Lake birding habitat

Kicking Horse Reservoir

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Kicking Horse Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/19/2026Lindbergh Lake CG, US-MT (47.4062,-113.7219)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/14/2026Red Sleep Mountain Dr, Dixon US-MT 47.35537, -114.266301 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/7/2026Ninepipe Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

757/16/2026

Redhead

37/16/2026

Virginia Rail

27/16/2026

American Coot

47/16/2026

Killdeer

57/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

27/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/16/2026

Western Grebe

27/16/2026

Common Loon

27/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

97/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/16/2026

Common Raven

17/16/2026

Tree Swallow

47/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

37/16/2026

Cedar Waxwing

67/16/2026

Savannah Sparrow

57/16/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

307/16/2026

Western Meadowlark

57/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

707/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/16/2026

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 Kicking Horse Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Kicking Horse Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kicking Horse Reservoir?
Notable species at Kicking Horse Reservoir include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kicking Horse Reservoir?
Birding at Kicking Horse Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kicking Horse Reservoir?
Kicking Horse Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.