Audubon bird outings on tap

Flathead Audubon is offering a field trip with refuge wildlife biologist Beverly Skinner on June 10 or Saturday, June 11 from 7:45 a.m. until noon at the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. Tour the incredible wetlands and grasslands of this hidden gem west of Kalispell. See nesting trumpeter swans and abundance of shorebirds and waterfowl species associated with the Palouse prairie, riparian/wetland and larch/pine forest habits at the 9,000-plus acre refuge. The group will drive and walk along some of the refuge’s closed roads with short hikes on uneven ground for better viewing. Bring binoculars, water and dress for the weather. For location and information, contact Beverly at 406 858-2266 or Beverly_skinner@fws.gov. The number of participants is limited to 12 per trip.

Join Flathead Audubon at Tally Lake Campground for an extraordinary two days of birding and relaxing. The Pavilion Campsite at the campground has been reserved for FAS on Sunday afternoon, 2 p.m. June 12 through Tuesday morning 11 a.m. June 14. There is space for RVs and tents for those who want to spend the night.

This is an ideal time of year to find a wide variety of migrant and resident birds; most notable is that virtually all of the warbler species which can be found in Northwest Montana are found here. Several of our expert birders will be available to lead us around the campground.

Please bring firewood if you have it and camp chairs to sit around the fire. For more information, contact Jill or Mike Fanning at 406 862-8070 or shrdlu@centurytel.net. Cost of camping is free courtesy of Flathead Audubon.