Three Forks Ponds

Montana · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

MountainForest

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Three Forks Ponds is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, and Black-billed Magpie 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

Canada Goose Bald Eagle Black-billed Magpie American Crow Black-capped Chickadee

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

4/15/2026Three Forks Ponds2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/12/2026Three Forks Ponds1 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

4/12/2026Auto selected 45.94305, -111.470312 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/11/2026Three Forks Ponds1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/alascensis)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/11/2026Three Forks Ponds1 observed

Marsh Wren (plesius Group)

Cistothorus palustris

4/11/2026Missouri Headwaters SP3 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/10/2026Bench Road--lower1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

4/10/2026Harrison Lake2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/10/2026Harrison Lake1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/9/2026KG Ranch Rd. and Slough1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

114/15/2026

Mallard

14/15/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/15/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/15/2026

American Coot

314/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Black-billed Magpie

14/15/2026

American Crow

34/15/2026

Tree Swallow

144/15/2026

European Starling

74/15/2026

American Robin

24/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/15/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

14/15/2026

Cackling Goose

14/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/12/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.
2
Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.
3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Montana

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Continental Divide park with alpine ptarmigan, Harlequin Ducks, and boreal forest species.

American Prairie Reserve - White Rock

Grassland birding hotspot in Montana with 211 recorded species.

Arco Ponds

Mountain birding hotspot in Montana with 239 recorded species.

Montana Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Montana →

Birding Guides

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Three Forks Ponds for birding?▼

The best months to visit Three Forks Ponds for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at Three Forks Ponds?▼

Notable species at Three Forks Ponds include Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Black-billed Magpie, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Three Forks Ponds?▼

Birding at Three Forks Ponds is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Three Forks Ponds?▼

Three Forks Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.