Alpine meadows and glacial peaks in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-August

Entrance Fee

$35 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Hours

Open 24 hours; vehicle reservations required for Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer

About This Location

Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana straddles the Continental Divide, providing habitat for Harlequin Ducks on rushing streams, White-tailed Ptarmigan above treeline, and boreal species in dense subalpine forests. The Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses outstanding birding habitat.

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-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Glacier NP--Saint Mary Campground

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/26/2026Glacier NP--Saint Mary Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/29/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

15/29/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/29/2026

Varied Thrush

35/29/2026

American Robin

15/29/2026

Fox Sparrow

25/29/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

35/29/2026

Harlequin Duck

25/28/2026

Vaux's Swift

15/27/2026

Hammond's Flycatcher

45/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/27/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

35/27/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

35/27/2026

Pacific Wren

35/27/2026

American Dipper

15/27/2026

Pine Siskin

65/27/2026

Northern Waterthrush

15/27/2026

Townsend's Warbler

55/27/2026

Western Tanager

35/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Hike above Logan Pass for White-tailed Ptarmigan

  2. 2

    Check McDonald Creek for Harlequin Ducks in early summer

  3. 3

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  4. 4

    Listen for woodpecker drumming and warbler songs before scanning the canopy

  5. 5

    Dress in layers — mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park for birding?
The best months to visit Glacier National Park for birding are June-August. The best seasons are Summer.
What birds can I see at Glacier National Park?
Notable species at Glacier National Park include White-tailed Ptarmigan, Harlequin Duck, Clark's Nutcracker, Boreal Owl, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, Pileated Woodpecker, Pine Siskin, Belted Kingfisher, Steller's Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Glacier National Park?
Birding at Glacier National Park is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Glacier National Park?
The entrance fee at Glacier National Park is $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Hours: Open 24 hours; vehicle reservations required for Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer.
What amenities are available at Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Campground.