will probably communicate the general daily plan then you can opt in or out or meet up along the way. If you have questions call/text/email Alex. \nContact: 406-360-2345\, ackbluefish20@gmail.com
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/freezout-lake-choteau/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260408T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260408T200000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260405T221950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260405T221950Z
UID:1520-1775674800-1775678400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Bitterroot Peregrine Watch Orientation 2026
DESCRIPTION:To join the orientation and get more information on participating\, please email audubonmembership@gmail.com\nSpend the spring and early summer exploring the canyons and cliffs of the Bitterroot Mountains documenting Peregrine Falcon presence and nesting success. Volunteer peregrine monitoring efforts in the Bitterroot are being coordinated by the Bitterroot Bird Alliance under the auspices of Montana Peregrine Watch\, a state-wide peregrine falcon monitoring program which is part of the Montana Peregrine Institute (MPI)
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/bitterroot-peregrine-watch-orientation-2026/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260418T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260211T164552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T164552Z
UID:1468-1776506400-1776517200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION:This field trip is brought to you by our friends to the north: Five Valleys Audubon Society.\n\nJoin Larry Weeks and Five Valleys Audubon for a beginning bird walk at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Meet the field trip leader at the Refuge Visitor’s Center. This field trip involves walking on level paved and unpaved paths.\n\nThe group will observe and identify birds on the Visitor Center Ponds\, Kenai Trail and in the Wildlife Viewing Area.\n\nThere are outdoor toilets at the Visitor’s Center and the Wildlife Viewing Area.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/beginning-bird-walk-at-lee-metcalf-national-wildlife-refuge-4/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260418T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T213244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T213244Z
UID:1484-1776506400-1776517200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:WELCOME BACK WATERFOWL DAY
DESCRIPTION:WELCOME BACK WATERFOWL DAY  \n4/18/26\, 10am to 1pm \nCome and join us in a tradition at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville. Bitterroot Bird Alliance members with high quality optical equipment will be available to assist in identifying\, learning about and observing waterfowl and other birds that use the refuge wetlands. The scopes will be stationed along Wildfowl Lane on the county road between the ponds west of the Visitor Center. This special event is open to the public.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/welcome-back-waterfowl-day/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260420T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260420T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260410T003541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T220726Z
UID:1525-1776711600-1776717000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Ospreys of the Bitterroot Valley: Monitoring\, Conservation\, and Citizen Science
DESCRIPTION:Sign up by Sunday 4/19 at 7pm: https://forms.gle/fX4EKL8BvJ8wdT6p7 \nDate: April 20th \, 2026\nTime: 7:00 pm\nLocation: Virtual\nAudience: Bitterroot Bird Alliance\nPresenter: Kylie Denny \nWhat if you could contribute to scientific research – just by watching an osprey nest?\nOspreys are a familiar sight throughout the Bitterroot Valley\, but we still have much to learn\nabout their migration\, overwintering\, and breeding ecology. At Raptor View Research Institute\,\nwe’re working to better understand each stage of the annual cycle through our long-term\nmonitoring of the local osprey population. Using GPS tracking technology\, we are collecting\ndata on movement patterns\, survival\, and habitat use throughout the entire annual cycle.\nHowever\, GPS data alone cannot provide details about breeding behavior and nest success. Thus\,\nwe are still missing key details about how environmental contaminants\, food availability\,\nweather conditions\, and other environmental factors influence the reproductive success of our\nlocal ospreys. To address these gaps\, we are working to expand our nest monitoring efforts\nduring the 2026 breeding season.\nWe hope to do this through an Adopt-a-Nest program\, which invites community members to help\nus monitor osprey nests throughout the Bitterroot Valley. By involving volunteers\, we can\nmonitor more nests across a larger area and visit them more frequently than would otherwise be\npossible. This approach will allow us to collect valuable data on breeding activity and nest\nsuccess while providing an opportunity for the local community to contribute to ongoing\nresearch and conservation.\nThis talk will share what we’re learning about local ospreys and the value of citizen science in\nwildlife research — so join us if you’re interested in learning more about these birds and how\nyou can contribute to local research and conservation efforts!
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/ospreys-of-the-bitterroot-valley-monitoring-conservation-and-citizen-science/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T120000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T213326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T173006Z
UID:1487-1777107600-1777118400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Rufatto Ranch\, Riparian Block Management Area
DESCRIPTION:Rufatto\, Riparian Block Management Area \n4/25/26\, 9am-12pm \nChelsea Klocke \nBitterroot Bird Alliance is pleased to welcome birders of all experience levels on a spring walk at the Ruffatto Ranch’s Block Management “River Unit” off of Highway 93 between Stevensville and Florence. Birders will enjoy a round trip walk of about 1.5 miles on a mostly flat\, unpaved ranch road\, with one gentle downgrade at the beginning followed by level conditions as the road winds towards and then along the Bitterroot River. We’ll hope to observe early spring migrants and waterfowl. Nice stands of ponderosa pine may host all three nuthatch species\, Western Wood-pewees\, and various woodpeckers. This site’s parking area is on the east side of Highway 93\, 0.5 miles north of the Bass Creek Fishing Access site and just north of where Bass Creek Rd joins Hwy 93 from the west side. For people coming from the north\, it is approximately 1 mile south of where Larry Creek Rd intersects Highway 93 from the west side. Or use these coordinates: 46.574675\, -114.092736 \nContact: chelsklocke@gmail.com
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/rufatto-ranch-riparian-block-management-area/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260501T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260501T100000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260210T002101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T220753Z
UID:1448-1777620600-1777629600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:MPG Ranch Hawk Watch with Raptor View Research Institute
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 1. MPG Hawk Watch \nWe will venture onto the MPG Ranch and meet the Raptor View raptor watchers and learn about spring raptor migration. We will explore on foot some of the nearby areas to look for spring arrivals. Participants must fill out an online waiver before admission to the private property. Please contact Larry several days ahead of the field trip so we are sure to take care of the waiver in time for the trip. 208-471-8297.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/mpg-ranch-hawk-watch-with-raptor-view-research-institute/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260513T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260513T110000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T213509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T213509Z
UID:1491-1778657400-1778670000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:West Cow Creek Road
DESCRIPTION:West Cow Creek Road \n5/13/2026\, 7:30am-11am \nLarry Barnes \nWe will meet at the Woodside Cut-off Road and U.S. Route 93 intersection to arrange carpools. From there we will head west toward W. Cow Creek Road and the Bitterroot National Forest. The area is great for calving elk and is therefore closed to vehicles. We will walk on secondary roads and foot trails for about 2-3 miles. The road and trail passes through several different habitat types as it gains elevation and we should see 20-30 different species. Bring snacks and water.  \nContact: 208-471-8297
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/west-cow-creek-road/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260525T063000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260525T170000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260303T213551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T183322Z
UID:1494-1779690600-1779728400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Big Hole Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:To participate please sign up with Sherry Ritter by May 22nd \nContact: 406-370-4778 \n5/25/26\, 6:30am to 5pm \nWe’ll meet in Hamilton and get back there no later than 5:00 PM. Stops might include the rest area at Lost Trail Pass\, the Big Hole Battlefield riparian area and lodgepole pine forest\, sagebrush habitat west of Wisdom\, and Trail and Joseph creeks. Participants should bring snacks\, drinks\, and lunch. The trip is limited to 12 people in no more than 3 cars (minimum number of participants is 3). Some of the many species we hope to see or hear are: Long-billed Curlews\, Sage Thrashers\, Brewer’s Sparrows\, Lincoln Sparrows\, Sandhill Cranes\, Fox Sparrows\, Northern Waterthrushes\, Swainson’s Hawks\, and Hermit Thrushes. This will mostly be a drive-and-stop field trip except for at the Battlefield where we’ll walk about a mile.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/big-hole-field-trip/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260530T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T110000
DTSTAMP:20260605T212526
CREATED:20260210T002153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T213637Z
UID:1451-1780128000-1780138800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Big Creek Ranch field trip
DESCRIPTION:Big Creek Ranch \n5/30/26\, 8am to 11am \nJill Davies \nWalk just over two miles of mostly flat ponderosa forest and field habitat through a private ranch near Stevensville. We could see 30 to 40 species\, which\, if we are very lucky\, might include a great gray owl. We’ll meet at the ranch and the walk should take between 2.5 to 3 hours. \nContact: 406-360-1751
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/big-creek-ranch-field-trip-2/
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