Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.
7 miles east of Malta along US Rte 2 in the north eastern part of Montana, this park is a mix of wetlands and uplands with over 260 bird species recorded there. Some of the upland birds commonly seen here include sharp-tailed and sage grouse, Baird’s and grasshopper sparrows, Sprague’s pipit and chestnut-collared longspur. The best time to observe the migrating flocks of waterfowl is in early fall or late spring.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
This birding spot is located 30 miles south of Missoula on US 93 along the meandering Bitterroot River in far western Montana. Surrounded by majestic towering mountains, the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge offers spectacular viewing opportunities of the landscape and wildlife. Stop in the refuge headquarters for the latest news on bird and wildlife sightings. There are trails to walk, but you can also bird from your car along the refuge road (Wildfowl Lane)which is good for waterfowl.
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge.
Located in the west-central portion of Flathead County approximately 25 air-miles west of Kalispell (on US Route 2 in northwestern Montana), this park offers both wetland and upland areas. The wetland habitats consist of sub-irrigated wet meadows composed primarily of reed canary grass. Upland areas are a mosaic of prairie grasslands with surrounding wooded slopes of various coniferous and deciduous timber species. It is in these upland areas that one can find spruce, blue, ruffed, and sharp-tailed grouse. Look for grizzly bear and the endangered gray wolf, both of which are found here.
Mission Valley.
Running south from Flathead Lake on Highway 93, Mission Valley has one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey in winter. Owls are here in large numbers and one of the largest communal roosting sites for Rough-legged Hawks in the world can be found here. Winters vary, but usually Gyrfalcon, Great Gray, Snowy and Boreal Owls can be frequently found. The area can be reached by exiting US interstate 90 just west of Missoula and following US Rte 93 north towards Flathead Lake.
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
If you like to birdwatch and appreciate "the great outdoors", then Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is the place to visit. The refuge has often been called the most beautiful national wildlife refuge in the United States. The rugged Centennial Mountains, rising more than 9,000 feet above the Centennial Valley wetlands, provide a dramatic backdrop for this extremely remote refuge. Near the headwaters of the Missouri River, 50 miles to the west of Yellowstone National Park, the best time to visit the refuge is from May through September as many of the roads are not open until then. The natural diversity of the refuge provides habitat for species such as trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, curlews, peregrine falcons, eagles, numerous hawks and owls, badgers, wolverines, bears, and wolves. The Refuge can be reached by driving south from Butte on Interstate 15 and exiting just before the Idaho border at the town of Monida. Drive east along State Route 509 to the town of Lakeview, which is on the boundary of the refuge. It can also be reached from Yellowstone NP by exiting at West Yellowstone (onto Rte 20), and continuing past the turn into Rte 87. The turn from Rte 20 onto State Rte 509 is just south of the Rte 87 turnoff. Turn right (west) for about 8 miles (this is not an improved road).