Dear Montana,

We're so excited to be just a month away from our annual event - Wings Across the Big Sky Birding Festival (May 30 – June 1 in Missoula). With over 30 field trips, this year’s event promises to be unforgettable. And if you haven't finalized your accommodations for the weekend - good news! - we have extended our room rate until May 9! And don’t forget to spread the word about our student scholarships, making it easier for young birders to participate! 

Wings Across the Big Sky brings birders and wildlife enthusiasts together to celebrate Montana’s diverse birds, wildlife, habitats, and communities. This year our local partner, Five Valleys Audubon, has put together an amazing list of field trips led by a group of accomplished trip leaders.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting, Wings Across the Big Sky is about celebrating the joy of birds, the wonder of Montana's landscapes, and the connections we share through nature. So we hope you can join us this year as we can't wait to share these experiences with you!

Yours in Conservation,

Larry Berrin

Executive Director

Lead Sponsor: University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab

May 30 - June 1, 2025

Missoula, MT

There's still time to join us in Missoula this summer! Field trips are filling up, but we've still got plenty of room- check out the full field trip line-up on our website.

There are also student scholarships available to cover the cost of registration- help us spread the word to interested student birders! To apply, please fill out an easy application: 2025 Student Scholarship Application Form

For more information and to register online, visit the Festival website:

We are in the home stretch!

Right now, three of our priority bills have moved through the process and are on their way (or, almost on their way!) to the governor's desk:

House Bill 932 & Senate Bill 537 secures the funding structure for Habitat Montana and restructures the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) to increase flexibility and fund more on-the-ground habitat restoration projects.

House Bill 372 raises & adjusts upland bird fees and sends funds directly to habitat projects for upland birds, and increase public awareness through partnerships with Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Learn more in our most recent Action Alert:

Looking for a way to get outside and contribute to science? Sign up for one of our upcoming citizen science projects:

Long-billed Curlew

• April 8 - May 31

There are still routes available - sign up today!

Nightjars

• June 1 - August 1

NEW! This year, we're excited to start our new state-wide surveys for Common Nighthawks and Common Poorwills. Join one of our three upcoming trainings- fill out the survey interest form to sign up

• May 9 | 6 p.m. | In-person @ Montana Audubon Center in Billings

• May 14 | 7 p.m. | Zoom (recording will be available)

• June 27 | 7 p.m. | In-person @ Montana WILD Center Auditorium in Helena

Climate Watch

• May 15 - June 15

Each survey includes 12 short point-counts, recording observations for six target species: Pygmy Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, and Spotted Towhee. Learn more and select your survey area

To learn more about any of these projects, visit our citizen science website or email Gwynne at gwynne@mtaudubon.org to get started.

Spring has arrived in full force at the Montana Audubon Center, bringing vibrant wildlife, blooming plants, and renewed energy across the trails. From the return of the resident Osprey to the chorus of Chorus Frogs and Red-winged Blackbirds, nature is putting on a spectacular show.

Staff and students alike are embracing the season with outdoor learning, exploration, and community gatherings that celebrate the beauty of Montana’s ecosystems.

Youth programs like the Fledglings Preschool and Audubon Naturalists in the Schools (ANTS) are thriving, while registration for summer camps is nearly full.

Adult learners can also engage more deeply through the Montana Master Naturalist course, launching mid-April. Recent events, like the sold-out Native Plant Symposium, highlight the community's enthusiasm for nature education and conservation.

From bird strolls to Earth Day celebrations and volunteer workdays, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved this spring.

Upcoming Programs

• Summer Camp Registration: Limited spots available for grades 6-9. Join the waitlist if full.
• Bird Stroll: Sat May 10, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
• Nature Nuts (Ages 1–4 + adult): Every Tues, 10–11 a.m.
• Amphestival: An Amphibian Education Night: Thursday, May 8th, 6-8 p.m.
• Nightjars Night In!- Learn about Montana’s Nightjar Species and How to Survey Them: Fri, May 9, 6 p.m.
• Weekend Wonder Family Program: Sat, May 10, 10:30 a.m.

April 7: Conservation artist wins migratory bird art contest with tundra swans (Learn about the winning art on the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp competition) | Kayla Desroches, Yellowstone Public Radio

April 11: Discarded fishing line is proving dangerous to birds at Spring Meadow Lake (Last Chance Audubon, Montana WILD, and other Helena community members clean up the state park) | Madelyn Heath, KTVH Helena

April 12: Reed's Slough Wildlife Viewing Area officially opens in Kalispell (new bird viewing area- news segment clip) | Sean Wells, MTN News/KPAX

April 16: Reed's Slough Wildlife Viewing Area opens in Flathead Valley | Hailey Smalley, Daily Inter Lake

April 29: Montana's Republican legislators fight back after successful youth climate lawsuit | Nick Mott, Inside Climate News

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