We are excited to announce a field trip to the Owl Research Institute for Coeur d’Alene Audubon members! Join us to observe the banding of saw-whet owls on Flathead Lake in Montana.

Learn more about last year’s field trip in this field report.

LOCATION: The Owl Research Institute is located in Charlo, MT. Owl banding is performed by ORI staff offsite at the University of Montana Biological Field Station-Flathead Lake, which is ~40 minutes from Polson, MT.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is late-evening event and is entirely outdoors. Dress for weather, bring portable seating, blankets if desired, snacks and beverages, and be prepared to relieve yourself in the woods. A half-mile walk to the banding site is required. You will spend most of the evening seated (in the chair that you bring) around the lab table watching the intake/banding process.

LODGING: Members have stayed at the Red Lion Hotel in Polson, MT (40 mins to the banding site), as well as Mountain Lake Lodge in Bigfork, MT (15 mins to the banding site).

GROUP ACTIVITIES: Heather M. will be leading this field trip and will reach out to those who RSVP with details on the trip, including the coordination of a visit to the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge and CSKT (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe) Bison Range . We will plan several meals together as well!

COST: The suggested donation is $20 per person, but please consider donating more if you are able.

Please reserve your spot on or before the deadline of September 20, 2025 by emailing contact@cdaaudubon.org. You must be a member to attend this event.