Wetland birding habitat

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and American Wigeon 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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

6/2/2026Pablo Reservoir (north side), MT., USA1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/29/2026Ninepipe NWR1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

5/29/2026405 Tenth Ave W, Polson US-MT (47.6862,-114.1705)1 observed

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Tympanuchus phasianellus

5/27/2026Ninepipe NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

5/29/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

15/29/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

5/29/2026

Virginia Rail

15/29/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

5/29/2026

Black Tern

25/29/2026

Forster's Tern

35/29/2026

Western Grebe

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/29/2026

American White Pelican

5/29/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

5/29/2026

Tree Swallow

5/29/2026

Violet-green Swallow

5/29/2026

Barn Swallow

5/29/2026

Marsh Wren

5/29/2026

European Starling

5/29/2026

American Robin

5/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge?
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.