Dear Friend,

In honor of our 50th Anniversary, each month we would like to share a story that highlights our history. With registration now open for our Wings Across the Bird Sky Bird Festival, I thought that I would focus on this annual signature event.

For 25 years, the Wings Across the Big Sky Bird Festival has brought together bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and curious newcomers to celebrate the rich avian diversity of Montana. Hosted each summer in a different part of the state, the festival highlights the chosen region’s most exciting birding areas. Organized by Montana Audubon in partnership with the local chapter, the festival was created to connect people with birds and the habitats they depend on, while fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation across the state. What began as a modest gathering of dedicated birders has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, attracting over 200 participants from across Montana and beyond.

Over the years we have faced challenges with putting on this event. Some of these were anticipated; like when we chose a town like Glasgow or Lewistown and had to run the festival on our own without a local chapter to help us. Or the time during COVID when we had to adjust to a new way of birding that didn’t involve gathering as one large group so instead we organized smaller regional field trips throughout the state. But regardless of the challenges we face, Wings Across the Big Sky has always offered a diverse lineup of field trips, workshops, and presentations led by experienced birding experts. Participants have the opportunity to explore a range of habitats—from wetlands and grasslands to forests and riparian areas—while learning to identify species, understand bird behavior, and sharing their love of birding with others.

Today, the festival stands as a testament to Montana Audubon’s mission: to promote the appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of native birds and their habitats. As it continues to grow, Wings Across the Big Sky remains a welcoming space for all who share a passion for the natural world and a commitment to protecting it. So, I hope you will join us this summer in Kalispell and continue the tradition of celebrating the joy of birding with us!

Yours in Conservation,

Larry Berrin

Executive Director

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 25th annual Wings Across the Big Sky birding festival! 

We hope you join us this year in Kalispell, June 12 – 14, 2026.

There are over 30 field trips to choose from, including two pre-festival field trips on Friday. There’s something for everyone: hike through Glacier National Park; visit conservation easements that provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and wildlife; visit a raptor rehabilitation center and see raptors up close; or improve your skills as a bird photographer. 

This year, scholarships are available from both Flathead Audubon and Five Valleys Audubon Society - more information on how to apply can be found on the festival website. 

Registration brochures are in the mail! Or, visit the festival website for more information, including the schedule, trip information, lodging, keynote, and more!

The energy at the Montana Audubon Center is building as we transition into one of our busiest and most exciting seasons of the year.

We’ve just wrapped up a fantastic winter of discovery with our Audubon Naturalist in the Schools (ANTS) program and a lively “Mad Scientist” homeschool session that ended with a gravity-defying Egg Drop Challenge.

That same spirit of curiosity and experimentation continues this spring as we celebrate a special milestone—the 10th Annual Native Plant Symposium. What began a decade ago as a small gathering has grown into a must-attend event for gardeners, land stewards, and conservationists who care about Montana’s landscapes. Join us on March 28 for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection, featuring expert-led workshops on waterwise gardening, soil health, and building resilient native plant spaces.

As the days grow longer, we’re also gearing up for a season full of opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with nature.

Registration is now open for the Montana Master Naturalist Course, running twice monthly from April 17 through November 6 and offering an in-depth look at Montana’s ecosystems.

For younger adventurers, Summer Camp 2026 registration is officially open for Center members and opened to the public on March 18—always one of the most anticipated parts of the year.

Whether you’re hoping to secure a camp spot for your child, deepen your knowledge through the Master Naturalist course, or celebrate a decade of native plant learning at the symposium, there’s something for everyone this spring.

Visit our website to explore upcoming programs, register for events, become a member, or support the hands-on education experiences that make the Center such a special place.

Since 1996, Montana Audubon has awarded grants in support of research and education projects directed toward wildlife habitat conservation. Funds are awarded from earnings generated by the Audubon Wildlife Fund of Montana, a permanent endowment.

In 2026, six grants were awarded:


• Adam Potts to help fund the Hoot Owl Project (Photo: a male Barred Owl near Condon in the Swan Valley, photographed by Adam Potts on March 23, 2026.)

• Flathead Audubon to support the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch

• Jack Creek Preserve Foundation to help fund 'Conservation Field School for Educators: Birds of a Feather,' a project providing Montana educators with curriculum on Montana's birds

• Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center to support their work documenting & tracking raptor rescue locations, bird injuries, or illness

• Gallatin Watershed Council to help support their Riparian Walks Program

• Last Chance Audubon to help install a MOTUS tower in the Helena Valley

We are looking forward to following the important research and work of these grant recipients, and will have updates to share later this fall.

• Feb. 20: Montana Voters Remain Supportive of Conservation, Public Lands | Micah Drew, Daily Montanan
• Feb. 27: Banded By A Prayer (a profile covering Daniel Lombardi's photo exhibit featuring photos from bird banding at the Good Luck Gallery in Kalispell) | Lauren Frick, Flathead Beacon
• March 9: America’s Birds Are Declining, The Farm Bill Can Help Turn the Tide | Marshall Johnson, National Audubon Society
• March 10: Public Meetings Held to Hear Roadless Rule Testimony | Laura Lundquist, Missoula Current
• March 12: Volunteers Sought to Monitor Osprey Nests in Flathead Valley | Moosetrack Megan, MontanaOutdoor.com
• Western Montana Wings: Birding in Glacier Country | Western Montana's Glacier Country