EARLY BIRDS ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT

May 16-22, 2009

Overview:
    This is a special workshop designed for anyone who is interested in wild birds. This week will feature a stimulating blend of birds dressed in splendid spring plumage along with magnificent landscapes. During this time of year, the land is alive with the spell of spring along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front. The foothills and prairies are lush green with an astounding assortment of wildflowers, while the high country above still gleams with snow.
    Early Birds will focus on birding a diversity of habitat types, including native short grass prairie, mountain foothills, a large fen wetland, riparian corridors, and vast boreal forests of the Montana Rockies. We will hike through The Nature Conservancy's sprawling Pine Butte Preserve, into the wild foothills and mountains of the Rocky Mountain Front, and along the Teton River. We will also visit Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, 12,000 acres of prairie wetland habitat, which has often been touted as among the state's best birding areas. With each of our natural history workshops, this landscape provides rich and diverse opportunities for discovery, and in addition to viewing a variety of bird life, we will also observe a healthy array of other ecological members and processes. The Rocky Mountain Front hosts some of the nation's most intact native wildlife populations, including many rare mammals.
    The field trips for this workshop will entail van travel along with daily walking and hiking over varying terrain. Our hikes are conducted at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops for natural history observation and discussion. The length of these hikes will vary from 2-5 miles round-trip, at elevations ranging from 3,500 - 6,500 feet. Led by BLM Wildlife Specialist John Carlson, one of the region's best birders, and accompanied by our resident naturalists, these field trips promise a wealth of learning, discovery, and enjoyment. In the evenings, audio-visual presentations and brief lectures will add to the fulfillment of a memorable week.

Enrollment and Cost:
    This workshop is limited to 16 participants. Cost is $1700.00 per person. Price includes lodging, meals, airport shuttle, and all activities. Please contact Pine Butte Guest Ranch for more information.

Accommodations:
    You’ll stay at the historic Pine Butte Guest Ranch, set in a spectacular mountain valley surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness. It’s the perfect place to "get away from it all" and enjoy outstanding food and cozy lodging.

Learn more:
• Travel to the ranch
• What to bring
 

We look forward to hosting you at Pine Butte Guest Ranch!