Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 86 HERE ARE SOME VISITORS TO THE DUNROVIN WEBCAM Birdwatching is yet another way for people to get out and enjoy winter's magic. It can also contribute to bird conservation through citizen science data collection. Over 30 Montana communities par- ticipate in National Audubon's Christmas annual bird counts that occur between mid-December and mid-January of each year. ese field surveys have provided scientists with important informa- tion about winter bird habitat and have documented the fact that nearly all of Montana's winter birds are wintering farther north in response to warming temperatures. Winter bird watching is not limited to those who enjoy tromp- ing through forest or field in snow shoes with binoculars in hand. Everyone can enjoy winter birds by simply installing and maintain- ing back yard bird feeders. Winter's scarcity ensures that local birds will find feeders hung with thistle, seeds, or suet. Larger birds of prey often follow, looking for the smaller birds who frequent the feeders. Dunrovin Ranch has taken winter birdwatching via bird feeders to new heights—literally. Dunrovin's osprey nest is situated atop on a 47-foot pole. e nest not only supports the ospreys during their breeding season from late March through mid-September, it has evolved into something of an avian condominium. During the summer months, sparrows, and starlings use the catacombs created N OT EVERY BIRD IS A SNOW BIRD THAT HEADS FOR WARMER CLIMES AS WINTER DESCENDS ON MONTANA. Of the 424 different bird species that occur in Montana, about 40%, or 177 species, overwinter in the state, including 13 birds of prey. Nine species are found in Montana only in winter: the Rough-legged Hawk, the Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, American Tree Sparrow, the Lapland Longspur, Snow bunting, and Common and Hoary Redpoll. MONTANA'S Flicker Pigeon American Kestrel Piliated Woodpecker House Finch Sharp-sheared Hawk Accipiter Cooper's Hawk by SUZANNE MILLER

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