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

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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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

6/1/2026Deschamps Ln. Marsh5 observed

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

6/1/2026Fort Missoula Gravel Quarry (restricted access - view from Fort Missoula)3 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

6/1/2026Fort Missoula Gravel Quarry (restricted access - view from Fort Missoula)2 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

5/31/20265057 Hoblitt Ln N, Florence US-MT 46.60157, -114.088721 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/25/2026Fort Missoula Gravel Quarry (restricted access - view from Fort Missoula)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Horned Owl

26/2/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Swainson's Thrush

16/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

16/1/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

36/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

56/1/2026

Calliope Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Sora

16/1/2026

Wilson's Snipe

16/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

56/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

56/1/2026

Least Flycatcher

46/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

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.