Lake birding habitat

Harrison/Willow Creek Reservoir

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Harrison/Willow Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian 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

Marsh Wren (plesius Group)

Cistothorus palustris

5/30/2026Bench Road--lower8 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/24/2026Lewis and Clark Caverns SP--Caverns Entrance Trail/Cave Gulch Trail1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis)

Buteo jamaicensis

5/24/2026Bench Rd.3 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

5/22/2026Trail Creek Trail1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

5/22/2026Harrison/Willow Creek Reservoir1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/20/2026Bear Trap Canyon--trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

275/22/2026

Trumpeter Swan

25/22/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/22/2026

Cinnamon Teal

65/22/2026

Northern Shoveler

165/22/2026

Gadwall

615/22/2026

American Wigeon

175/22/2026

Mallard

895/22/2026

Northern Pintail

15/22/2026

Green-winged Teal

175/22/2026

Redhead

55/22/2026

Lesser Scaup

385/22/2026

Ruddy Duck

125/22/2026

Mourning Dove

25/22/2026

Sandhill Crane

45/22/2026

American Avocet

85/22/2026

Killdeer

65/22/2026

Marbled Godwit

15/22/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

165/22/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

125/22/2026

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