Best Birding in Montana

Bring waterproof boots and insect repellent when visiting Montana's wetland areas — trails can be muddy and mosquitoes are active in warmer months.

Learn bird songs before exploring Montana's forested areas — many woodland species are heard long before they are seen, especially warblers in the canopy.

Plan visits during peak migration (September through October) for maximum species diversity in Montana.

A spotting scope is essential at Montana's lakes and reservoirs — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

Grassland birds in Montana are best found by listening for songs from fence posts and tall grasses — species like meadowlarks and sparrows can be elusive otherwise.