Lake birding habitat

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/21/2026Giant Springs SP1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

4/19/2026Giant Springs SP3 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/202629 Broken Spoke Ln, Great Falls US-MT (47.5319,-111.4369) HOME2 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

4/14/2026Giant Springs SP1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/8/2026Benton Lake, Great Falls US-MT 47.69420, -111.346932 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

754/17/2026

Canada Goose

84/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

4004/17/2026

Gadwall

804/17/2026

American Wigeon

604/17/2026

Mallard

504/17/2026

Northern Pintail

2004/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

804/17/2026

Canvasback

304/17/2026

Redhead

204/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

204/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

404/17/2026

Bufflehead

204/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

504/17/2026

Mourning Dove

34/17/2026

American Coot

2004/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

104/17/2026

American Avocet

1154/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

24/17/2026

Franklin's Gull

504/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Sharp-tailed Grouse. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.