Birds and Their Habitat

The Flathead Valley is home to an incredible diversity of birds, owing to its diverse landscape, which includes grasslands, farm fields, wetlands, forest, and alpine areas. During their spring migration, thousands of migratory waterfowl make use of the valley's lakes, wetlands, and grasslands for feeding and resting. Birds not only captivate us with their songs and vibrant plumage but also play crucial roles in our ecosystem, such as insect control, plant seed dispersal, and environmental cleanup. Check Why Birds Matter.

Researchers calculated that a staggering 3 billion birds have been lost over the last 50 years. Leading causes of this decline include cats, collisions (including those with windows), and habitat loss. To learn more about our native bird species, discover ways to support them in your backyard, and explore the numerous hot spots for bird watching in our valley, visit Flathead Audubon Society for valuable insights and resources.

What should I do with dead and dying trees on my property?

While dead and dying trees close to the house can be a safety hazard, and should be removed, a healthy forest contains some diseased and dead trees (also known as snags). These are essential to birds for foraging, cavity nesting, food storage, and drumming (communication).

Different forest types and different birds will require different snag densities. In a ponderosa pine forest, for instance, leave 2-3 large snags (>20 inches in diameter at breast height) or more per acre for cavity nesting birds.

Are my larch trees dead? Larch trees naturally turn gold and shed their needles in the fall. As deciduous conifers, they will develop new needles in the spring. Before considering tree removal, make sure to identify the tree species and confirm whether it has entered winter dormancy.

Can I prevent birds from hitting my windows?

Birds hit windows when they see nature reflected in them or if they see out through yet another window. Tested and effective solutions include hanging strings or cords about 2 inches apart from simple metal edging above your exterior window frame — a task most people can easily do at home. You can also place stick-on dot patterns to the exterior of the window, or you can install exterior screens and blinds. Additionally, place bird feeders at a distance from large windows. Even better, plant native food plants to attract and sustain bird populations.

Read more: Glass Collisions: Preventing Bird Window Strikes and Protect Birds from Colliding With Your Windows.

Why should I turn off my lights in the spring and fall?

You can help birds during their migration by turning out the lights. In the spring and fall, excessive outdoor and indoor lighting can disorient migrating birds, often resulting in collisions with buildings.

Check Keeping Our Starry Skies for guidance on outdoor lighting solutions.

How do I discourage woodpeckers from pecking holes on my house?

Woodpeckers may damage your house’s siding when drumming to attract mates or feeding on insects. To discourage, remove insect colonies from the building, hang shiny objects or metallic strips, attach plastic tightly woven netting under eaves, and/or provide appropriate nest boxes near the house. You may still need to repair some holes once in a while and increase preventive tactics. Loud noise will scare them off temporarily, but they are persistent.

How can I protect bird habitat in the Flathead?

Plant natives in your backyard, grassland, or pasture to support wildlife and insects, including pollinators. However, avoid planting fruit trees and shrubs that attract bears. Discover the ideal native plants for birds in your area by entering your zip code at www.audubon.org/native-plants.
Contact your local Conservation District for assistance with planting a Pollinator or Rain Garden. Check your local CD’s Landowner Programs for more information.
Choose to recycle plastics or, even better, reduce your plastic usage altogether whenever you can. Discover why in this article.
Maintain wetlands and riparian areas on your property, including isolated wetlands that retain water during the spring and early summer, or after heavy rains. Provide them with space and delight in the presence of birds! Additionally, consider supporting local conservation groups dedicated to safeguarding vital bird habitats.
Join a bird tour or consider volunteering with Flathead Audubon Society to teach our youth about birds.

Keeping Your Cats Indoors: Benefits and How-to Guide

Pets like cats and dogs bring us joy and companionship, but outdoor cats pose a major threat to birds and small mammals, causing over 2 billion bird deaths and millions of small mammal fatalities each year. Learn how to provide a safe and enriching environment for your cat while also protecting our avian friends.

Keep cats indoors or under close supervision. Indoor cats live longer and healthier lives.
Train your new cat to a leash to give your cat important outdoor exercise.
Consider creating a secure outdoor space, called a 'catio,' where your cat can safely enjoy the outdoors.

Learn more: Love Your Cats But…

Bird Help

Flathead Audubon Society’s educator and storyteller Denny Olson, describes how we all can help bird populations thrive after a half-century of decline by implementing small changes in our homes and yards.

Explore additional educational videos on the natural history of native birds and plants, how to learn to ID bird songs, reasons behind bird population declines, ways to help them thrive, and more at flatheadaudubon.org/education-videos.

How is Montana protecting wildlife habitats?

Montanan’s put tremendous value on open spaces, abundant fish and wildlife, and hunting and recreational opportunities.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Flathead Land Trust, and Montana Land Reliance work with landowners to protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors, key wetlands for sandhill cranes and other birds and wildlife.

Contact the land trusts or wildlife state agency to learn more about our local wildlife and ways to support conservation in the Flathead (see Flathead Partners).