Montana Trip Report
 

I just returned from a trip to Northwest Montana. The purpose of my trip was birdwatching, wild animal viewing and looking at the scenery. The scenery was far beyond my expectations. Unbelievable views. The weather was good. Cold at night and early morning, but sun brought temperature up to 70s and low 80s. Layering clothes is the best way to dress.
We left from Missoula and spent time in the National Bison Range. That night was spent at Kwataqunuk Resort right on Flathead Lake. The next three nights were at Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park. Logan Pass had just opened so we were able to see the snow piled along the road. Lake McDonald Lodge has a lovely lobby and location on the lake, but the rooms are small and just adequate. Service in the restaurant was not good and food so-so. One day we ate lunch in Polebridge (just outside the Park) at the Northern Lights Saloon and it was the best meal of the whole trip. It is worth it to locate this out of the way site for the food. They have outdoor picnic tables and served us there. Next we went to the East Front of the Rockies and stayed at the Seven Lazy-P Deep Canyon Guest Ranch near Choteau. Our 3 night stay here was delightful. Wonderful accomodations, view, people, family-style food, etc. I hightly recommend this ranch.
Montana was wonderful and not only did we see many birds, but also animals such as grizzlies. Glacier National Park is something everyone should experience.

Thank you for posting - sounds wonderful. Will keep this for the near future, as our trip will take us thru' Idaho, going North.

What interesting birds did you see? Did you add any to your life list?

Birdie, Thanks for asking. I added 19 new birds. Most exciting were the Blue and Spruce Grouse. We also had wonderful sightings of Northern Pygmy-0wls: one peeking out of it's nest hole. Also, at the ranch there were lots of rufous hummingbirds.

Where did you go successful birding while in Glacier?

What an interesting and different trip report!

Nice to hear from someone who went off the beaten track. Montana and The Rockies is a beautiful area of the US. Lots of people forget there is a lot of stuff in the middle and you just do not go directly from Chicago to the Grand Canyon and then to California.

Kay2, We birded by stopping at the pull-offs along Going to the Sun Road,walking around Lake McDonald Lodge and in picnic and camping areas. We also drove the Inside North Fork Road(very bumpy gravel road) which is where we saw the Spruce Grouse.

If you ever get the chance, go to Pt. Pelee in Ontario. I went one year for the spring migration. The bird watching was incredible!

Okay now let's not tell the whole world how nice Montana is. We would like to keep it relatively quiet!!!
Went hiking today in one of Glacier's remote trails and bumped into TWO other people!!