Wetland birding habitat

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026Malta--Trafton Park1 observed

Bullock's x Baltimore Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus bullockii x galbula

5/29/2026Bowdoin NWR1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/27/2026Malta--Trafton Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/25/2026Malta--Trafton Park1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/25/2026Malta--Trafton Park2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/23/202614346 Old US Highway 2, Malta, Montana, US (48.438, -107.62)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Wilson's Snipe

15/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

105/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

255/31/2026

Horned Lark

35/31/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

115/31/2026

Lark Bunting

75/31/2026

Vesper Sparrow

25/31/2026

Western Meadowlark

155/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

355/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

45/30/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/30/2026

Gadwall

35/30/2026

Mallard

35/30/2026

Lesser Scaup

25/30/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

75/30/2026

American Coot

15/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

35/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge?
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.