For the conservation of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats...

ur native grasslands and sagebrush lands are not always the flashiest places to work, but they, along O with wetlands and riparian areas, are focus habitats for Audubon. Why? Much of the wildlife tied to these habitats: ◆◆ Occupy large territorial ranges, ◆◆ Are vulnerable to human disturbances, and ◆◆ Disappear from the landscape if habitat patches become too small or fragmented.

These habitats face significant threats and are critical for Montana Audubon and other partners view curlew habitat in the species of conservation concern. Where the birds sing in Mission Valley. peril, we tune our ears! Here are two of our timely efforts. is a natural resource-based state, with proposals in sagebrush Under the Sage-Grouse Umbrella country to develop coal and other mines, wind farms, and ontana’s sagebrush country is rugged and wild. oil and gas wells, not to mention proposals to plow new M Montana Audubon has been working for several years cropland, erect new cell towers and power lines, and build on Greater Sage-Grouse through our Adopt-a-Lek program pipelines. Layered on top are wildfire, spreading non-native (see sidebar, right). However, last year we stepped things up grasses (e.g., cheatgrass), concern over predators, grazing a notch, becoming a key player on the Montana governor’s practices, and climate change issues. 12-member Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Conservation (continued on page 3) Advisory Council. Janet Ellis, Audubon’s program director, was appointed to the council in April. What ensued after that was—well—a crash course on sage-grouse conservation. Adopt-a-Lek The good news about all this is that Janet likes learning new Spring at Montana Audubon things, she’s able to understand the implications of policy means Ben Deeble and his decisions on wildlife, and she’s a hard worker. The not-so- cadre of volunteers will once again hit the dirt roads at all good news? The intense time involved: sage-grouse ruled hours of the day and night council members’ lives, every day, for nine months. to position themselves to The main charge for the governor’s council was to figure count Greater Sage-Grouse out how to protect this native bird that needs large, displaying at breeding leks. undisturbed landscapes—the poster bird for Big Sky This year, 34 volunteers will Country. They do not like noise, towers, or changes Bob MartinkaPhoto by aim to survey about 70 leks across our sage-dominated lands. Let’s hope they have in their landscape. The challenge? Montana fun and find grouse. Thanks to all who “Adopt-a-Lek.” We’ll report their findings in our next newsletter. www.mtaudubon.org Spring 2014

Greetings and Happy Spring! Montana Audubon is striving to make a lasting impact on the birds, people, and wild landscapes across Montana. I am excited to report that Officers we’ve recently submitted two Important Bird Area (IBA) nomination Fred Weisbecker, President packages (the middle/lower Yellowstone River Corridor, and the Warm Lou Ann Harris, Springs Wetland Complex) to Montana’s IBA Technical Committee for Vice-President their review and consideration. And, after nine months of hard work Cary Lund, Secretary and public input, Montana’s Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Conservation Andy Roberts, Treasurer Strategy is on Governor Bullock’s desk. It is especially noteworthy that Delegates Montana Audubon’s leadership contributed substantially to the solid Bitterroot Audubon conservation measures incorporated into this plan. Becky Peters As you may know, Michele Crist was newly elected to National Audubon’s Board of Directors, serving Five Valleys Audubon as Montana’s (part of the North-central Flyway) Regional Representative. Michele is a landscape Pat Little ecologist living in Boise, Idaho. She is also president of the local Boise chapter, Golden Eagle Audubon. Carolyn Goren I recently had the pleasure of visiting with Michele by phone. She is incredibly knowledgeable and Flathead Audubon passionate about birds and bird conservation, which will serve her well in her new Audubon role! I Bob Lee hope each of you will have the opportunity to meet her soon, perhaps at one of our upcoming Montana bird festivals. Last Chance Audubon Sumner Sharpe We are thrilled to bring our Wings Across the Big Sky Bird Festival to Bozeman this year (June 6-8). Jennifer Stadum With unwavering support from our Bozeman chapter (Sacajawea Audubon), we have lined up a Mission Mountain plethora of exciting field trips for you, as well as many knowledgeable, entertaining speakers—I look Audubon forward to seeing you there. Bob Bushnell Jim Rogers THANK YOU for your ongoing support of our conservation work. Together, we can strengthen Montana Audubon’s important efforts to engage people in conserving Montana’s 429 bird species and Pintler Audubon the vast, intact ecosystems that support them. Jack Kirkley Sacajawea Audubon Yours in conservation, Sharon Hanton

Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon Nora Flaherty-Gray Steve Hoffman, Executive Director Yellowstone Valley Audubon Steve Regele Montana Audubon Helena Staff: Audubon Conservation/ Global Warming: PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624 Steve Hoffman At-large Board Phone: (406) 443-3949 Executive Director Amy Cilimburg Members Fax: (406) 443-7144 Janet Ellis Director of Bird Conservation [email protected] Ron Farmer Email: Program Director & Climate Policy Website: www.mtaudubon.org Phone: (406) 465-1141 Robert Mackin Norane Freistadt Audubon Conservation Development Director Audubon Conservation Harriet Marble Education Center Cathie Erickson Education Center Staff: Bob Martinka 7026 S. Billings Blvd. Business Manager Darcie Howard, Center Director Peter Norlander Billings, MT 59101 Liz Samson Heather Bilden, Education Director Donald Seibert Phone: (406) 294-5099 Office & Program Support Coordinator Website: www.mtacec.org Trinity Pierce Judy Tureck Amy Seaman Land Stewardship Coordinator Heidi Youmans Bird Conservation Associate Carol Ward Naturalist & Volunteer Coordinator 2 www.mtaudubon.org Fall 2013 Captivated by Curlews few years ago, Montana Audubon has just returned from a meeting that attended a retreat with many of she, with the help of partners, organized A the best avian conservationists in the Mission Valley. It’s a long story around—members of the Montana Bird how this project landed in the Mission Conservation Partnership—to figure Valley, but suffice it to say that there are out how we could all work together grasslands urgently in need of our help to “move the needle” on grassland in western Montana, and opportunities habitat conservation. After much brain- abound. wrangling, we decided we needed a mascot: a bird that lives throughout the Our work is bringing together those who Photo by Bob Martinka state, is charismatic and recognizable, live, work, and bird in this valley, from folks and, of course, needs grasslands. Not a who write grazing plans for landowners This year we’re passing out postcards “little brown job” like the Grasshopper to biologists from the Confederated so people can let us know if they find a Sparrow, but someone loud and flashy. Salish and Kootenai Tribes to friends Mission Valley curlew. And we’re excited from Audubon and local land trusts. about a new online mapping tool created We landed on the Long-billed Curlew. We’ve pored over maps and data to draw Then we began making plans for a by Janene Lichtenberg, who is developing circles around the best areas, created the Salish and Kootenai College’s new collaborative effort to use this bird, curlew brochures and Best Management ’s largest shorebird, to Wildlife and Fisheries Program and is Practices to help landowners who want also working part-time for Audubon. conserve specific grasslands. to improve habitat, all the time creating Fast forward to spring 2014. Bird ways to build enthusiasm for our mascot, Anyone who finds a Long-billed Curlew in Conservation Director Amy Cilimburg the cool curlew. the Mission Valley can let us know where. Check out the new curlew mapping tool by going to www.mtaudubon.org and Why all these efforts? clicking on the curlew on the right. Montana has the most extensive grasslands in the northern , Our work may not be as flashy as our comprising 26 percent of our state. Grassland birds show the most declines mascot, but together we’re getting of any suite of birds monitored by Breeding Bird Surveys, with 70 percent conservation done. And we hope this of the species showing declines. pilot project can be extended to other grassland valleys across Montana.

Of course this work was not all about one bird. Janet persevered, not because she’s a glutton for punishment, but because: Because of all the pressures on sagebrush landscapes, you won’t be ◆◆ Montana has a significant amount of the best remaining surprised to learn that sage-grouse have been declining because of sagebrush habitats in the West, comprising 19 percent habitat loss in Montana and throughout the birds’ range. This decline of the state, has prompted federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) litigation that ◆◆ seeks protection for this bird. The governor’s council was tasked Sagebrush-dependent birds show consistent population with developing specific science-based recommendations for the declines over the last 30 years, with decreasing state, to head off the need for ESA protection. populations found in 63 percent of these species, ◆◆ This work took council members to public hearings held Conserving sagebrush habitats can help sustain the Greater Sage-Grouse and myriad other wildlife species from Dillon to Glasgow and Baker to Malta. They read stacks (including seven species of birds) that fit under the of scientific articles; attended meetings almost every other grouse umbrella. week with numerous experts; and discussed, wrote, voted on, discussed, and re-wrote. In January 2014 they finalized Sage-Grouse conservation in Montana is an ongoing effort. There recommendations for the governor, whose job it is to implement will be many more long meetings—with Montana Audubon a Montana strategy that will avoid the need to protect these advocating for our sagebrush-dependent birds. We’ll let you birds under the ESA. know when you can best add your voice to these efforts.

Fall 2013 www.mtaudubon.org 3 Hello From Trinity Pierce, management of the Audubon property, planting Our New Land Stewardship thousands of new trees, shrubs, and other plants; managing the irrigation system; working with Coordinator! numerous volunteers; and developing a new master alutations! I am greatly looking forward to plan for the property. We wish Mihail great success S joining the team at the Montana Audubon with his new endeavor! Conservation Education Center. I am an avid gardener and enjoy all kinds of outdoor DIY Get Outside Montana, June 1-Aug. 10 projects. I like reading sci-fi and fantasy, and delving his free back-to-nature into the history of our relationship with the land in T family event kick-off is terms of design values, conservation, and restoration. at the Audubon Center on Having grown up a Midwesterner, I am eager to live June 1, 2014, from 1-4 p.m. in and explore the incredible ecosystems of Montana. For more information and Thank you for this opportunity to work with you to registration, please go to www. restore and celebrate the environment through the getoutsidemontana.org. activities and mission of the Education Center. Audubon Center in Goodbye to Mihail need of a truck ihail Kennedy, the Audubon Center’s Land o you have an old but functional truck sitting M Stewardship Coordinator, recently moved on D in your yard? Please consider donating it to the to new challenges. Over the last 2-1/2 years while Audubon Center to use for our restoration efforts. Call at the Center, Mihail worked on restoration and Darcie at 406-294-5099 for more details.

ogether, Audubon and Toyota to engage teens in nature and science. More specifically, select 40 high-potential con- she will have students use their smart phones and tablets T servation leaders to receive to collect phenological data—information that tracks Toyota TogetherGreen Fellowships life phases such as migration and nesting in birds or each year. With their $10,000 grants, flowering in plants. “I am honored to be part of an these fellows conduct community amazing group of fellows from across the country,” said projects to engage diverse audiences in Darcie. “I believe in my project and am excited to begin habitat, water, or energy conservation. working with Senior and West High Environmental In addition to support to help launch Science students.” their conservation initiatives, Toyota The Toyota TogetherGreen Fellowship Program TogetherGreen Fellows also benefit from invests in conservation leaders from all backgrounds, specialized training and membership in a providing them resources, visibility, and a growing peer diverse national network of conservation network to help them lead communities nationwide professionals. to a healthier environmental future. Since 2008, the Through her TogetherGreen Fellowship, 240 conservation leaders from across the country who Darcie Howard, Audubon Center’s were awarded these fellowships have engaged nearly director, will launch a project to establish a citizen 150,000 people in a wide variety of conservation science program at the Center that integrates technology efforts nationwide.

4 www.mtaudubon.org Spring 2014 ate last spring Michael Schmelzel learned about Yellowstone County this spring, the Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) from and hopes to expand to other L a college professor. The timing, location, and venues in the fall. project were a perfect fit for Michael, who would Michael has become integrated graduate from Illinois State University with a bachelor into the community, skiing the of science in Earth and Space Science Education first powder of his life, playing in December of 2013. His interest in exploring the basketball at the YMCA, had already been piqued by visits camping in the mountains, and to Glacier National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth networking with other VISTA Mountains. BSWC, an AmeriCorps program based members serving in Billings. in Montana, has members serving in 15 different Michael also wants to get out communities across the state. A mere six months after and explore Montana as much as learning about BSWC, degree in hand, Michael hit possible while gaining valuable the road and landed at the Audubon Conservation work experience. He hopes to Education Center in Billings. get back up to Glacier, where he In addition to teaching the regular lineup of school particularly enjoys the unique field trips, camps, and family programs at the Audubon character of the mountains and Center, Michael is developing an outreach program surrounding communities. to bring watershed education to afterschool childcare We are glad to have Michael on facilities. Oftentimes, transportation to the Center is board at the Center. He brings the biggest barrier to participation; Michael’s program teaching experience, an easygoing attitude, and a solid AmeriCorp will reach students who otherwise could not visit. He science background to all of our programs. Stop by to employee Michael Schmelzel. is piloting the program at the Boys and Girls Club of welcome him! About to Fledge: Birds of Montana ew tributes are as lasting as a gift that helps preserve The last of the 430 species F Montana’s birds and accounts for Birds of Montana their habitats. We owe a special were completed by the end of thanks to those of you who have 2013, and the first 40 (the recently made a gift in memory of: waterfowl) have been formatted by a book designer and look Lauren Brooks Alan Nelson great! Three of the Jane Ann Ellis Dorothea Oesterreich four introductory Willa and Bob Hall Lisa Pena chapters have been written, and Jeff Marks Bob Morrison Clara Phelps is more than halfway through the last one (history of Montana ornithology). We hope to Madeline Munoz Chuck Wheeler have the entire manuscript in the hands of the Mary Munsell reviewer for Oregon State University Press by You can ensure an abundant future for Montana’s the end of April! birds and other wildlife. Please remember Drawing by Shawneen Finnegan Montana Audubon in your estate plans.

Spring 2014 www.mtaudubon.org 5 Sagebrush Sparrow Although bustling cities’ glassy high-rises are obvious n 2013, after 115 years of debate, culprits, individual homes contribute significantly to I the American Ornithological the problem; clear or reflective glass /plastic panes are Union split Sage Sparrows into essentially invisible to birds. Windows are not barriers, two species: Bell’s Sparrow (coastal but reflect a continuation of habitat as trees, clouds, California) and Sagebrush Sparrow indoor plants, or “approaching birds.” Sometimes birds (Great Basin/ northwestern states). defensively attack the “competitor” they see, or use Morphological, ecological, and false images of a clear flight path created by windows genetic analyses show them to on two sides of the house, to access habitat beyond. be distinct, despite superficial Luckily, we can make our homes safer. Visit the Bird similarities. 2014 is the “first time” Conservation section of our website to learn about Sagebrush Sparrows will breed minimizing basic sources of mortality, from window in Montana’s sagebrush steppe. impacts to cats. Look for the link to “backyards” on Found in only three counties our home page. (Beaverhead, Carbon, and Meagher), it’s a declining species The ‘new’ of concern, so keep an eye out for this “new” bird and Sagebrush Sparrow. be sure to report your findings! Linking eBird to Important Bird Areas Window Safety itizen Science’s increasingly beloved eBird ver rush outside—straight into a screened or glass C platform, designed to streamline bird observation Edoor you didn’t see? While usually humorous, checklists, has morphed into an expanding collaborative this scenario injures more than ten thousand people network linking participants (you the vigilant observer) annually. Yet that number pales in comparison to researchers (analyzing and proofing data) to to the annual global estimate of 1 billion birds entities affecting policy (governmental and nonprofit fatally injured every year in similar, less humorous organizations) to land managers making everyday decisions that directly impact conservation. Do you know eBird’s creators have added a new function, enabling users to search and submit data and checklists using an Important Bird Area-focused search? Here in Montana that means finding reliable data for our 40 IBAs—contributing as a citizen scientist just got a whole lot easier! Imprint of Mourning Dove Monitoring species occurrences within our IBAs keeps strike. Photo by the program viable. Only with credible scientific data Jeanne Donaldson, are we able to ensure IBAs fulfill their goal of sustaining Audubon Society of Portland. healthy bird populations. As a citizen scientist, reporting your complete list of bird observations collisions. This source of mortality is arguably one of every time you go out saves a lot of legwork for humanity’s largest impacts on avian populations and, those reliant on the most basic information needed contrary to effects of predation, disease, or natural to inform conservation: location, habitat, and species selection, window collisions affect the most fit birds abundance. as well as the least.

6 www.mtaudubon.org Spring 2014 Whether you use eBird, or prefer the Montana impacting hummingbirds. We hope it leads Natural Heritage Project’s Tracker (now improved as to improving our protection efforts. It’s MapViewer), your observations are indispensible to easy to participate online, and, in keeping with our work. Visit our Citizen Science web page—linked the times, there’s a free app for your mobile from our home page—to learn how eBird can work for phone. You can adopt a backyard patch or you. There you’ll find more than a dozen citizen science simply report as you go. Check out www. opportunities, including the two highlighted below. hummingbirdsathome.org.

Sweetly Humming Waterfalls Black Swifts: A handful of us have caught the Swift Bug—we hike to waterfalls mid- to late- Hummingbirds: Many of us will have spotted our first summer hoping to find this rare bird nesting behind a hummingbird of the season before this newsletter hits the cascading waterfall. In the last three years, researchers press. Building off last year’s debut, National Audubon and volunteers have found six new breeding falls Society is once again poised to make meaning of our across western Montana, bringing our state’s total sightings, if we report them to Hummingbirds at Home. to a whopping nine! Folks in Glacier National Park Why? As flowers bloom earlier because of climate found four new sites last summer. If you’re feeling change, the impact on hummingbirds—which rely adventurous and have some hiking time, contact Amy on nectar—could be severe. This citizen science Cilimburg to see if you can join the slightly crazed initiative will help scientists understand how climate swift searchers this summer ([email protected]). change, flowering patterns, and feeding by people are More information is linked via our website.

Visualizing Climate Change ere at Montana Audubon, we’ve embarked on a project to connect art and science to creatively tell the story about the effects of climate change on key HMontana bird species and their habitats. We are working with Mara Menahan, a senior in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Montana and, coincidently, Board Member Judy Tureck’s granddaughter, to create images of three threatened habitats: alpine, forest, and sagebrush ecosystems. We hope that samples of Mara’s artwork pique your interest to learn more. As you may know, the Brewer’s Sparrow and Sage Thrasher (image below) rely on healthy and abundant sagebrush habitat just like the Greater Sage-Grouse. Warming temperatures will likely bring more fire to the landscape, and invasive plants like cheatgrass can out-compete sage after such disturbance. This Black Swift (image above right) is considered rare across its range. With nests situated behind the veils of waterfalls (thereby protected from predators) and a brood size of one chick/year, these swifts truly live on the edge. Late into the summer while swifts are still nesting, permanent snow provides vital water for their wet nest sites. Predictions for reduced snowpacks stemming from warmer winters has us concerned about this bird’s ability to successfully nest in Montana. This spring, this artwork will be featured on our website, with information on the climate change impacts on birds in each of these habitats. Visit our homepage mtaudubon.org for links. Drawings by Mara Menahan

Spring 2014 www.mtaudubon.org 7 MONTANA AUDUBON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT M G Earned program as a Montana Audubon Protector. It is easy a reliable isthemonthlygiving source ofsupport A great waytoprovide Montana Audubon with in theforest, wouldyour lifestillbefine? dive forfish ora buzzitssingletonalnote Varied Thrush if there were nomore areas where you canseeanOsprey gone tomorrow, wouldyour lifebejustfine? However, phones, cable TV andother“essentials,” yet ifthosewere intrinsic value. You already makemonthlypaymentsfor on intactnative habitats,we wouldagree theyhave value While itmaybehard toplaceapersonalmonetary Curlews intheMission Valley. Swans in the Centennial Valley or see Long-billed tohearthebugling the sameopportunities Trumpeter future generationswillhave lasting investment to ensure Then, thinkaboutmaking a your doorstepinMontana. birds andotherwildlifenear ofabundantthe importance place intheworld.Consider incorporate thisformatinfuture springissues. Audubon. work!Thank you inourconservation for beingourexceptionalsupporters have individualendowment fundsfor our Audubon Center, ourPublicPolicy work, ofMontana andfor generalsupport our permanentendowments atboth theMontanaCommunity Foundation andBillingsCommunity Foundation where we W 2013 Revenue Individuals At the close of our most recent fiscal year (ending 6/30/13), we achieved another year of growth with the with of growth year another weachieved 6/30/13), history. 38-year (ending its in time any at than organization’s better year health fiscal strengthen to hard fiscal working also are We recent most our of close the At ontana Audubon’s expanding successes conservation are the result of generous support from a variety of sources. Sales & Other us toevaluate our force thatencourages iving isapowerful listings from April 2013through March 2014. We hopeyou enjoy it,aswe planto Report” that includes audited financial information from our last fiscal year and donor featureelcome toanew ofthisspring’s Magpie Muse, Montana Audubon’s “Mini Annual Foundations Montana Audubon BuildingonSuccess Audubon Montana Governmental Corporations Permanently Restricted Net Assets: Temporarily Restricted Boar Total Net Assets: $1,121,840 Net Assets: Endowment: Assets: Net Unrestricted Financial PositionFinancial Statement of Statement of d Designated

Thanks toourMontana Audubon Protectors! leaving arichlegacyforfuture generationsofMontanans. future forourbirds, wildlife,andthehumanspirit, provides. Your can ensure monthly support a prosperous work thatonlyMontanavital conservation Audubon the Please considerthissimplewayofsupporting Donate Now formonthlycredit card charges. mtaudubon.org )orgotoandselect automatic bankwithdrawals(contactnorane@ your “lifeessentials.” You canchooseeither monthly to setupandcanautomaticallybeincludedasoneof

Beth &Lynn Kaeding Beth Hill Linda Helding Annemarie Harrod Lou Ann &John Harris Daniel &DebraFields Christine Ebeling Mila Cummins Bev &PatClancey $ $ $ $ 627,593 108,113 338,224 47,910 Fundraising 2013 Expenses Elsie Tuss Linn Szenter Mitchell Stocks Sumner Sharpe& Becky &BillPeters Janice Miller Roxanna McLaughlin Harriet Marble Theresa Keaveny Margar Program Support et Strachan et Strachan Programs

MONTANA AUDUBON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT Bitterroot Elementary Elementary Bitterroot School Elementary Blue Creek #3 School District of and Girls Clubs Boys County Yellowstone School Creek Canyon #4 District Church Christ’s Foundation Education Billings Public Schools #23 School District Elysian of the MissouriFriends Monument Breaks of House Friendship Service Christian Inc. Head Start, Cub Scout Project Huntley 77 Pack Hospitality Interfaith of Yellowstone Network County Conservation Montana Voters Unlimited Ducks Montana Land Reliance Montana Plant Native Montana Society Wildlife Montana Federation Institute Owl Research Public School Pryor Research View Raptor Institute Center Clay Lodge Red 4-H Club Ruff Riders Audubon Society Seattle Sunshine Academy The of Larimer Way United Inc. County, Inc. Forever, Walleyes Fund Wildlife World Parks River Yellowstone Association Wildlife Yellowstone Sanctuary Church Bible ZOE Organizations and Organizations Institutions Reserve American Schools Billings Catholic #2 Billings High School District Club Rotary Billings West Agency Partners & City of Billings Parks Recreation City of Lewistown Joint West Intermountain Venture Title of Justice, MT Dept. Bureau and Registration of Natural MT Dept. & Conservation Resources Wildlife of Fish, MT Dept. & Parks Plains Great Northern Venture Joint of Land Bureau U.S. Montana Management, Office State Fish & Wildlife U.S. Service, CM Russell Refuge Wildlife National Service, Forest U.S. Forest National Gallatin The SanctuaryThe Shop Spoke The Pump Inc. Town Toyota-Audubon, Partnership TogetherGreen Bank of Helena Valley Billings Rotary, West Environmental Westech Services of Bozeman Cafe Western Unlimited Wild Birds Jewelry Wild Bryde Adventures Wilderness Inc. Press, Systems Track Yellowstone Valley Yellowstone Company Brewing Kohl’s Kare Kountry LLC Media, Madavor Booksellers Main Street Inc. McCall Development, Chiropractic Family Meier and Ski Cycling Montana Mosaic Threads Out Day Mothers Preschool Floor & Window Murray Coverings Ranch Mystery Audubon Society, National Endowment Sargent LLC USA, NaturEner & Water Earth Nicklin Trading Lights Northern Company Energy Northwestern Oasis Health Spa Hardware Owenhouse Dillon Outlet Patagonia Financial Group Payne Plains Design to Peaks Billings 66 Refinery, Phillips Pit Pita 106.7 Planet Timber Plum Creek Company Daycare Too Pooh’s Foundation Prudential Management RBC Wealth Tours Birding Rockjumper Spa Sage Scheels Sleeping Giant LLC Communications, Bank Stockman Studio Stonefly Consulting, Inc. Sunburst Sunshine Sports Mountain Peak Sylvan Shop Bookstore The Abbott Valley Homestead Valley Abbott Adventure River Absaroka & Imaging Print Allegra Allegra--Billings LLC AMB Group, Services AR Industrial Fund of Audubon Wildlife Montana Base Camp Resort Big Sky Bikenet & Beasleys Birds Ski Area Bowl Bridger & Cafe Deli Broadway Cabela’s Pipelines & CHS Refinery, Terminals Ciao Mambo City Brew Co-op of Community Food Bozeman Consulting,Confluence Inc. Log Cabins Cottonwood Minds Creative & Company Davidson D.A. Inc Laboratories, Energy EP Energy & Refining ExxonMobil Supply Company and Fiction Fact of Fabric Family BancSystem Interstate First Foundation Mills Foundation General Market Good Earth Inc. Hanson Chemical, International HawkWatch Holcim Security and Kenco Technology Child Country Kid Center Development Corporate/Business Corporate/Business & Grants Donations Creek Charitable Charitable Creek Wolf Foundation e want to thank the following Audubon chapters, organizations, corporations and businesses, and businesses, chapters, organizations, corporations Audubon following e want to thank the Their contributions the past year! for their supportfoundations, and agencies and partnership over possible! make our work

Whitmire Foundation Whitmire My Good Fund Trust Mary Alice Fortin Youth for Foundation Enrichment Margaret V. Ping V. Margaret Foundation L.E.A.W. Family Foundation Family L.E.A.W. Kendeda Fund Kendeda Hope Christian Community Christian Hope Foundation High Stakes Foundation High Stakes Harry L. Willett Foundation Harry L. Willett Fanwood Foundation Fanwood Drollinger Family Family Drollinger Foundation Charitable Donald and Carol Roberts Roberts Donald and Carol Foundation David F. and Sara K. and Sara F. David Fund Weston Cinnabar Foundation Captain Planet Foundation Planet Captain Cadeau Foundation Cadeau Burlington Northern Santa Santa Northern Burlington Foundation Fe Bullitt Foundation Bullitt Brainerd Foundation Brainerd Foundations Foundation Billings Better Yellowstone Valley Valley Yellowstone Audubon Society Upper Missouri Breaks Missouri Breaks Upper Audubon Society Sacajawea Audubon Sacajawea Society Pintler Audubon Society Pintler Mission Mountain Mission Mountain Audubon Society Last Chance Audubon Last Society Flathead Audubon Society Flathead Five Valleys Audubon Valleys Five Society Bitterroot Audubon Bitterroot Society Montana-based Audubon Chapters W MONTANA AUDUBON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT M John Whitmire & Weisbecker Fred andCarolyn Rachel Van Wingen Evie Ugrin Gail Cle Bruce Tannehill & Jean andTom Sutherland Dan andDelight Sullivan Mitchell Stocks Randall Speers Jennifer Speers Jean Setter Leila F Ossie Abr David Orser & Roger andCandisMillar Rosemary Leach Freda Kerman Steve Hoffman&LisaDaly Richar Donna Hoffman& Jim andLillianHartung Lou AnnandJohnHarris Ed Harper Peggy Harger-Allen Hansen Jeanne Carolyn Goren Donna andBrad Fretz Randy Gr Nora Flaherty-Gray & FayMary Ron Farmer andCheryl Janet Ellis&JimHansen Steven andJulie Durrett Bob andShariDayton Jeannette and Tom Davis St Diana Blank Donors: $1000&up Linda andJoeCorcoran Bill andLee Ballard Donors: $500–$999 Heidi andClifYoumans Susie Maclin Donald Seibert & Don andCarol Roberts Roberts Andrew andKaren complete listingofallindividualdonors,pleasegotomtaudubon.org/about/index.html. more. Many whogave giftsunder$100inthepastyear! thanksto500additionalsupporters For a even andCindyButler arnum arnum d Dum d Dum veland ay ams ams

to spaceconstraintsinthispublication,we have listedalldonorswithgiftstotaling$100or individuals contributedtoavariety ofprojects from April 2013through March 2014.Due ontana Audubon dependsongenerous giftsfrom manyindividualdonors.Thefollowing

Sheran Wright Kathleen Wilke Townsend Karen andBurke Lionel andVickiTapia Strause Howard andShawna Robert Stites Gail Schacter Russell Salisbury Bernard Rose Shyamala and Rebecca andBillPeters John andDebbie Miller Bill andJoyce Miller Judy Meredith Stearns &WilliamStearns Precious McKenzie- Fr Bernard McHugh& Tom andLaurieMcGuane Bob andKathy Martinka BarbaraMarks Harriet Marble Eliz Robert Mackin& Lund&SusanWitteCary Loehnen Paul andElizabeth Jane Mar Richard Kuhl & Diane Kook Charlie andMarcia Knell Darcie andShawn Howard Tom andConnie Herzig Lee Harrison&Fred Olson HalstvedtJohn andMary Che Richard Gordon & Tom andKaren Duncan Duncan David Susan andMary Desonia Bruce K Tim Crawford & Sriniv Land Lindbergh & Vince andLouise Larsen Caroline andWillisKurtz athy Hansen ances Clark ances Clark abeth Adcock ryl Watkinsryl ylane Pannell t McMillan t McMillan asan Rao asan Rao

Michael Geary & Michael Geary FriezeMary & Christian Frazza Eliza Frazer Hood &Barry Susan Epstein & Dolese Thomas andDorothy Tom Deveny & Dale andNancy Detrick Joel Degenstein Nancy Curriden Margaret Cronin John andCarlaCronholm Kelly Christy Ale Dana Hilly Robert Caldwell & Jim andSueBrown St Cynthia Brewer & Bradley Randolph andRhonda Betsy andAndyBaur Joe andLanaBatts Jocelyn andEd Allen Donors: $250–$499 Boris andJaneKrizek Kitchens Rachel andJeffrey Judith King Kennedy Shauna andMark Theresa Keaveny Beth andLynn Kaeding Randy andStacy Jacobs Susan Jackson James Hummel Janet Hoffman-Morris Glenn andLaurie Hockett Kathryn Hicks Nancy Heymann Linda Helding Katie Heath Kathleen Hansen Jody Grant Con andDaphneGillam N Clin Spe K athy Knudsen ayri Hanna even Arbogast xandra Christy ncer Spropshire t Loomis t Loomis er

Cynthia Owings& Bob W Jacquinot and Carol andCharles Ward Gina Car Mike Vivion& Elsie Tuss Judy andHugo Tureck Tracy Treinen Jacque Jay Tischendorf & James andAnneTaylor John andMelodyTaft Linda Stoll Tim Speyer Paige Spalding Roger andElisabeth Smith Marina Skumanich Sheckleton George andOlivia Mar Sumner Sharpe & Judy Sarkisian Michael Sample Bruce Marilyn Reynolds & Poulsen Dorothy andRandy K Norm Plaistowe & Pittendrigh Adele andSandy Barbara Pitman John andTamie Parker Gr Thomas Still Sally Owen-Still & Benjamin Olewine Milton andJane Ohnstad Mark andLaura Nicholson Mowat George andBernice Robert andBetty Moore Nora K. Miller Janice andMartinMiller Riley andPat McClelland Arlene Mari Jennifer andTom Lyman Russell andDenece Lord Mark andTami Leppert risten Browne aham McIlwaine garet Strachan Harris Harris eisenbach eisenbach line Mallet line Mallet olan olan

Rosemary Boston & Boone Jean William Boggs Bodurtha Timothy andSusan Barbara Blaney Birnbaum Dana William Birck &Kim Erway Banks Anne Ja Elizabeth Ballard & Jame Faranak Argani & Donald andJudyAllen Deb Allard &Mike Small Stephanie Alexander Bob andCarolyn Adams Loren andEvelyn Acton Donors: $100–$249 Jayme, Martin& Chuck andJean Carlson Tom andKaren Cadle Marcia Bull Don Bryant Lou &BillCardin Bruno Jeri AnnBrowne Pat Brock Douglas Broadie Braxton Elizabeth andRobert Joan andJohnBouchard Martha and Hobart Collins Martha andHobart Collins Christine Coffin& Lane Coddington & Ladd Coates Clough Mary Pat andBeverly Clancey Cilimburg Robert and Kathryn Joe Chenoweth Donna Caruso-Hirst Carter Larry Rick Fuhrman Dar Garr K Douglas Wilson Douglas Wilson Williams Rebecca andLarry athryn Daley y Calkins y Calkins ci Thorsrud ett Carlson s Peak

MONTANA AUDUBON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

e ah Lord ah Lord ock Ringling R Sar Johnnie Moor Obert and Virginia Undem Undem and Virginia Obert and Linda Urbonas Wayne Ruth Elizabeth Vanderhorst and Jing Li David Varricchio Vogel Patricia Wallace Phylinda Carla Wambach Vicki Watson William Weber and Catherine Norman Weeden Larry Weeks Gary Wiens Williams Burton & Winestine Zachary Joanne Pawlowski Wolcott and Richard Robin and Cheryl Wootton Clyde JoAnn Wright Alan Zetler Nathaniel and Margo and Margo Nathaniel Sturgis & Adam Sundstrom Tenney and Eileen Richard and Ruth Torrence David Towe Ruth and Tom Traeger Nancy Trotter Punkey Trute Joy Tyrell and David Nancy & Bobbi Uecker Nancy and Tim Swanson and Tim Swanson Nancy Swant Lee Gary Laura and Szenter Linn and Val Taft Alex Katany & Judy Dan Taft Don Taylor & Tennefoss Lynn

n Melanie Smith Melanie and Marcia Richard Spalding & Speckart Stephen Forsberg Patricia and Don Spritzer Kathleen Stauffenberg Ronnie Stevens Ralph and Betsy Don and Kay O’Neil Don and Kay Patten and Eva Duncan Maurice and Catherine Petterson Poindexter Polly Preston and Beth Jay PuntMarleigh Thomas and Elizabeth Quinlan Marilyn and Frank Rathman Reed and Mary Lou Scott & Steve Robinson Betsy Gehman Rolfson Robert Ross Scott Ross Sig and Bev Ruth and Russell Royter Ruffatto Mary Frances M. Joan Ryshavy Camilla Saberhagen Schaub Joyce Scheytt Zetha and Diana Schramm LeRoy and Constance Michael Schwitters Seeley Rex and Kathy Seidman Stephen SentzLinda and Gene Jon Sesso Shikany Sandy and Keith Shuttleworth Estelle Siddoway Mike and Beverly Harold Silkwood and Arlo Skari Darlene Smith & Farwell Linda McMulle

lstad lstad Myslik-McFadden Myslik-McFadden yleen Wall Wall yleen Ra Carl Seie Connie Roy O’Connor O’Connor Roy Odegard Ron and Christine Sandy and John Oitzinger Olson Jeanne Brent and Kay Mitchell Mitchell and Kay Brent Reid Mohr & Howard Sue Moll and Robin Graydon and Bob Moore Robin Morgan Bill & Devonna and Sherry Morrison Ken Don and Marilyn Murdock and MaryMichael Myers Myers and Monica Scott Nave and Joyce Mike Susan and Rick Neff NelesenThomas Maryand Norton Patricia and Margaret Michael Novak & Oates James Robert Lace Robert Lamb Nick Lapito Susan and Leo Anne Little and Patrick Lopp Bob and Jane Lunn & Bart Ekren Betty Magley Beverly Mary and Joseph Maheras MaurisakMelinda McClenegham Muffet Doug and Bonnie McCombs & Hugh McFadden H McKay Sheila McKelvey Robert Allan McKittrick McLaughlin & Poody Regan Joseph and Carolyn Robert Mehaffy Melton Margie & Mikesell Catherine

Please note this list does not include tour fees or festival registration fees. registration note this list does not include tour fees or festival Please eal Miller eal at Kemp Kemp at Jo Lacey atti Jack and Brenda Kirkley Kirkley Jack and Brenda Kitterman Emily and Allen Ellen and Bob Knight & Kohler Nathan Kowalski John and Renee Beth and Russell Hill Beth and Martha Hoag David and Jerry Hoffman Karin & Hohenberger Craig Susan Socha Judy and Bob Hoy & Hunter Christopher Ussin-Hunter Annie Judith Hutchins Jensen Bill and Carole Donald Jones Iloilo Jones and Henry Dorothy Jorgensen and Constance Gerald Kaiser Kaufmann & Christine Richard Gillette & Gillette Richard Lois Gorseth Lois Gorseth Thomas Graham Benjamin Graybill and Robert Gayle Gregovich Doug and Hannah Habermann and Gwen Marshall Haferkamp and Cindy Hagstrom Dave and Elizabeth Edward Harshfield Havig Agnes Haydon-Canfield Deborah Canfield & Richard Hebert and Ray Dorothy Thomas and Susan Henry Willis Heron and Gail Hewitt Arch & Hiestand Kathryn P P N Susan Hinkins We try our best to track giving of all donors, but please let us know if there are inaccuracies. inaccuracies. are if there giving of all donors, but please let us know try best to track our We

vis abeth Fournier Fournier abeth John and Bernice Gillespie GillespieJohn and Bernice Susan Gilbertz David Genter Genter David Jeffrey Gabster Gabster Jeffrey H. William Gabriel H. William Gabriel Charles and Tani Fritz and Tani Charles Mark and Ethel Fogelsong Fogelsong Mark and Ethel Julie Flammang Julie James Fichtner FichtnerJames David Ewer Ewer David Jeffrey Eshbaugh Jeffrey Daniel Ellison & Daniel Erickson Cathie Karen Ehlert Karen Epple Andy and Paulette Davis and Linda Eckhoff and Linda Eckhoff Davis Christine and Lee Ebeling Ebeling and Lee Christine Eliz Craig and Cynthia Dunn and Cynthia Craig Susie and Douglas Duff William DeMeyer William DeMeyer Dimond Roy David DeLap David Smith & Shirley Phil Difani Michael DeGrandpre & DeGrandpre Michael Lindner Kate Susan Dickson Benjamin Deeble Benjamin Deeble Bill and Nancy Decou DecouBill and Nancy Katherine Dayton Dayton Katherine John and Karen Day Day John and Karen Kate Davis Davis Kate Bob and Susan Cushman Dave Curry Dave Milla Cummins Juliette Crump & Crump & Juliette Cal Cumin Leslie Craft Leslie Craft William Be Jim and Virginia Court Jim and Virginia Keith Cook Keith Susan Colvin herry Ritter knows a lot about the Important areas are stellar examples of how chapters can put the Bird Areas (IBA) program: she has worked on this IBA program committee to work. But she wants us to S program for 15 years in Montana and Idaho, and make no mistake. She could not have done all this work currently serves as the IBA committee chair for Bitterroot alone. In conjunction with committee members Fred Audubon. Since 2000, Sherry also has supported Weisbecker, Kate Stone, Skip Horner, and Kay Fulton, the Bitterroot Chapter by the Bitterroot River IBA committee has become a true preparing newsletters, leading force for obtaining data Montana Audubon needs to field trips, serving as vice maintain the IBA program’s integrity, getting riparian president, and even, yes, as habitat conservation projects off the ground (such president. The Audubon as vegetation fencing), and developing educational community will be pleased to materials, including the Our Birds Call This Home hear that Sherry, now retired booklet for folks living in the Bitterroot River IBA. As a (congratulations!), has told resident there herself, Sherry has an intimate knowledge us she plans to increase her and appreciation for both the birds and the unique focus on Bitterroot Audubon’s riparian habitat within the IBA. two local IBAs: the Bitterroot Because of Sherry and the Bitterroot IBA committee’s River, and Blodgett Fire. dedication, Montana Audubon is in a much better As if she doesn’t do enough position to continue supporting the overarching goal already! Her efforts to collect of long-term conservation of birds and their habitats. scientific data, lead outstanding field trips (such as the For this continued support and dedication we give Big Hole River), and work to improve habitat in these her a BIG THANKS!

ne of Montana Audubon’s longest-serving Board member, Cary Lund, currently serves as our board secretary, and is active on the O executive and finance committees. Cary hails from Livingston, but currently resides in Helena with his family. He has worked as legal counsel for the Montana Dept. of Health and Human Services for the past 33 years. Cary’s interest in birds began when he was a young teenager growing up near the Yellowstone River. Today he is particularly fond of birding in Montana’s mountain foothill forests, and in the lush cottonwood bottomlands of the Yellowstone River. He is also especially intrigued with the exceptional intelligence and sociality of corvids (crows, ravens, jays, etc.). Cary’s involvement in the Audubon cause began in Missoula in the late 1970s, when he joined the Five Valleys Chapter Board. After moving to Helena in 1980, he immediately became involved with Helena’s Last Chance Audubon. Cary’s valuable contributions to the development and growth of Montana Audubon over the years include his extensive institutional knowledge, his insightful counsel on legal matters, and his sharing of diverse perspectives drawn from his homegrown, Montana-based, political, legal, and cultural sensibilities. THANK YOU, Cary, for lending your considerable expertise over a span of more than three decades to help Montana Audubon advance its statewide bird conservation mission!

12 www.mtaudubon.org Spring 2014 The following Montana Audubon chapters recently received a National Audubon Society grant: ◆◆ Five Valleys Audubon of Missoula combines classroom lessons and field trips so 23 third graders at St. Joseph School can learn about fire ecology, with an emphasis on how trees, plants, wildlife, and fires interact. ◆◆ Flathead Audubon of Kalispell supports an environmental educator who will reach 5,000 people through programs in local schools and libraries, and at events. In addition, the work features a conservation mentoring program, giving at-risk high school students the opportunity to mentor elementary children, while providing weed mitigation and conservation education at Owen Sowerwine Natural Area and Important Bird Area. Good, local, conservation education programs are hard to beat!

ach year Montana Audubon awards grants from the Audubon Wildlife Fund of Montana, a permanent endowment. For the last 19 years, these grants have supported research and E education projects directed toward wildlife and/or wildlife habitat. This year’s grant projects: ◆◆ Citizen Scientists at Salish Kootenai College, Pablo. The college will purchase three pairs of binoculars so students can contribute to citizen science projects on Long-billed Curlews and more. ◆◆ Montana’s Vulnerable Wetlands. Montana Audubon will develop a report describing our state’s most vulnerable wetlands, targeted to decision-makers and conservation efforts.

◆◆ Northern Hawk Owl Breeding in Montana. The Owl Research Institute will Janene Lichtenberg successfully continue their long-term monitoring of Northern Hawk Owls nesting in Glacier received a grant to support Salish National Park and the . Kootenai College citizen science work.

elcome, incoming Montana Audubon at- Everyone at Montana Audubon thanks each of them large board member Ron Farmer (Bozeman), for their dedicated service and exceptional support W Helena’s Last Chance Audubon alternate for the Audubon conservation cause in Montana. Jennifer Stadum, and Billings’ Yellowstone Valley Staffers who have recently departed include Mihail Audubon representative Steve Regele. Kennedy, land stewardship coordinator at the Audubon Departing board members include Coburn Currier Center in Billings, and Abby Weimer, our office (Last Chance Audubon’s alternate), Bill DeMeyer manager in Helena. We appreciate their hard work on (Yellowstone Valley Audubon’s representative), and behalf of Montana Audubon’s conservation mission and Sheila McKay (Yellowstone Valley Audubon’s alternate). wish them much success in their future endeavors!

Spring 2014 www.mtaudubon.org 13 ontana lost a friend on March 1, when Bob Ballou, of Missoula, passed away. Bob spent most of his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s refuge system, retiring M from Ninepipe in 1982. In retirement, Bob was active with Flathead Audubon, Five Valleys Audubon, and Montana Audubon, serving on the state board of directors for more than a decade, including as president. Bob had a deep appreciation for conservation. He was an avid outdoorsman whose favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, photography, birdwatching, and more. He was most passionate about population control and its effects on the outdoors. We extend our condolences to Bob’s wife, Nancy, and his children, grandchildren, and their families. Bob will be fondly remembered.

o you know someone special who deserves ◆◆ Citizen Scientist of the Year—for contributing recognition? We are seeking nominations significantly to our understanding of birds D for our annual awards: through monitoring/observations. ◆◆ Special Achievement—for an extraordinary ◆◆ Lifetime Achievement—for a volunteer who has commitment to birds and habitat on a special shaped an Audubon Chapter and/or Montana project or activity. Audubon. Nominations must be received by May 23, 2014 for the ◆◆ Educator of the Year—for outstanding teaching award ceremony at our Bird Festival in Bozeman. Award programs about birds, other wildlife, and habitat. nomination forms can be downloaded from our website ◆◆ Conservationist of the Year—for significant (mtaudubon.org/about/awards). Questions? Contact achievement. Janet Ellis at the Audubon office.

Help Fill the Silent Auction’s Treasure Chest!

Think fun, think good-natured bidding wars, think treasures. We’re looking for choice items for a good cause: please donate your treasures to the silent auction at Montana Audubon’s Bird Festival, June 6–8, in Bozeman. In the past, people have donated art, pottery, bird feeders and houses, and delicious homemade cookies, preserves, and more. This year’s auction will benefit our public policy program and Sacajawea Audubon. Donations may be delivered to a Montana Audubon office, Sacajawea Audubon Board members, or brought with you to the bird festival. Thanks for your generous help!

14 www.mtaudubon.org Spring 2014 A Round of Applause for Volunteers! Centennial Valley & Red Rock Lakes, May 30–June 1 HANK YOU volunteers, for donating your urray! This tour is filled and we have a full list of folks waiting in time and expertise to specific Montana H the “wings” should anyone cancel. This is our most popular tour T Audubon projects, including working at so we will be repeating it again in the future. Stay tuned so you can the Audubon Center in Billings in any number of jump in at the first notice! capacities, assisting with the Bird Festival, collecting bird data for Important Bird Areas, or helping with Raptor Weekend Tour, Sept. 19–21 policy work. We applaud these contributions and appreciate your important work. oin Executive Director Steve Hoffman for an exciting weekend to J observe and band migrating hawks and eagles! On Friday we will hike Vicky Backus Jennifer Lyman to Raptor View Research Institute’s raptor banding station near Lincoln Jeremy Brooks Robert Mackin to observe the capture, banding, and release of migrant hawks and eagles. (These birds are Jim Brown Shelia McKay following the Rocky Mountain Front en route Cindy Butler Candi Millar to winter feeding grounds.) We will then drive Lori Clyatt Ed Monnig through the spectacular Swan Valley to Bigfork to spend Friday and Saturday nights. To prepare Jeanette Davis John Parker everyone for Saturday’s spectacular raptor Shari Dayton Adele Pittendrigh watching, Steve will present an evening raptor Delany Clement Colby Precious identification slideshow. We’ll depart early on Les Denny Loreene Reid Saturday morning and drive to beautiful Jewel Basin. From the trailhead, we’ll hike to the Karen Ehlert Don Roberts crest of the Swan Range for close-up, ridgetop Paulette Epple Jeff Safford viewing of migrant hawks, falcons, and eagles. Leo Freeman June Safford On our return trip to Helena on Sunday, we will do some roadside raptor watching. Diane Gresham Donald Seibert The cost for this trip is $485/person, which includes double occupancy Sharon Hanton Paige Spalding lodging (single supplement $100), all meals, transportation, and guide Lou Ann Harris Wyatt Sterns service from Helena, Missoula, or possibly Bozeman. A $150/person Janne Hayward Austin Stevens deposit reserves your place. Katy Hedtke Gary Swant Check out the detailed itinerary for this fabulous tour: mtaudubon.org/ Jeff Kitchens Morgan Webber birdwatching/tours.html For reservations call 406-443-3949 or email [email protected]. Boris & Jane Krizek Chuck Ward

We also want to thank all the many, many citizen Montana Audubon: A Proud scientists who help with the Christmas Bird Count, eBird, Great Backyard Bird Count, and more. Member of Montana Shares! Montana Shares is a Montana solution for workplace giving through payroll deductions. This partnership of 41 Montana-based nonprofit groups is devoted to improving the quality of life in communities throughout the state. We greatly appreciate your support of Montana Audubon through Montana Shares!

Drawing by Steven D’Amato

Spring 2014 www.mtaudubon.org 15 Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Great Falls, MT Permit No. 151

Montana Audubon P.O. Box 595 Helena, MT 59624

he 15th Annual Bird Festival promises to be an exciting time. Set in the beautiful Gallatin Valley and co-sponsored by Sacajawea Audubon, Wings Across the Big T Sky offers a full range of activities. Attend the Saturday afternoon events to learn from an expert about crows, and hear from others about Montana’s ospreys, sage-grouse, raptors, birds in a changing climate, and more. You’ll even hear about bird migration in the Middle East. Each year we bring Montana birders and conservationists to a different region of the state to visit birds in their natural habitats. This year’s festivities include 39 field trips, allowing Register now— participants to view a great variety in and around the Bozeman area. Choose to visit the headwaters of the , Paradise Valley, Milligan Canyon, and Ennis Lake. Field trips are Perhaps a walking tour of historic Bozeman piques your interest. What about a workshop filling fast! on digital bird photography? Register online at Even if you are unable to attend the festival, there are some wonderful raffle prizes. How mtaudubon.org, call Montana about an all expense paid trip to Coastal Texas for some guided birding, a stay at Abbott Audubon in Helena (406) Valley Homestead near Glacier Nat’l Park, a beautiful handmade quilt, or a beginner’s 443-3949, or e-mail [email protected] birding basket? Call Montana Audubon at (406) 443-3949 to request raffle tickets. You do NOT have to be present to win any one of these prizes.

16 www.mtaudubon.org Spring 2014