Submitted by Heather Mallory, Coeur d’Alene Audubon Board Member and Program Coordinator

Date of Observation: 09/27/2025-09/28/2025
Location: Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge + CKST Bison Range in Charlo, MT
Weather: Cool temperatures ranging from low 40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit, with a mix of conditions including patchy fog, windy periods and sunshine.
Habitat Conditions: A mix of open grasslands, marsh wetlands, and rolling foothills characteristic of the Mission Valley region. Water levels appeared stable, supporting abundant avian activity.

Summary
Our field outing to Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge and the nearby National Bison Range offered a rich day of wildlife observation across diverse habitats. From wetlands teeming with waterfowl to sweeping grasslands supporting large mammals, the landscape revealed both the quiet rhythm of refuge life and the wild pulse of the prairie ecosystem.

This field trip report is submitted as a part of Coeur d’Alene Audubon’s field trip to Montana to observe owl banding at the Montana Owl Research Institute.

Bird Species Observed
A variety of migratory and resident birds were documented during the survey, including:

Pheasant — Several individuals seen foraging near the refuge boundary and crossing the roadway on foot and by flight.
Northern Flicker — In the tree lines.
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Small flocks perched on utility lines.
Tundra Swan — A graceful single swan gliding along the roadway.
Falcon (unidentified species) (2) Observed in flight, likely a Prairie or Peregrine Falcon.
European Starling — Mixed flocks on utility lines.
Red-winged Blackbirds — Abundant near cattail stands.
Grasshopper Sparrow — Noted in grasslands.
Great Blue Heron — Standing sentinel along shallow marsh edges.
Double-crested Cormorant — Flying over open water.
Black-billed Magpie — Frequently sighted across both refuge areas.
Western Meadowlark — Songs echoed across the open fields, spotted with binoculars.
Common Raven — A few individuals circling near the higher ridges.
Downy Woodpecker — Active on a tree as we stopped at a trailhead in Bison Range.
Red-tailed Hawk — Soaring above the prairie in thermals.
Turkey Vultures — Under trees on the forest floor in small groups.
Mallard — Numerous pairs and family groups in the refuge wetlands.

Mammal Species Observed

Mule Deer — Grazing on the range.
Bull Elk — A magnificent mature male observed running across the open range and later grazing.
American Bison — Approximately 100 individuals, including numerous calves, seen roaming the Bison Range—an inspiring view of one of America’s most significant conservation success stories.
Chipmunks — Frequent sightings along the forest edges, in downed trees near the roadway.

Highlights

The Bison Range herds were particularly active, with new calves visible in the open meadows, heartening reminders of the thriving recovery of this iconic species. The wetlands at Ninepipe Refuge were alive with movement: swans, herons, and blackbirds wove a vivid tapestry of sound and motion against the mountain backdrop. A Western Meadowlark’s song provided the soundtrack for much of the afternoon, while raptors circled above the golden fields, scanning for prey. Between the two sites, our group documented a wide range of wildlife that showcased the ecological diversity of western Montana. The day’s encounters highlighted the delicate balance of wetland and prairie ecosystems and underscored the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect these interconnected habitats.

Montana Field Trip Report

A Dubious Decision