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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251117T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251117T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
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:20251115T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251115T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
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:20250915T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250915T190000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
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:20250609T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250609T110000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250513T224937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T224937Z
UID:1324-1749454200-1749466800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Soft Rock Natural Area Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Soft Rock Natural Area\, June 9\, 2025 at 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM:  \nJoin Larry Barnes on a 3-4 mile walk through the shrub-steppe sagebrush habitat at Soft Rock Natural Area about 6 miles east of Corvallis. We will focus on some of the local bird species that are associated with sagebrush in Montana. The birds will be singing and the bitterroots should be blooming. Come and enjoy the miracle of being alive on a June morning in Montana. Call or text Larry at 208-471-8297 for details on where to meet. 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/soft-rock-natural-area-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250607T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250607T170000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250513T224824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T224824Z
UID:1322-1749281400-1749315600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Browns Lake Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Browns Lake Field Trip\, June 7\, 2025 at 7:30 AM to ~5:00 PM:  \nJoin Alex Kearney for an all-day field trip to Browns Lake near Ovando (about 90 miles from Stevensville) during peak spring when all the birds are actively singing or otherwise involved in the breeding season. We’ll meet at 7:30 at the Stevensville Super 1 parking lot to coordinate carpooling. From there we’ll make several stops at natural areas along the way and could see about 45-60 species in the various habitats we’ll be passing through. The trip is open to all people of all abilities; you don’t even need binoculars. Let us know and the Bitterroot Bird Alliance can provide a loaner. Call Alex (406-360-2345) to let him know you’re coming and for any questions you might have. 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/browns-lake-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250605T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250605T103000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250401T135954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T135954Z
UID:1288-1749108600-1749119400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Ruffatto Ranch River Walk + additional option
DESCRIPTION:June 5\, 2025 \n7:30 AM to 10:30 AM \nSherry Ritter will lead a morning field trip in cottonwood/ponderosa pine riparian habitat on the Ruffatto Block Management Area. This is an easy round-trip walk of approximately 1.5 miles. Some of the species we might see include Bank Swallows\, Northern Waterthrushes\, Red-eyed Vireos\, Gray Catbirds\, Willow Flycatchers\, nuthatches\, beaver\, and porcupines. If there is time afterwards\, we’ll also visit the nearby Bass Creek Fishing Access area and walk another 1-mile round trip overlooking a backwater area of the Bitterroot. This is a narrower trail so not as easy as at Ruffatto’s. There are no restrooms at these locations. There’s a group limit of 10 people. Call or text Sherry Ritter at 406-370-4778 to sign up and to provide an email for more details. 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/ruffatto-ranch-river-walk-additional-option/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250601T083000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250601T113000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250414T221722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T221722Z
UID:1302-1748766600-1748777400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Kootenai Creek and Canyon Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Kootenai Creek and Canyon\, June 1\, 2025 at 8:30AM to 11:30AM \nRobert Petty will lead a morning field trip along Kootenai Creek and Canyon. We’ll explore the riparian habitat near the mouth of the canyon that has a mixture of cottonwood\, alder\, aspen\, larch and ponderosa pine. Then we’ll take a walk up the trail into the canyon. \nSome of the species we may see include MacGillivray’s Warbler\, Western Tanager\, Western Flycatcher\, Pacific Wren\, Canyon Wren\, and American Dipper. There is an active Peregrine aerie up the canyon\, so there is chance we may see falcons. \nDue to the narrowness of the trail\, there is a group limit of 10 people for this trip. Call or text Robert Petty at 406-777-0780 to sign up and receive more information.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/kootenai-creek-and-canyon-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250527T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250527T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250414T221617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T221617Z
UID:1300-1748370600-1748377800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Larry Creek Riparian and Bobolinks Meadow Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Larry Creek Riparian and Bobolinks Meadow\, May 27\, 2025 at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM: \nSherry Ritter will lead an evening field trip to watch Bobolinks and Savannah Sparrows in a ranch meadow and look for songbirds at Larry Creek. At Larry Creek we’ll walk a short way along the Larry Creek Road in a riparian area that’s a mixture of cottonwood\, ponderosa pine\, and Douglas fir. Some of the species there are Ruffed Grouse\, American Redstart\, Red-naped Sapsucker\, Lazuli Bunting\, and Swainson’s Thrush. There’s a group limit of 10 people. Call or text Sherry Ritter at 406-370-4778 to sign up and to provide an email for more details.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/larry-creek-riparian-and-bobolinks-meadow-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250524T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250524T110000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250311T171052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T171052Z
UID:1273-1748073600-1748084400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Big Creek Ranch Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Big Creek Ranch\, May 24\, 2025 (8-11AM) \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. Meet trip leader Jill Davies at Big Creek Ranch\, about 500 yards off of Hwy 75 on Mittower West Road north of Victor.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/big-creek-ranch-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250519T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250519T190000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250513T230923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T230408Z
UID:1335-1747675800-1747681200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:BITTERROOT BIRD ALLIANCE 40TH ANNIVERSARY POTLUCK AND CELEBRATION
DESCRIPTION:BITTERROOT BIRD ALLIANCE 40TH ANNIVERSARY POTLUCK AND CELEBRATION \nBitterroot Bird Alliance (formerly Bitterroot Audubon) is FORTY YEARS old! Join us for an anniversary celebration and potluck dinner at 5:30PM on May 19th. We’ll meet outside of Lee Metcalf Refuge’s Visitor Center (4567 Wild Fowl Lane\, Stevensville\, MT). There are multiple picnic table options outside\, and feel free to bring your own chair or blanket. We will also have access to the education space inside if the weather is chilly! Please bring a dish to share and your own beverage. We will have plates and utensils! AND CAKE!
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/bitterroot-bird-alliance-40th-anniversary-potluck-and-celebration/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250518T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250518T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250311T172138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T172138Z
UID:1280-1747562400-1747573200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning bird walk at Lee Metcalf
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/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250515T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T120000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250414T221455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T221455Z
UID:1298-1747294200-1747310400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:West Cow Creek Road to Sheafman Creek Trailhead Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:West Cow Creek Road to Sheafman Creek Trailhead\, May 15\, 2025 at 7:30 AM to 12PM: \nWe will meet at the Woodside Cut-off Road and U.S. Route 93 intersection to arrange carpools. From there we will bird our way west toward W. Cow Creek Road and the Bitterroot National Forest and the Sheafman Creek Trailhead. We will make 3-5 stops along the way and 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. Text Larry Barnes at 208-471-8297 for details and to sign up.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/west-cow-creek-road-to-sheafman-creek-trailhead-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250513T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250513T180000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250421T144551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T134712Z
UID:1307-1747152000-1747159200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:AWESOME HIGHWAY CLEANUP
DESCRIPTION:By Skip Horner \nOur semi-annual highway cleanup will take place on Tuesday\, May 13\, at 4PM.  We’ll meet and park on the west side of Bell Crossing and clean miles 60 to 62 north and south from there.  Bitterroot Audubon’s name is on those big highway signs\, even though we’re Bitterroot Bird Alliance now\, so come out and help us and the highway look good. Bring your own gloves. We’ll supply high-visibility vests and stout plastic bags. \nQuestions?  Call Skip at 406-369-5367
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/awesome-highway-cleanup/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250508T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250508T200000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250131T211101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T211101Z
UID:1220-1746725400-1746734400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Teller Wildlife Refuge Great Blue Heron Rookery Viewing
DESCRIPTION:Join BBA’s Alex Kearney and Teller Wildlife Refuge’s Nicole Ballard to view one of the Bitterroot Valley’s great blue heron rookeries. The parents should be busy at this time getting the next generation of herons off to a good start. Scopes and field glasses are suggested\, but will also be provided for viewing. Please contact Alex Kearny (406-360-2345) to pre-register and get directions to the meeting place.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/teller-wildlife-refuge-great-blue-heron-rookery-viewing/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250504T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250504T183000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250401T135820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T135820Z
UID:1286-1746376200-1746383400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Ruffatto Ranch River Walk
DESCRIPTION:May 4\, 2025 \n4:30 PM to 6:30 PM \nBitterroot Bird Alliance and the Feminist Bird Club of Northwestern Montana are pleased to welcome birders of all backgrounds and abilities on a spring walk through the Ruffatto Ranch’s Block Management “River Unit” off of Highway 93 between Stevensville and Florence. Kate Stone will lead birders on an easy round-trip walk of about 1.5 miles on a 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 many riparian and floodplain specialists\, including Red-eyed Vireos\, Willow Flycatchers\, Least Flycatchers\, Gray Catbirds\, Nashville Warblers\, and Black-headed Grosbeaks. 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: 46.574554°; -114.092773°.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/ruffatto-ranch-river-walk/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250504T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250504T120000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250401T135650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T220353Z
UID:1284-1746345600-1746360000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Birding Lake Como
DESCRIPTION:May 4\, 2025 \n8:00 AM to about noon \nWe will meet in Hamilton at 8 am\, arrange carpools\, and caravan 20 miles to Lake Como where we will make two stops and walk about a total of 2-3 miles along well-established trails. We should see about 30-40 species that might include ruffed grouse\, red-necked grebe\, common loon\, Williamson’s and red-naped sabsuckers\, Cassin’s vireo and Townsend’s solitaire. We should return to Hamilton by about noon or early afternoon. Call or text Corbin Grimes at 406-360-3052 for details.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/birding-lake-como/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250421T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250421T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250127T151824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T221930Z
UID:1216-1745262000-1745267400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program: Tricia Rodriguez Songbird Banding
DESCRIPTION:Beyond Binoculars: The Science and Impact of Bird Banding \nBy Tricia Rodriguez and Kate Stone \nOur April program will welcome professional bird bander and avian ecologist Tricia Rodriguez from the University of Montana’s Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL). \nField ornithologists collect information about wild bird populations in a variety of ways\, with the goals or questions in a study guiding the choice of methodology. Banding is an excellent choice for researchers who need to mark and identify individual birds\, assess health and body condition\, collect measurements\, and more. UMBEL has been studying songbird populations in western Montana since 2006\, capturing and banding over 37\,000 birds of 154 species. Tricia will familiarize you with bird banding efforts in Montana and around the world! She will share results from several local studies. \nTricia was born and raised in Georgia\, where she lived a suburban lifestyle without a bird feeder in sight. In her final semester at the University of Georgia\, she took ornithology “just for fun”\, but it ultimately changed the direction of her life. After graduation\, she traveled for eight years as a seasonal field technician\, working on bird projects in places like Cape May\, NJ\, Denali National Park\, AK\, and Maui\, HI.  She has been an avian ecologist with UMBEL since 2012\, managing the banding program but also jumping in to work on any of the other great projects at UMBEL whenever there’s a chance. Tricia enjoys spending time on the river\, camping in beautiful places\, cooking\, knitting\, and playing with her two cats. \nPlease join Tricia Rodriguez and Bitterroot Bird Alliance to learn more about songbird banding on Monday\, April 21st in the Education Building adjacent to the Slack Barn at Teller Wildlife Refuge\,  1180 Chaffin Lane in Corvallis. \n 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/monthly-program-tricia-rodriguez-songbird-banding/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250419T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250419T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250307T170222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T170222Z
UID:1255-1745056800-1745067600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Welcome Back Waterfowl
DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendars: WELCOME BACK WATERFOWL DAY will take place Saturday April 19th from 10 am to 1:00 pm. 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. \n 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/welcome-back-waterfowl/
LOCATION:Lee Metcalf\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250419T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250419T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250102T230355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T230355Z
UID:1066-1745056800-1745067600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf NWR
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-nwr-4/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250402T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250402T183000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250205T230726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T184825Z
UID:1232-1743613200-1743618600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Event: Flight Paths with Rebecca Heisman
DESCRIPTION:Bitterroot Bird Alliance\, Chapter One Book Store\, and MPG Ranch are excited to host a virtual happy hour to discuss the book Flight Paths with science writer Rebecca Heisman on Wednesday April 2 at 5:00 pm. You may recognize Rebecca’s name from outlets like Audubon magazine\, Living Bird\, Scientific American\, the American Bird Conservancy and others. Rebecca describes Flight Paths as follows: \n“Did you know that one of the first ways to measure bird migration was counting the silhouettes of night-migrating birds as they passed in front of the full moon? Or that British radar operators during World War II were mystified by “angels” appearing on their screens that turned out to be seabirds in flight? Or that scientists today can tell roughly where a bird spent the winter by analyzing the ratios of hydrogen\, carbon\, and sulfur isotopes in its feathers? Flight Paths: How a Passionate and Quirky Group of Pioneering Scientists Solved the Mystery of Bird Migration is my first book and tells the incredible scientific story of how we know what we know about bird migration\, tackling the methods scientists use to track this amazing natural phenomenon — from the origins of bird banding to the latest in high-throughput genetic sequencing and space-based tracking systems — chapter by chapter.” \nWe are really lucky to have such a distinguished author discuss her work with us. One reason this book is so special is that it discusses an acoustic monitoring project that took place in the Bitterroot Valley\, with many BBA members participating! \nYou will need to pre-register for this event: Click here to register. \nYou can order this book from Chapter One; hardback versions are available now\, and softback versions can be pre-ordered and will be available March 18th! \nThere are also multiple copies available within the Montana Library System.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/author-event-flight-paths-with-rebecca-heisman/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250322
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250323
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250311T171643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T171643Z
UID:1275-1742601600-1742687999@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mission Valley Raptors Field Trip
DESCRIPTION:Mission Valley Raptors\, March 22\, 2025 \nJoin BBA’s Alex Kearney for a trip to Mission Valley at the south end of Flathead Lake. While the focus will be raptors of the area\, we will discover other early spring arrivals. Alex led the same trip one month ago and saw 39 species! We will meet at two locations to organize carpools (Stevensville and 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. This trip has a limited number of participants\, so please pre-register soon by contacting Alex Kearny at 406-360-2345.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/mission-valley-raptors-field-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250321
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250324
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250311T171955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T171955Z
UID:1277-1742515200-1742774399@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Wild Wings Light Goose Festival
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/wild-wings-light-goose-festival/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250317T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250317T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250127T151334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T170635Z
UID:1214-1742238000-1742243400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program: Diane Boyd on Wolf Conservation
DESCRIPTION:“Five decades of Wolf Recovery in Montana and the West\,” with Diane K. Boyd \nDr. Diane K. Boyd holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana. She has studied wolves in Montana and far beyond\, like in Romania and Italy. She is the author of numerous scientific papers on wolves. She now divides her time between her home in Kalispell and her cabin in the North Fork. \nDr. Boyd will discuss wolf recovery in Montana and the western US\, through natural recolonization and reintroductions. She will discuss the ecology of gray wolves and the challenges of humans and wolves coexisting on a human-dominated landscape. \nDiane’s book\, Woman Among Wolves is available at Chapter One or through their website. The paperback out 8/24/25 is also available for pre-order.\nYou will need to register for this March 17th Zoom event\, using the link below. \nYou are invited to a Zoom meeting.  \nWhen: Mar 17\, 2025 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)  \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rT1rf7hQSsOgDehz9w5oIA \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/monthly-program-diane-boyd-on-wolf-conservation/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250315T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250315T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250102T230312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T230324Z
UID:1064-1742032800-1742043600@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf NWR
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-nwr-3/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250222
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250223
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250131T210921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T210921Z
UID:1218-1740182400-1740268799@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mission Valley Raptors
DESCRIPTION:Join BBA’s Alex Kearney and Five Valley Audubon’s Steve Flood for an all-day trip to the Mission Valley at the south end of Flathead Lake. While the focus will be raptors of the area\, we 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. Trip has a limited number of participants so please pre register by February 16th by contacting Alex Kearny at 406-360-2345.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/mission-valley-raptors/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250217T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250217T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250205T000209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T000534Z
UID:1223-1739818800-1739824200@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program: Clark's Nutcrackers with Dr. Diana Tomback
DESCRIPTION:Clark’s Nutcracker: the Bird that Builds Forests\, by Dr. Diana Tomback \nThe presentation will cover Clark’s Nutcrackers as keystone seed dispersers\, and thus forest builders\, for many conifers across the montane west but with the focus on nutcrackers and whitebark pine.  With the decline in whitebark pine\, now a federally threatened species\, there is a concern about a decline in nutcracker populations.  I will include some data from our work on nutcracker forest community use\, annual abundance\, and home range size in Yellowstone National Park. \nDiana F. Tomback is Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado Denver with expertise in forest ecology and conservation biology. She received a B.A. and M.A. at UCLA and Ph.D. at the University of California Santa Barbara. Author of more than 150 publications and essays\, she has conducted research on high elevation and treeline ecosystems\, including pioneering studies of the keystone seed disperser Clark’s nutcracker\, whitebark pine\, and related five-needle white pines in parks and forests across the U.S. and Canada. In 2001\, Tomback and colleagues started the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF) http://www.whitebarkfound.org\, a science-based 501 (c)3 non-profit to advocate for whitebark pine restoration.  She was science lead on the National Whitebark Pine Restoration Plan\, a multi-agency strategy in partnership with American Forest and advised by the Washington Office of the USDA Forest Service.  She now serves on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Whitebark Pine Recovery Team. \nYou are invited to a Zoom meeting.  \nWhen: Feb 17\, 2025 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6DSoVThdT6GzuODT1GPsiQ \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPlease register before 6 p.m. on the 17th. \n 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/monthly-program-clarks-nutcrackers-with-dr-diana-tomback/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250215T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250215T130000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250102T230229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T230229Z
UID:1062-1739613600-1739624400@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Beginning Bird Walk at Lee Metcalf NWR
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-nwr-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250215T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250215T170000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250102T230517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T230517Z
UID:1068-1739606400-1739638800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:All Day Field Trip to the Mission Valley
DESCRIPTION:This field trip is brought to you by our friends to the north: Five Valleys Audubon Society. Thanks friends! \nJoin Thomas Kallmeyer and Five Valleys Audubon for an all-day field trip to the Mission Valley to look for resident and overwintering raptors and other birds. Meet at 8:00 am on the West side of the Adams Center parking lot at the U of M or at the Cenex gas station in Ronan at 9:00 am. \nThis is a driving trip with frequent stops to look for birds. We will spend some time outside the car\, so be prepared for cold temperatures\, wind and snow or rain. \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.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/all-day-field-trip-to-the-mission-valley/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250208T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250208T150000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20250108T161108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T161236Z
UID:1193-1739019600-1739026800@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Poets in the Root
DESCRIPTION:Nature in nearly all manifestations has inspired poets since there were poets! And at least since the Roman poet Horace wrote Ars Poetica or the Art of Poetry in 19BC\, literature\, including poetry\, sought to both instruct and delight. \nPoets in the ‘Root combines these two aims in an uncommon but simple way. 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 nature interpretation\, not literary interpretation. Listeners get a bit of poetry and a bit of natural history. \nWe’ll have refreshments\, including coffee\, tea\, wine\, and snacks! \nAnyone can volunteer to read poetry and/or offer the nature interpretation. This is a fun way for Master Naturalists to earn credit towards their certification. Free and open to the public. \nFor participants\, even attendees\, Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton is offering 20% off of one book of poetry. Coupons will be available at the event. \nTo ask questions\, please contact Micki Long at mickilong@gmail.com \nTo register\, please visit the Teller Wildlife Refuge website.
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/poets-in-the-root/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250120T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260605T130538
CREATED:20241219T145106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T184631Z
UID:929-1737399600-1737405000@bitterrootbirdalliance.org
SUMMARY:Monthly Program- Shorebird Migration in Montana
DESCRIPTION:Monday January 20th\, 7 pm \nNocturnal peeps: what night sounds can tell us about shorebird migration in Montana \nShorebirds cover huge distances during spring and fall migration\, passing over entire states without touching land. Where they settle\, wetlands provide critical resources for refueling. With widespread population declines\, understanding all aspects of their life histories is important to conserving populations. Because most shorebirds migrate at night and daytime shorebird identification challenges many birders\, we understand very little about their migration through Montana and the Intermountain West. However\, shorebirds make unique flight calls while migrating\, and we can often identify them to species based on these calls. \nSome of you may recall the “Bitterroot Array”- an installation of up to 50 recording units deployed annually from 2013 to 2019 at sites in Montana to study nocturnal bird migration. Though we set most units in the Bitterroot Valley\, we had a handful of sites east of the Continental Divide. We focused most effort on fall migration but also had some units recording in the spring. Several Bitterroot Bird Alliance members hosted recording units at their property\, as did schools like Florence and Darby High Schools. We also had units at familiar locations in the high country- sites like St Mary’s Peak and Sula Peak. \nThis effort resulted in over 20 terabytes of acoustic data. Because of the massive amount of data and the difficulty in identifying some western bird species by flight calls\, we decided to tackle shorebird calls during the year 2017 for an initial analysis. In this presentation\, we’ll walk you through how our Bitterroot data helped train the machine-learning model “Nighthawk” (think “Merlin” for nocturnal flight calls) and how scientists everywhere can use this application to better understand bird migration happening at night. But more importantly\, we’ll share some of our results about the shorebirds migrating over our valley- species you might never see or even expect. We’ll also compare the findings from our recordings to the on-the-ground surveys several BBA members performed at Lee Metcalf NWR the past two years as part of the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey. \nKate Stone is a long-time board member of Bitterroot Bird Alliance and an ecologist at the MPG Ranch. Like many people\, she struggles with visual shorebird identification in the field because she sees relatively few of them. But as an “ear birder” at heart\, she loves the use of acoustic tools to study bird populations. \nPlease join BBA for this glimpse into the scientific process of innovation and discovery during our January virtual program. You will need to register in advance for this meeting:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BOsWvJQTTlOzuJX7sDot5g \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n 
URL:https://bitterrootbirdalliance.org/event/monthly-program-shorebird-migration-in-montana/
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