Mountain birding habitat

Maclay Flat Rec. Area

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Maclay Flat Rec. Area is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Goldeneye among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/18/2026Deschamps Ln. Marsh1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/10/2026Higgins St Bridge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/19/2026

Hooded Merganser

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Vaux's Swift

17/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

187/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/19/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

27/19/2026

Lewis's Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

127/19/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

57/19/2026

Least Flycatcher

87/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/19/2026

Cassin's Vireo

27/19/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

67/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Maclay Flat Rec. Area for birding?
The best months to visit Maclay Flat Rec. Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Maclay Flat Rec. Area?
Notable species at Maclay Flat Rec. Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Maclay Flat Rec. Area?
Birding at Maclay Flat Rec. Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Maclay Flat Rec. Area?
Maclay Flat Rec. Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.