Bitterroot Bird Alliance

Ospreys of the Bitterroot Valley: Monitoring, Conservation, and Citizen Science
2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:30 UTC
Sign up by Sunday 4/19 at 7pm: https://forms.gle/fX4EKL8BvJ8wdT6p7
Date: April 20th , 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Audience: Bitterroot Bird Alliance
Presenter: Kylie Denny
What if you could contribute to scientific research – just by watching an osprey nest?
Ospreys are a familiar sight throughout the Bitterroot Valley, but we still have much to learn
about their migration, overwintering, and breeding ecology. At Raptor View Research Institute,
we’re working to better understand each stage of the annual cycle through our long-term
monitoring of the local osprey population. Using GPS tracking technology, we are collecting
data on movement patterns, survival, and habitat use throughout the entire annual cycle.
However, GPS data alone cannot provide details about breeding behavior and nest success. Thus,
we are still missing key details about how environmental contaminants, food availability,
weather conditions, and other environmental factors influence the reproductive success of our
local ospreys. To address these gaps, we are working to expand our nest monitoring efforts
during the 2026 breeding season.
We hope to do this through an Adopt-a-Nest program, which invites community members to help
us monitor osprey nests throughout the Bitterroot Valley. By involving volunteers, we can
monitor more nests across a larger area and visit them more frequently than would otherwise be
possible. This approach will allow us to collect valuable data on breeding activity and nest
success while providing an opportunity for the local community to contribute to ongoing
research and conservation.
This talk will share what we’re learning about local ospreys and the value of citizen science in
wildlife research — so join us if you’re interested in learning more about these birds and how
you can contribute to local research and conservation efforts!

Rufatto Ranch, Riparian Block Management Area
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00
Rufatto, Riparian Block Management Area
4/25/26, 9am-12pm
Chelsea Klocke
Bitterroot 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
Contact: chelsklocke@gmail.com

MPG Ranch Hawk Watch with Raptor View Research Institute
2026-05-01 07:30 - 10:00
Friday, May 1. MPG Hawk Watch
We 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.

West Cow Creek Road
2026-05-13 07:30 - 11:00
West Cow Creek Road
5/13/2026, 7:30am-11am
Larry Barnes
We 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.
Contact: 208-471-8297

Big Hole Field Trip
2026-05-25 06:30 - 17:00
To participate please sign up with Sherry Ritter by May 22nd
Contact: 406-370-4778
5/25/26, 6:30am to 5pm
We’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.

Big Creek Ranch field trip
2026-05-30 08:00 - 11:00
Big Creek Ranch
5/30/26, 8am to 11am
Jill Davies
Walk 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.
Contact: 406-360-1751

Soft Rock Natural Area
2026-06-03 07:30 - 11:00
6/3/2026
7:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Larry Barnes
Come 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.

Larry Creek and Bobolinks Field Trip
2026-06-06 08:00 - 11:00
Larry Creek and Bobolinks
6/6/26, 8am to 11am
Chris and Pam Scranton
Join us for a field trip at Larry Creek on Saturday June 6. Meet 8:00 a.m in the parking area where the horse trailers park, (there is plenty of car parking). We will walk about 3 miles through riparian zones and ponderosa forest. Expected birds include three species of vireo, Red-eyed, Cassin’s and Warbling, along with several warblers (Nashville, MacGillivray’s, Yellow-rumped, American Redstart, and Wilson’s). Other possible species include crossbills, nutcrackers, creeper, two chickadees, goshawk, Steller’s jay, etc. We’ll finish with a drive to a nearby epicenter of Bobolink activity. Last year we saw over a dozen at once.
Contact: 406-880-4751

Doyle's Slough and Riverside Park, Lolo Field Trip
2026-06-11 08:00 - 11:00
6/11/26, 8am to 11am
Doyle’s Slough and Riverside Park, Lolo
Elena Ulev
Join us for a morning of birding at Doyle’s Slough and Riverside Park in Lolo with Elena Ulev, owner of Blue Heron Nature Tours. At Doyle’s Slough we will see numerous waterfowl species as well as passerines. From there we will drive 1/2 mile to Riverside Park, and bird a total of 1.5 miles along the Bitterroot River. Here we will see up to 35 species of birds, including red-naped sapsuckers and Lewis’s woodpeckers, yellow warblers, wood ducks, and raptors. We will meet at the north end of the Harvest Foods parking lot at 8:00 a.m., just off of Hwy 93 and Glacier Drive then drive a few blocks to Doyle’s Slough. Space is limited to 15 participants. Please sign up by RSVPing to info@blueheronnaturetours.com

Lost Trail Pass to Gibbons Pass
2026-06-13 07:30 - 14:00
Lost Trail Pass to Gibbons Pass
6/13/2026
7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Jill Davies and Larry Barnes
We will leave Hamilton and head toward Lost Trail Pass and then drop down Highway 43 for about 8 miles to the Trail Creek Forest Service road on the left. This road goes through marshy/grassy habitat on the left and forest/meadow habitat on the right that has lots of warblers, sparrows and other birds. The gravel road goes over Gibbons Pass and gradually descends through a variety of habitats until coming out near Sula. We’ll make several stops to get out of the cars and listen and observe. Round trip will be about 100 miles and with stops along the way we should be out for about 6 hours. We’ll caravan and have radios for communication between cars. Call or text Larry at 208-471-8297 for questions and to sign up.

Butterflies: The New Birds. A Journey to Skalkaho Pass.
2026-07-10 09:30 - 15:00
Butterflies: The New Birds. A Journey to Skalkaho Pass.
7/10/26, 9:30 am to 3 pm
Bob Danley
We’ll take Hwy 38 to the top of Skalkaho Pass, which is about 25 miles from the intersection with Hwy 93. It will take about 45 minutes to reach the Falls/Pass. Parking at the Falls limits participation to five vehicles (20 people maximum). I advise against pickup trucks unless only a few people sign up. We’ll meet for carpooling in Hamilton.
Given plenty of sunshine there will be an opportunity to see Parnassians, Swallowtails, Whites, Sulphurs, Coppers, Elfins, Hairstreaks, Blues, Greater Fritillaries, Lesser Fritillaries, Checkerspots, Crescents, Commas, Tortoiseshells, Ladies, Admirals, Satyrs and Skippers. There will be an abundance of wildflowers; my favorites are Lewis Monkeyflower, False Hellebore, Green Gentian, Lousewort, Mountain Death Camas, Pearly Everlasting, Lupine and Beargrass. Less common/unfamiliar dragonflies will be found at Mud Lake. Imagine what a Zigzag Darner, Ocellated Emerald or a Hudsonian Whiteface might look like! Bring binoculars (close focus is best!) and cameras. I have equipment to record action video and stills for your post trip viewing enjoyment.
Temperatures at 7,200 feet will be comfortable. Walking and hiking will be minimal, mostly on a gravel road. The exception will be the bog bordering Mud Lake. Pit toilets are far apart: at Bear Creek Campground (little less than halfway to the Falls) and Crystal Creek Campground (past the Pass near Mud Lake).
Contact me ahead of the trip. text: 406-274-1702 or email: groundstreak@gmail.com

Nature Therapy With Birds
2026-07-13 09:00 - 11:30
Monday, July 13, 9am-11:30am, Sweathouse Creek Trailhead, Victor, MT
Do you love to bird and you love nature? You are invited to try Nature Therapy! (aka nature bathing, forest therapy, or forest bathing). Join Deborah Goslin, Montana’s first Certified Forest Therapy Guide since 2020.
Learn how this evidence-based wellness practice can lower stress levels and enhance the immune system. Learn how to really slow down and experience nature on a deeper level using all the senses. No birding experience needed.
One can expect to walk less than a mile on and off trail on gentle, mostly shaded terrain, in the cool morning hours. Bring water, hat, sunscreen and perhaps bug spray. I have a few small folding stools you can borrow or bring yours if it’s easy to carry and set up.
Please register by calling or texting Deborah by 9pm on July 12th, (406)214-7879. Limit 10 participants.

Miriam Horn author of Homesick for a World Unknown: the Life of George B. Schaller
2026-07-15 18:00 - 19:00
Date: Wed, 7/15/2026
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Place:

Chapter One Book Store
252 Main Street
Hamilton, MT 59840-2552

Chapter One is thrilled to host Miriam Horn, author of Homesick for a World Unknown: the Life of George B. Schaller. In this riveting portrait of George B. Schaller, the world’s leading field biologist, Miriam Horn captures the seventy years he spent living among wild animals in the world’s remotest regions, forever altering how we see—and save—the natural world. Horn will be joined in conversation with adventurer, mountaineer and guide, Skip Horner, whose adventures have taken him to remote regions of all seven continents.More about the book:In 1959, though just twenty-six years old and a graduate student, George B. Schaller shrugged off warnings of mortal danger and set off for the Belgian Congo to do what no other scientist had dared: study mountain gorillas, the real King Kong, by living alongside them. Boldly refusing arms and retinue, Schaller and his wife, Kay, established a home in the jungle and came to share the apes’ rhythms and rules. After more than two years of immersive research—a groundbreaking methodology he would spend his life honing—Schaller transformed how the world viewed gorillas; they were not murderous brutes but tender creatures, and more like humans than any twentieth-century scientist had recognized. His mission to revolutionize our perceptions of wild animals would propel him across four continents and inspire generations of scientists.
In Homesick for a World Unknown, Miriam Horn draws on thousands of pages from Schaller’s journals and letters, globe-spanning interviews, and two journeys into the field with the legendary scientist himself to trace his emergence as the founding father of modern wildlife conservation. She probes what drives him to know Earth’s wildest places and most fearsome creatures, beginning with a childhood upended by displacement and atrocity. Born in Berlin in 1933 to an American socialite married to a German diplomat during the Nazi era, the young Schaller was moved from one occupied country to another before finally arriving with his mother in the U.S. in 1947, as an enemy alien. It was in the Missouri woods that teenage George found a place of respite and at the University of Alaska that he found both his calling and a lifelong partner in Kay.
In the decades following his work in the Congo, Schaller went on to conduct the earliest studies of Indian tigers, Serengeti lions, Brazilian jaguars, Chinese pandas, and Tibetan brown bears, meticulously cataloging their private lives. He navigated acute danger, violent conflict, and treacherous politics in pursuit of empathy for and preservation of creatures big and small. It was Schaller who first guided Jane Goodall on her chimp study in Tanzania and led Peter Matthiessen into Nepal in search of the snow leopard. And while remaking wildlife science, his impact went further still: he spurred the creation of vast national parks and partnered with local communities to protect the homes they share with these animals. A vivid and captivating account of the adventurous life of George B. Schaller, here is the definitive portrait of the man who dared to challenge us to rethink our place in the natural world.
About the Author
Miriam Horn is a bestselling author, environmental advocate, journalist, and filmmaker. Her previous books include Rebels in White Gloves, Earth: The Sequel (coauthor), and Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman. She has produced two documentary films, with one premiering at Sundance. Before turning to books, Horn worked at the Environmental Defense Fund and the US Forest Service, and wrote for magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times. She lives in Colorado, in the South San Juan Mountains. For more information on Miriam Horn and George Schaller, including a glimpse of his private archive, go to miriamhorn.com.
More about Skip
Skip Horner has explored the world for decades as a mountaineer, becoming the first to guide clients to the summit of Mount Everest, and the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent. He also guided first-descents of rivers around the world, including the Yangtze and the Zambezi. Skip is a Fellow Emeritus in the Explorers Club, and a Certified Alpine Guide with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). National Geographic Adventure dubbed him the “Uber-Guide”. He’s a popular lecturer and inspirational speaker, an accomplished photographer, a successful entrepreneur, and a family man. He lives in Victor, Montana, with his wife Elizabeth and their two cats, while their two children pursue careers in archeology and film-making.

Kootenai Creek Canyon
2026-07-24 08:00 - 12:00
Friday, July 24th 8:00am -12:00pm
Join trip leader Chelsea Klocke for a birding hike along Kootenai Creek. We will meet at the Kootenai Creek trailhead at the end of N Kootenai Creek Rd, just north of Stevensville, at 8am (coordinates: 46.537942, -114.150694). A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. Expect to hike out and back, up to 5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 560ft. Species you may expect to see or hear include White-throated swift, Swainson’s thrush, Pacific wren, and Steller’s jay. Please note that cell service is spotty to non-existent on the trail. Bring snacks and dress in layers.
Please contact Chelsea at chelsklocke@gmail.com for questions and to RSVP.

POETS IN THE ‘ROOT: A Celebration of Natural History And Poetry
2026-08-08 13:00 - 15:00
POETS IN THE ‘ROOT: A Celebration of Natural History And Poetry
Proudly hosted at Teller Wildlife Refuge 1180 Chaffin Lane, Corvallis, MT
Saturday August 8 1:00-3:00
Free and Open to the Public
Nature 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.
Listeners get a bit of poetry and a bit of natural history.
Anyone 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.
We’ll have snacks, tea, and wine.Please send your poems and natural history interpretation (or let us know if you need
someone else to do the interpretation) to Star Jameson at
starwho44@gmail.com
Also Supported by: BITTERROOT BIRD ALLIANCE & CHAPTER ONE BOOKSTORE.
Art by Deb Goslin.
