Bird Watching

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The Blacktail Ranch’s 8,000 open acres of land borders the Helena National Forest.  We offer an endless trail system for exploration.  Many species of birds fly to remote areas of the earth to mate and reproduce each year in hopes of finding a safe haven from predators.  The Blacktail Ranch is perfectly situated along the Northern Pacific Flyway and has remarkable bird watching opportunities.

Bag lunches and transportation is provided to all guests wanting a leisurely day of Bird watching.  Groups of 4 or more interested in a guided field clinic for photography and/or identification with professional bird photographers and/or a wildlife biologist, please contact our office for additional cost information and reservations.

Common species that are sighted are:
Hummingbirds: Calliope, Rufous and black Chinned
Finches: Gold Finches, Lazuli Bunting, Cassins
Long Billed Curlew
Hawks: Redtail, Broadwinged, Coopers and more
Eagles
Osprey
Woodpeckers
For additional species sited on the Northern Pacific Flyway, please see the list below.
Discounted rates are available to groups of 10 or more.  Please go to our workshops and retreats page for more information about our facilities and accommodations for groups.  

Birds on the Pacific Flyway in Montana

Birds on the Pacific Flyway in Montana
Quails - Odontophoridae 
Loons - Gaviidae 
Grebes - Podicipedidae 
Shearwaters - Procellariidae 
Pelicans - Pelecanidae 
Cormorants - Phalacrocoracidae 
Herons - Ardeidae 
Ibis - Threskiornithidae 
Storks - Ciconiidae 
Vultures - Cathartidae 
Hawks/Eagles - Accipitridae 
Falcons - Falconidae 
Rails - Rallidae 
Cranes - Gruidae 
Plovers - Charadriidae 
Avocets - Recurvirostridae 
Sandpipers - Scolopacidae 
Gulls/Terns - Laridae 
Jaegers - Stercocaridae 
Murrelets - Alcidae 
Pigeon/Doves - Columbidae 
Cuckoos - Cuculidae 
Barn Owl - Tytonidae 
Owls - Strigidae 
Nighthawks - Caprimulgidae 
Swifts - Apodidae 
Hummingbirds - Trochilidae 

Kingfishers - Alcedinidae 
Woodpeckers - Picidae 
Flycatchers - Tyrannidae 
Shrikes - Laniidae 
Vireos - Vireonidae 
Jays/Crows/Magpies - Corvidae 
Larks - Alaudidae 
Swallows - Hirundinidae 
Chickadees - Paridae 
Nuthatches - Sittidae 
Creepers - Certhiidae 
Wrens - Troglodytidae 
Dippers - Cinclidae 
Kinglets - Regulidae 
Gnatcatchers - Sylviidae 
Thrushes - Turdidae 
Thrashers/Mockingbirds/Catbirds - Mimidae 
Starlings - Sturnidae 
Pipits - Motacillidae 
Waxwings - Bombycillidae 
Warblers - Parulidae 
Tanagers - Thraupidae 
Sparrows - Emberizidae 
Cardinals/Buntings - Cardinalidae 
Blackbirds - Icteridae 
Finches - Fringillidae 
Old World Sparrows - Passeridae