Lake birding habitat

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland 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

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/30/2026Medicine Lake NWR--Scenic Wildlife Loop2 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/23/2026Medicine Lake NWR--Causeway1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

305/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

385/31/2026

Gadwall

235/31/2026

American Wigeon

115/31/2026

Mallard

125/31/2026

Northern Pintail

105/31/2026

Canvasback

175/31/2026

Redhead

205/31/2026

Lesser Scaup

35/31/2026

Bufflehead

25/31/2026

Hooded Merganser

35/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

65/31/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

25/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

405/31/2026

Mourning Dove

165/31/2026

Sora

35/31/2026

American Coot

25/31/2026

American Avocet

35/31/2026

Killdeer

65/31/2026

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 Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.