Anyone interested in where a certain species of bird can be spotted in Montana will find the answer in the 2003 edition of P.D. Skaar’s “Montana Bird Distribution” guide.
This fact-packed guide to Montana’s birds is a project of the Montana Audubon, Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Montanans who checked the non-game wildlife tax check off on their income tax forms also helped fund the production of the guide.
The book provides an individual map for every bird species observed in the state and indicates both breeding and wintering areas. The book represents tens of thousands of observations reported by hundreds of individuals across the state.
Seventeen birds are new to the book. In total 409 species of birds have been recorded in Montana and 106 of these are considered rare, with fewer than 20 documented sightings. Only 163 hardy species winter in Montana.
The information in the Montana Bird Distribution guide is on the Internet at http://nhp.nris.state.mt.us/mbd/ , or the book can be ordered for $15, including postage, from Montana Audubon, P.O. Box 595, Helena, MT 59624. Call 406-443-3949 to order by phone.