Lake birding habitat

Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This lake and 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/12/2026Freezout Lake WMA3 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/12/2026Freezout Lake WMA3 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/10/2026Lowery Bridge and Sun River FAS1 observed

Black-necked Stilt (Black-necked)

Himantopus mexicanus

4/7/2026Transformer Hill7 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/5/2026Freezout Lake WMA--auto tour route3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

304/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/13/2026

Gadwall

64/13/2026

Mallard

124/13/2026

Canvasback

54/13/2026

Redhead

24/13/2026

Bufflehead

64/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

304/13/2026

Sharp-tailed Grouse

74/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

44/13/2026

Mourning Dove

34/13/2026

American Coot

404/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

54/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

124/13/2026

American Avocet

84/13/2026

Killdeer

104/13/2026

Long-billed Curlew

34/13/2026

Franklin's Gull

24/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

304/13/2026

California Gull

124/13/2026

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 Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area?
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.