Fall2019 - WHAT THE BIRDS ARE TELLING US SAGE-GROUSE UPDATE - Montana Audubon
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fall 2019
WHAT THE
BIRDS ARE
TELLING US
page 4
SAGE-GROUSE
UPDATE
page 8
THE VIEW FROM ABOVE
Helena Office Can you imagine what Montana would sound
like in the spring without the familiar songs of our
Our mission is to promote
PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624 • Phone: 406-443-3949
native birds? From the Rockies in the west to the vast
appreciation, knowledge and Fax: 406-443-7144 • info@mtaudubon.org • www.mtaudubon.org
Audubon Center
grasslands in the east, our diverse state is host to
conservation of Montana’s
over 430 species of birds that either breed here or
native birds, other wildlife, 7026 S. Billings Blvd., Billings, MT 59101 • Phone: 406-294-5099
pass through in migration. Many of us have noticed
and natural ecosystems to www.mtaudubon.org/center
a decline in their numbers and now we learn more
safeguard biological diversity
about the cause – a combination of climate change,
for current and future Staff Board of Directors
Officers
habitat loss and pesticide use. The Three Billion
generations. Larry Berrin
Executive Director Rachel Van Wingen, President
Birds study in the journal Science was particularly
Joe Batts, Vice-President
Founded in 1976, Montana Bernie McHugh, Secretary
Heather Bilden
Community Programs Lead
Audubon has built effective Ron Farmer, Treasurer
eye-opening.This is the first study to undertake an We need your participation
At-large Board Members
accounting of the net population changes across a and support so we can
Sarah Chatwood
programs in public policy, Preschool Lead
total of 529 breeding bird species in the United all do our part to protect
Mimi Falivene
education, and bird
States and Canada. The researchers analyzed birds
Emily Chilcoat
Volunteer Coordinator
Curt Larsen
our feathered neighbors
conservation to serve its Cary Lund
on a group-by-group basis, allowing them to identify
Bob Mackin
Center Council Delegate
in Montana.
members and Montana’s Bo Crees
Avian Technician Data Specialist
declines among species that use similar habitats.
nine community-based
Krista Cunningham Don Roberts
Teacher-Naturalist
Audubon Chapters.
The study included 48 years of data from multiple independent sources, including
Chapter Delegates
Bitterroot Audubon
the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas Bird Count.
Hannah Dunford
Youth Programs Lead
A comprehensive analysis of 11 years of data from 143 NEXRAD radar stations
Mike Daniels
Five Valleys Audubon
Cathie Erickson
Accounting Specialist
showed a similarly steep decline in the magnitude of migration. The study clearly
Rose Leach
Flathead Audubon
shows that the losses threaten some of our most common and beloved birds.
Norane Freistadt
Development Director
Of the nearly three billion birds lost, 90% came from just 12 bird families, including
Bob Lee
Last Chance Audubon
sparrows, warblers, finches, and swallows. These common, widespread species play
Alina Garner
School Programs Lead
influential roles in ecosystems. The greater web of life, including us, is in trouble.
Janice Miller
Mission Mountain Audubon
Janet Johnston
Office Manager
Jim Rogers
Pintler Audubon
When studies like these are published, we sometimes are left to wonder “what
Nicki Kenyon
Preschool Teacher-Naturalist
can I do?” A popular Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was
Jack Kirkley
Sacajawea Audubon
Ashley Laukhuf
Teacher-Naturalist
20 years ago and the second best time is now.” So while I wish we had done
more 50 years ago, I also know it is not too late. Rachel Carson taught us all that
Loreene Reid
Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon
Gabi Morey
Teacher-Naturalist
our actions can not only cause problems for birds but we can also be the solution.
Vacant
In the next few months we will be launching new strategic initiatives that will get
Caroline Provost
BSWC Avian Technician
to the heart of the problems we are facing in Montana when it comes to our
Anthony Sammartano
BSWC Restoration Specialist
avian populations. Stay tuned as these new programs and projects will need your
participation and support so we can all do our part to protect our feathered
Amy Seaman
Director of Policy & Science
Carolyn Sevier
Center Director
Montana Audubon is a proud neighbors in Montana.
fall 2019
member organization of
Sterling Spilinek Montana Shares, a partnership
Range & Wildlife Biologist
4
of Montana-based nonprofits
Cover Story:
devoted to improving the
What the Birds
Jennifer Walker
Preschool Teacher-Naturalist
quality of life in the Big Sky
are Telling Us
state.
Larry Berrin, Executive Director
8 Conservation Briefs
14 News from the Center
16 Annual Achievement Bob Martinka photo.
On the cover: MacGillivray’s Warbler
Awards
FALL 2019 3
W H AT
COVER STORY
THE
BIRDS
ARE
TE LLI NG
US
Three billion birds disappeared from our skies
in just 50 years. What does this mean for us?
In 1962 Rachel Carson challenged all of us to try and imagine a quieter
world. To wake up one morning in May and not hear the sounds of
birdsong filling the air was a chilling image that resonated with many of
us. To this day, Silent Spring is considered one of the most important books
to document the detrimental effects of pesticides, including DDT which
was later banned.
In the early 1960s we didn’t realize the full extent that our actions
were having on birds. Once people realized that DDT was impacting
reproduction by thinning the eggshells of some of our most majestic
raptors at the very top of the avian food chain, including our national
symbol, we took action. As a result of this ban and the dedication of
funding for conservation programs, the Bald Eagle and other birds of prey
made a recovery. Rachel Carson proved to all of us that not only can we
be the cause of the problem, but once we are made aware of it, we can also
be the solution.
Upland Sandpiper Now we have the opportunity to act again. continued
4 MON TANA AUD UBON FALL 2019 5
Birds are indicator species, serving as acutely
sensitive barometers of environmental health,
and their mass declines signal that the earth’s
biological systems are in trouble.
Bob Martinka
Chestnut-collared Longspur
This fall, the Three Billion Birds study in the journal Science found Birds are indicator species, serving as acutely sensitive barometers of
staggering, widespread bird declines. Cumulatively, three billion fewer environmental health, and their mass declines signal that the earth’s
birds fill the skies of North America today than in 1970 – a loss of more biological systems are in trouble. In a way birds are our “canary in the
than a quarter of our birds. This was not a report on projected future loss coalmine” when it comes to the environment, so what impacts them will
on the basis of current trends, but rather one that tallied actual losses of eventually impact us. You may have heard the story of caged birds whose
familiar species. Sparrows, juncos, finches, blackbirds, warblers, swallows sensitivity to lethal gasses served as a natural alarm call to coal miners
and even our state bird the Western Meadowlark are among the birds in as they learned that if the canary died, it was time to exit the cave.
decline. Their loss affects the services birds provide us all, from dispersing The same observation can be made about our planet but unfortunately,
seeds to controlling insects. And it is not just birds – scientists are seeing there is no exit.
similar declines in wildlife across North America and around the world.
There was one bright spot in both studies however. They show that if
On October 10, the National Audubon Society also released a we take action now we can help improve the situation. For instance,
groundbreaking report that forecasts, in extraordinary detail, the impact waterfowl numbers have actually increased significantly, likely thanks to
climate change will have on North American birds through the end of the decades-long efforts to fund restoration and protect the wetlands
the century. The Survival by Degrees climate report shows that 389 bird they need to feed and breed. Unfortunately most birds, including some
species are vulnerable to extinction because of climate change. Audubon of our most common species, do not have the kind of consistent,
scientists studied 604 North American bird species using 140 million dedicated funding that waterfowl have benefited from. These studies
bird records and the same climate models used by more than 800 experts highlight the urgency of addressing America’s avian crisis by ramping up
in 80 countries. The science shows that the majority of North American conservation investments and defending the laws that protect birds
bird species – even familiar and beloved birds like the Mountain Bluebird and their habitats.
and American Robin – are at risk of extinction from climate change.
Right now, there is a bill in the House of Representatives that would
Many of us who have been observing birds for decades were not surprised provide this kind of sustained funding to other birds and wildlife in
by these reports. You may have your own accounts of trends and evidence trouble – the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. If it passes,
that you have observed in your lifetime. From backyards to the vast Montana will receive nearly $30 million dollars per year for proactive
grasslands in the eastern part of the state – fewer birds filling our skies wildlife conservation funding that would benefit birds and other wildlife
has not gone unnoticed. Studies like these need data so your observations in our state. Together, we can avoid a silent spring and pass on the gift of
matter. This is why we launched Montana eBird a year ago. Montana bird song to future generations. We urge our congressional delegation in
eBird compiles a great deal of Montana-specific bird data by citizen Washington, D.C. to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.
scientists all across our state so we can help by adding to a database that
can be used in the future to note trends.
6 MON TANA AUD UBON FALL 2019 7
2019 Field Projects at a Glance
Working closely with partner and colonial waterbird species, like the
organizations, Audubon chapters, and American White Pelican and Black Tern.
Sage-grouse Need State
citizen scientists, we supported research This work kept us busy from April through
and Federal Conservation Support
and monitoring projects in Important Bird August, a season that started out when
Areas, and statewide, on species like Long- snow was still flying, and ended just as the
billed Curlew, Harlequin Duck, Chimney leaves began to turn their brilliant gold.
As the close of the year approaches, the Management
James Yule
Swift, Black Swift, and dozens of songbirds
fate of Greater Sage-grouse in Montana (BLM) managed
continues to be affected by management lands, continue to To get involved and learn more,
montanabirdsurveys.com
please visit our citizen science website,
OUR WORK BY THE NUMBERS
decisions on the federal and state level. threaten core habitat and
Given a September 2019 report to state several Important Bird Areas in Montana.
lawmakers indicating a decline of At the onset, an Endangered Species
approximately 40% in the past three years listing was partially avoided because of
(surveys indicating the presence of about
43,000 birds), those decisions will impact
collaborative efforts to strengthen BLM
resource management plans (RMPs)
87 Curlew sightings recorded in western Montana,
working with 30 volunteers
the potential need to protect Greater throughout the species’ range, alongside of
Sage-grouse under the Endangered
Species Act during the 2020 review of the
strengthened state management plans.
With Montana upholding its end of the 2 Pairs of Harlequin Ducks tagged in Glacier National Park
to track annual movement
species’ listing petition. Taking steps in the bargain, changes to BLM RMPs that are
right direction, the Montana Sage-grouse not supported by science may push sage-
Oversite Team approved over $3 million
in state funding for term easements and
grouse closer to the brink. Montana
Audubon continues to fight these changes,
3 IBAs surveyed for waterbirds, locating the fifth nesting colony
of American White Pelicans working with two volunteers
20+
permanent conservation easements and as part of that process have identified
scattered throughout sage-grouse core the core areas most at risk, and taken Locations in Canyon Ferry and Madison River IBAs
habitat. Overall state support for the steps to put legal pressure on the BLM to surveyed for songbirds and noxious weeds
Sage-grouse Stewardship Act is strong, reinstate strong protections in sage-grouse
and the addition of term leases as a habitat.
conservation option have helped broaden 8 New nesting sites discovering while hosting three eastern
Montana Chimney Swift survey trainings
the base of private landowners willing to Citing extreme drought as the likely cause
work with the program. for declines to sage-grouse numbers in
Further afield, the Interior Department’s
2019, the September report cautions too
much concern over bird numbers they see
43 Waterfalls surveyed in Black Swift habitat,
working with 20 field technicians and volunteers
decision to relax restrictions on oil and gas as falling within normal population
development on Bureau of Land fluctuations. 4 New Black Swift nesting colonies discovered
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Provisions Still in Limbo
In December of 2017, when changes to the absence of federal mandates, the AFWA did point out many states have of the plumage, skin, or body of the bird...
the interpretation of the Migratory Bird Association Fish & Wildlife Agencies never prosecuted incidental take cases. or to take or destroy [its] nest or eggs”
Treaty Act (MBTA) weakened the (AFWA) combed through laws working Montana prohibits the killing any birds, (Montana Code § 87-5-201(1). Though
International Treaty, federal managers with state agencies to find that just 17 other than game birds, without special violations can result in fines and hunting
were left in limbo regarding how to states have legal provisions stipulating permission by our state’s wildlife agency. restrictions, AFWA’s interpretation was
prevent indirect threats to birds. To recall, the regulation of incidental take. They Our state code clarifies that Montana’s laws may fall just short
the Solicitor General’s interpretation also found that sources of indirect the unlawfulness of intending to enforce incidental take.
of the law, whose language remains mortality continue to be common in the to “kill... any As yet, our state hasn’t faced this legal
unchanged, reversed the intent of the environment. Among the most common wild bird, test, but the AFWA report suggests this
MBTA to cover “incidental” take, or were collisions with buildings, lead in the other than a uncertainty is great cause for states to
actions, threats or activities creating environment (from shot or ammunition), game bird, begin strengthening their regulatory
indirect sources of bird mortality and collisions with transmission lines or or any part authority now.
(think wind farms, etc.). communications infrastructure.
Common Loon is a species often affected by incidental take,
Seeking to understand enforcement of Fortunately, Montana was one of the 17 whether from off-shore gillnet operations in the mid-Atlantic,
Bob Martinka
incidental take by individual states in states with some legal standing, though or exposure to heavy metals in settling or tailings ponds.
8 M ONTAN A AUDUBON FALL 2019 9
Survival by
Bob Martinka
Degrees,
Update from
The Promise of the Land and Water National
Conservation Fund (LWCF) Audubon
Like the federal Migratory Bird Treaty National Park, Red Rock Lakes National
Our climate is
Act and our local Habitat Montana land Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the Charles M.
changing, and our
conservation program, the Land and Russell NWR, the Blackfoot Valley
birds are among the
Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has (which contains Brown’s Lake), and the
garnered bipartisan support for decades. Madison River, in addition to helping visual, measurable
In exchange for the removal of non- preserve state parks like Lewis & Clark indicators that make
renewable resources generated by offshore Caverns, Lone Pine, and Giant Springs. this truth evident. Five
drilling, a portion of operational royalties years ago, the National
are annually dedicated to LWCF. Funds As the program approaches its fifty-five Audubon Society released
are intended to protect parks, natural year landmark, Montana Audubon is their first climate report,
areas, national forests, wildlife refuges, proud to solidly support permanent which opened our eyes to the
outdoor recreational opportunities, and reauthorization of this fund. Sentiment effects climate change may have
to encourage sustainable forestry along remains strong that full funding for LWCF on both the summer and winter
with a strong recreation economy. Up to is an important next step for our wild ranges of 314 bird species. This year, a Mountain
$900 million at the federal level, the places, wildlife, and educational and follow-up report based on data from the Plover
injection of funds to states can have a recreational opportunities for Montanans. U.S., Canada and Mexico, gives us zip
ripple effect. In Montana we have code-level detail about potential affects to
received just under $620 million over For more information and to get involved
please visit www.lwcfcoalition.org.
604 North American bird species.
five decades. The support has affected grassland birds like Baird’s Sparrow,
Important Bird Areas like Glacier In Survival by Degrees: 389 Species on the Chestnut-collared Longspur, and
Brink, scientists assess the exposure risk, McCown’s Longspur. The report also finds
that these species, and especially Greater
Full funding for LWCF is an important next step for our wild places, wildlife, and educational
adaptive capacity, and sensitivity that bird
and recreational opportunities for Montanans. Pictured: Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area. species have, given a changing climate Sage-grouse, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lark
under three emissions scenarios. The first Bunting and Baird’s Sparrow are
report’s findings relied on data from the threatened by increased fire activity
Christmas Bird Count and Breeding Bird throughout the western U.S. Findings like
Survey, but in the 2019 report, over 140 this underscore the importance of a
million bird observations were used; habitat-focused approach to conservation.
observations primarily contributed by It is important to give birds the space and
individual citizens. Suffice it to say, birds landscape needed to support their ability
are already bearing the consequences of a to adapt and respond. The report also
changing climate. As an example, the states a clear goal before us: If we are able
Mountain Plover, a state species of to come together to move forward on
concern and species of the western Great climate solutions, there is reason for hope.
Plains, is predicted to lose 76% of its “By stabilizing carbon emissions and
habitat – facing potential extirpation from holding warming to 1.5°C above pre-
the Oklahoma and New Mexico portions industrial levels, 76 percent of
of its range. vulnerable species will be
better off, and nearly
Interestingly, the report finds that 150 species would no The full report
longer be vulnerable is available online,
Montana is one of the states most likely to
to extinction from and you can access it
undergo cropland expansion as the climate by visiting our website
changes, a threat we know negatively climate change.”
and searching for
affects many of our most threatened Birds & Climate.
Caroline Provost
10 M ONTAN A AUDUBON FA L L 2019 11
2019–2020 Christmas Bird Counts
You can enjoy a fantastic day outdoors this This winter’s CBCs will occur between
winter and learn about the resident birds mid-December 2019 and the first week of
in your area by joining a Christmas Bird January, 2020. Please visit mtaudubon.org
Count (CBC) near you! for more information about the CBC,
which will post in late November.
These annual outings have been
maintained by Audubon organizations Christmas Bird Counts are family-friendly,
around the nation since the year 1900 community events: all experience levels
with the first Montana count in 1908. are welcome!
There were over 30 counts around the
state last season. American Tree Sparrow
Bob Martinka
BECOME A MEMBER OF MONTANA
AUDUBON THROUGH OUR ANNUAL
CONSERVATION FUND
Your membership* helps support one of the most effective
conservation organizations in Montana. Enjoy a year of benefits
including timely conservation updates, invites to special events,
our biannual print newsletter and the peace of mind knowing
that you’re actively contributing to the protection of birds,
other wildlife and their habitats across our vast state.
Wildlife Grants Available For more information email us
at info@mtaudubon.org
Montana Audubon will again make Projects funded through this program in
available mini-grants from the Audubon 2019 included supporting the Restoration or call 406-443-3949.
Wildlife Fund of Montana, a permanent of Trumpeter Swans in the Blackfoot
endowment. The application deadline Valley, the Impacts of Conifer Removal
for the 2020 grant cycle is December 16, on Sagebrush-Obligate Songbirds, the *Montana Audubon is registered as a
2019. For information and a grant construction of a Wildlife Viewing Blind nonprofit organization without members.
Participation in this program does not
include voting responsibilities.
application, visit: at Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir,
mtaudubon.org/about/wildlifegrants and development of Avian Profiles in the
Bob Martinka
Sevenmile area of the Prickly Pear Valley.
12 M ONTAN A AUDUBON FA L L 2019 13
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
It’s always great to highlight
those who contribute to our
Back at the Beginning: Ten Years of Conservation Education work. We’d like to introduce
and recognize the following
“The new Norm Schoenthal Field Lab The location along South Billings Boulevard Pompeys Pillar. In 2002, Montana star volunteers!
First is Haley Ash-Eide, who came to
is open for business at the Audubon had been a gravel pit during repairs on Audubon teamed up with YRPA on the
Conservation Education Center (ACEC) Interstate 90 in the early 1990s. The current site, and over the next six years
in Billings!” Yellowstone River Parks Association, collectively raised more than $350,000 the Center this summer and quickly
for the construction of a Wet Lab to become an integral part of our volunteer
having only recently been incorporated,
serve as the headquarters for restoration, family. Haley is currently studying
So went the announcement of the acquired the property from the Long Family Environmental Studies at Montana State
dedication of the Norm Schoenthal Field Trust in 1998. Through the leadership of education, and research. Kathryn “Billie”
University, after recently transferring from
Lab on October 17, 2009. Ten years later, Norm Schoenthal and others, volunteers Hicks of YVAS, in addition to other Chief Dull Knife College, and has intentions
the Center now provides education began work to rehabilitate the landscape. significant contributions, made and sold of studying Environmental Law. In her short
programs to more than 20,000 visitors From the beginning, the vision for the peanut brittle to help fund the project. time with us, Haley helped with our
each year. space was always a combination of Other notable individuals from early on restoration and summer camp programs,
native Montana plant communities and include YRPA members John Spencer, finding a fondness working with our
The idea of a conservation education facility opportunities for youth engagement. Earl Gus, and Sam and Mary Walter, and recurring volunteer restoration groups.
in Billings – a place to get children and Education was a priority from the beginning, from Montana Audubon Paul Belanger One of the greatest things Haley has
and Robert Fitzgerald. learned through her volunteer experience
families outside to learn about the animals, not only via Norm with his own background
is that unexpected things always happen –
plants, and ecosystems of the area – had as a professor for almost 30 years at Eastern so come prepared to just go with the flow!
been around for a long time. What is now Montana College, but also through the Since that time, both the programs and
Being outside sharing
called the Montana Audubon Center was involvement of teachers Jean Smith, the landscape have matured. On the and learning with
the culmination of the efforts of a number of Dean Smith, and John Miller. property, hundreds of volunteers planted others and
organizations, including Montana Audubon, cottonwoods and junipers which have knowing she
the Yellowstone River Parks Association At the same time, Montana Audubon was grown into an oasis of riparian habitat on is making a
(YRPA), Yellowstone Valley Audubon in the process of identifying a location to the urban edge of Billings and the Center’s difference is a
Society (YVAS), and others. The work of all establish its first nature center. They were education programs have become a core big part of why
of these partners recognized that connecting looking at a number of local properties, community asset as well as a model of Haley enjoys
conservation education in the region. volunteering
kids to the natural world had important including the current Sundance Lodge
with us!
benefits to kids and nature. Recreation Area, Riverfront Park, and
Our second Spotlight goes to a volunteer
YRPA acquired the property: Harold
who has been with the center since
Urban Forestry Partnership Silkwood. Starting his academic career in
Agriculture Economics, Harold completed
college with a focus in Geology and studied
We all know fall is a great time to enjoy the College joined representatives from 12 cities are made up of 9,400 trees in parks, golf
under Norm Schoenthal, creating a lifelong
color of forests. For a team of professionals across the country. They were the only courses, cemeteries, and other spaces as
connection to the Center. Harold takes
from Billings it’s also a great time to learn team from Montana and one of only two well as vegetation on 1,400 acres managed pride in making sure the Center looks its
about them – and no better place than in teams from a Western state. for their natural characteristics. best and participating in its ongoing
New York City! transformation from a gravel pit to a
Urban forests around the world are often Over the last summer, Heather and Steve wonderful environmental education oasis.
As a team, representatives from the overlooked in conversations about habitat hosted community programs to increase To Harold, the Center is a special place
Montana Audubon Center, the City of conservation, but they are unique ecological awareness of the natural areas in Riverfront where you get to “see the excitement in
Billings, and Rocky Mountain College and cultural assets. Not only do they provide Park. In addition, Megan coordinated the kids, the discoveries they make,
a primary interface between an increasingly students from Rocky Mountain College to whether it’s a snake,
won a coveted spot in the Natural Areas
bug, or spider,” and
Conservancy’s “Convening” on urban urban human population and the natural gather park data, combining education with
enjoys working
forested natural areas, held in late October world, thus improving community well- citizen science efforts to determine species with those who
in New York City. The Center’s Community being, but are also critical islands of habitat distribution. This information was shared also want to
Programs Coordinator Heather Bilden, for many species. Birds can especially benefit at the conference, while also learning make an impact
City Forester Steve McConnell, and from appropriately managed urban forests. about best practices and other case studies in continuing to
Dr. Megan Poulette from Rocky Mountain The public spaces in the Billings-area forests on urban forests across the country. help make the
Center the best
it can be!
14 M ONTAN A AUDUBON FALL 2019 15
Congratulations to our 2019 Award Winners
During our 2019 bird festival in Glasgow, Montana Audubon honored the Mike Schwitters birds at Freezout Lake, as his
following outstanding individuals for their conservation achievements. Outstanding interactions with hunters,
Achievement Award birders, and other interested
parties are always informative
Harriet Marble
Mike Schwitters was honored and professional. Birders can
public lands. Later, as the Audubon Council with the 2019 Outstanding consult his “Birding at Freezout
Lifetime Achievement Award became Montana Audubon, she served on Achievement Award. Lake” brochure for what birds
the board continuously until 2018, and also Mike’s contributions to the to expect and he regularly posts
For this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as a participating member of the Montana knowledge and conservation updates of bird migration on
we recognized Harriet Marble as a Montana Bird Records Committee. She is proud of of wildlife are legendary in “MOB” (Montana Outdoor
Audubon long-term supporter, mentor, and her lead role in the establishment of the Montana and throughout the country. Birders), a site monitored daily by many
foundational contributor. She made headway Audubon Wildlife Endowment Fund, started When it comes to knowledge of both Montana birders. Mike also served on
for women and conservation across the state, with the purpose of using earnings to Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese migration Montana’s Bird Records Committee for 10
serving as one of the first female Interpretive establish an annual small grants program for and populations, in particular at Freezout years, currently serves as an eBird reviewer
Park Rangers in Glacier worthy bird conservation and Lake Wildlife Management Area, no one for a number of Montana counties, and
National Park, being active in science research projects to individual has contributed more. He is the continues to help guide the Berkeley Pit
the League of Women Voters, individuals and local chapters “go to” person for information about this Advisory Council with his knowledge of
raising a family in Chester in Montana. Her commitment magnificent area, and his competence and “white geese.”
Montana, and contributing to to Audubon didn’t stop at diligence at data recording, analysis, and
avian conservation via her the local and state levels, as writing are exemplary and represent one of Beyond birding, Mike’s reputation for being
thousands of bird observations. Harriet was selected by the the finest long-term, consistent records of a positive force in avian conservation is
She provided leadership Rocky Mountain Regional bird migration for a localized geographic area. unmistakable, and we appreciate his knowledge
to Upper Missouri Breaks National Audubon chapters to Mike’s contributions go beyond documenting and his affinity for sharing that knowledge.
Audubon, as well as serving on serve as the Rocky Mountain
the Audubon Council – the Regional Board member on
predecessor to what is now Montana the National Board in 1987 and again in
Visit Cuba before the
Audubon. 1989. During her tenure on the National
MERLIN possibility vanishes.
Board she served on the Chapter Relations,
As a founding member of the Audubon Planning, Scientific, and Sanctuaries
Council, Harriet provided literature on grizzly subcommittees, including an Ad Hoc
bear biology and conservation in public
libraries and schools, worked on Bald and
Committee on the Platte River.
TOURS New restrictions will severely limit travel
to this remarkable island. Our trip gives
birders the possibility to see all 27 endemic
Golden Eagle recovery efforts, advocated Harriet is beloved by Audubon at all levels, bird species, along with over 60 sub-
for wilderness protection and strong speaking highly of her commitment to endemics, and over 400 total bird species.
conservation on National Forest lands, and conservation. We are honored to recognize Our travel partner, Holbrook Travel, allows a
worked to limit oil and gas development on her many achievements. maximum of 12 travelers on this excursion.
Will you be one of the lucky birders to
add Cuba endemics to your life list?
Sherry Ritter www.merlinbirding.com/cuba
For more information, visit
the Big Hole River during
Costa Rica should be on
Conservationist of the Year Memorial Day, her patience
every birder’s bucket list.
and teaching style make one
Montana Audubon and and all feel welcomed and
Bitterroot Audubon recognized excited to learn about birds
Sherry Ritter for her and the natural world. Our trip visits many Costa Rica hotspots.
commitment to conservation Habitats vary from cloud forests to lowland
with our 2019 Conservationist Sherry’s contributions to tropical rainforests, greatly increasing the
of the Year Award. The one conservation are multi-faceted. chances of seeing more birds. We’ll also visit
sentiment continuously Her professional biology career both Caribbean and Pacific slopes to increase
expressed regarding Sherry, is that her spans three decades and three great Western the diversity of plant, bird and other animal
enthusiasm and love for birds and the natural states, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. life we’ll observe. The trip concludes with
which National Geographic calls “the most
world is palpable, contagious, and unending. During that time she also contributed to a visit to Corcovado National Park of
Whether she is leading field trips of young citizen science projects like the Breeding Bird
4th or 7th graders in the Bitterroot, or trips Surveys – completing 29 routes in those three biologically intense place on Earth.”
of more mature birders to special places like states up until the late 90s.
www.merlinbirding.com/costa-rica
For more information, visit
Cuban Tody
16 M ONTAN A AUDUBON FA L L 2019 17
Star Volunteers
These Montana Audubon volunteers have offered time, expertise, passion, elbow grease, advice, and
What’s Your Legacy? a sense of humor as they’ve helped with recent events, projects, programs, and more. Thank you!
Montana Audubon Keely Huth Groups Helena Mahoney
Center Volunteers Ruth Johnson All Nations Robert Martin
Advisory Council Christine Jones Middle School Nancy Matheson
Don Roberts Carolyn Jones Boy Scouts of America Janice Miller
Bob Mackin Braydee Kaercher COR Enterprises Jim Oates
A significant legacy for any Darryl Wilson - Daniel Kenyon Girl Scouts of America Jodi Perros
conservationist is protecting YRPA President Shelby Kiekover HELP Flight Team Martha Powers Swanson
Steve Regele - Hannah Knick Leadership Billings Sherry Ritter
outstanding habitats for YVAS President David Mayamek MOM’s Club Torrey Ritter
Megan Poulette Alisha Merfeld Montana State Lynda Saul
native wildlife in perpetuity. John Miller Arciela Mesa University-Billings Sandy Schull
Shari Dayton Susan Mikkelson Rimrock Foundation Shawn Service
Susan Gilbertz Nora Moran Riverside Builders Club Rebecca Sharp Hamlin
Marian Lyman Kirst Dirk Moritz Rocky Mountain College Wyatt Smith
Lara Guercio Mary Mullen Skyview High School Hanna Specth
Bernard Rose Derek Mungia United Way Molly Todd
Jessica Ostwalt Day of Caring Stephen Turner
Center Volunteers Sarah Parker West High School Anya Tyson
Dan Altmire Sarah Peper Yellowstone River Jeff Van Tine
Haley Ash-Eide James Pittock Parks Association Raylene Wall
Penney Ash Anna Rogers Pam Willison
Cloie Banderob Julien Rollins Montana Audubon Kristin Wokanick
Megan Barber Andrew Rutz Field Volunteers
Isabel Baretta Allie Saudoval Kim Alexander Bird Festival
Erin Bean Lolly Schafer Tammy Bennett Volunteers
Lindsey Beasley Ashlee Scherr Elaine Caton Lars Anderson
Heather Bilden Danyel Schnetter Cara Chamberlain Woody Baxter
Paul Bledsoe Melissa Schwiegart Tracy Cook Dianne Borgreen
Maisee Brown Gretchen Sellegreen DeeDee Cress John Carlson
Michelle Butler Rachel Shea Jeremy Ditto Wes Cochran
Joe Chilcoat Jan Shorthill Katie Eaton Josh Colville
Globally Significant Important Audubon to help protect places for
Bird Areas like Canyon Ferry birds, other native wildlife and the Sarah Chatwood Bev Silkwood Ammanda Emmel Andrew Guttenberg
Rylie Croaker Harold Silkwood Carol Fox Heather Harris
Jerry Dalton Carrie Staggie Christian Frazza Scott Heidebrink
Wildlife Management Area, North human spirit.
Peggy Detienne Ellie Stock Connie Geiger George Horse Capture
Valley Grasslands, and Mussellshell
Hannah Dunford John Sugden Walt Gusler Henry Hvizdos
Sage-steppe are all reminders of Montana donors may be eligible to
Elijah Erekson Brianna Sullivan Judy Halm Dan Kinsey
human reverence for birds and receive significant tax advantages
Dylan Forquer Kylie Tiller Erin Harbaugh Nate Kohler
Heather Gaitonde Tori Tindle Randy Hawkins Dennis Longknife
other wildlife. through the Montana Endowment Tax
Alex Garner Joan Trent Marilyn Hayes Ron Martin
Credit. This program gives donors an
Alina Garner Renee Verbeck Connie Herzog Bob Martinka
You can ensure this good work will incentive of 40 percent of the present
Kaitlyn Harper Daniel Vukonich Jake Hewitt Kelsey Molloy
continue by investing in a Montana value of a planned gift – up to $10,000
Don Havig Campbell Walker Liz Hiltunen Heather Nenninger
Brian Henderson Chuck Ward Cindy Holder Mark Sullivan
Audubon Endowment. The gift annually – that can be taken as a
Ashley Heppner Madisynn Weber Sue Jackson Jacie Vonada
principal is preserved in perpetuity; the direct credit (not deduction!) against
Jennifer Holm Shellie Wherley Pat Jaquith Stan Zander
investment income from your gift is your state income tax liability.
Riley Hutchens Brooke Witchell Carolyn Jones
used to achieve lasting protection of
wildlife and habitats. The original gift Contributions to Montana Audubon’s Mia Yegen Vlad Kovalenko
is never depleted, but continues to endowments truly keep on giving.
give, year after year. Sprague’s Pipits, Burrowing Owls and
A PLATEFUL OF BIRDS
Greater Sage-grouse win, native
Gift annuities are one of the simplest grasslands win, you win, and Montana
ways to convey a planned gift to Audubon’s vital work continues.
Montana Audubon’s endowments. You can make a meaningful impact for the birds of
In exchange for a transfer of cash or For more information on how you Montana by choosing the Bird Habitat license plate.
marketable securities, you can establish may become a Montana Audubon Sporting several favorite Montana bird species—
an annuity that guarantees annual endowment donor, please contact American Avocet, Ruddy Duck, Lewis’s
Woodpecker, and a trio of Black-billed Magpies,
payments to you, or you may choose the Montana Audubon office in
we are pleased to boast over 1,000 Bird Habitat
to defer those payments, making Helena at 406-443-3949 or email plates across Montana! The initial cost is $40, which includes a $20 donation that directly supports
additional funds available for Montana at info@mtaudubon.org. our work to ensure long-term protection for critical wildlife habitat.
For more details, visit mtaudubon.org/support
18 M ONTAN A AUDUBON FA L L 2019 19Non-Profit Org.
ID
Permit #144
U.S. Postage
Helena MT
PA
Bob Martinka
21ST ANNUAL
MONTANA AUDUBON
BIRD FESTIVAL
SAVE THE DATE!
JUNE 5 – 7, 2020
YOGO INN, LEWISTOWN
Wings Across the Big Sky 2020 Festival
and Bird Science Conference
Montana Audubon will host its 21st annual
bird festival at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown,
Montana on June 5 – 7, 2020.
This longstanding, community event
celebrates Montana’s native bird species
and typically draws hundreds of wildlife
enthusiasts from across the state and
beyond. New for the 2020 event is an
optional, pre-festival bird science
conference on Friday, June 5.
There are many other fun activities to
choose from at Wings Across the Big Sky
including a Saturday evening banquet,
Montana Audubon’s annual conservation
awards, “Nature Adventure Tour” silent
auction, “Cakes for Conservation”
Helena, MT 59624
fundraiser and more.
PO Box 595
Stay tuned to our website for more 2020
in the coming months: mtaudubon.org.
festival and science conference informationYou can also read
