Harrison/Willow Creek Reservoir

Montana · Rocky Mountains

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Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

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

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

4/15/2026Three Forks Ponds2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/12/2026Three Forks Ponds1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/11/2026Three Forks Ponds1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/11/2026Three Forks Ponds1 observed

Marsh Wren (plesius Group)

Cistothorus palustris

4/11/2026Missouri Headwaters SP3 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/10/2026Ennis Lake--Meadow Lake FAS1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/10/2026Bench Road--lower1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

4/10/2026Harrison Lake2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/10/2026Harrison Lake1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/9/2026KG Ranch Rd. and Slough1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

24/4/2026

Mallard

444/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/4/2026

American Coot

34/4/2026

Killdeer

34/4/2026

Bald Eagle

14/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/4/2026

Western Meadowlark

24/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Montana

Glacier National Park

Continental Divide park with alpine ptarmigan, Harlequin Ducks, and boreal forest species.

American Prairie Reserve - White Rock

Grassland birding hotspot in Montana with 211 recorded species.

Arco Ponds

Mountain birding hotspot in Montana with 239 recorded species.

Montana Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Montana →

Birding Guides

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

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.