Birds and Their Habitat

The Flathead Valley is home to an incredible diversity of birds, owing to its diverse landscape, which includes grasslands, farm fields, wetlands, forest, and alpine areas. Thousands of migratory birds pass through the valley each spring and fall, using its lakes and grasslands for feeding and resting.

Birds not only captivate us with their songs and vibrant plumage but also play crucial roles in our ecosystem, such as controlling insects, dispersing plant seeds, and aiding environmental cleanup. Check Why Birds Matter.

However, bird populations have been declining at an alarming rate. Over the past 50 years, researchers estimate we have lost 3 billion breeding birds in North America. Major causes include predation by cats, collisions with windows, and habitat loss.

To learn more about our native bird species, discover ways to support them in your backyard, and explore the numerous hot spots for bird watching in our valley, visit Flathead Audubon Society.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT BIRDS IN MY BACKYARD?

What should I do with dead and dying trees on my property?

While dead and dying trees close to the house can be a safety hazard, and should be removed, a healthy forest contains some diseased and dead trees (also known as snags). These are essential to birds for foraging, cavity nesting, food storage, and drumming (communication).

Different forest types and different birds will require different snag densities. In a ponderosa pine forest, for instance, leave 2-3 large snags (>20 inches in diameter at breast height) or more per acre for cavity nesting birds.

Learn more:

Are my larch trees dead? Larch trees naturally turn gold and shed their needles in the fall. As deciduous conifers, they will develop new needles in the spring. Before considering tree removal, make sure to identify the tree species and confirm whether it has entered winter dormancy.

Can I prevent birds from hitting my windows?

Birds hit windows when they see nature reflected in them or if they see out through yet another window. Tested and effective solutions include hanging strings or cords about 2 inches apart from simple metal edging above your exterior window frame — a task most people can easily do at home. You can also place stick-on dot patterns to the exterior of the window, or you can install exterior screens and blinds. Additionally, place bird feeders at a distance from large windows. Even better, plant native food plants to attract and sustain bird populations.

Read more: Preventing Bird Window Strikes, Protect Birds from Colliding With Your Windows.

Why should I turn off my lights in the spring and fall?

Birds hit windows when they see nature reflected in them or if they see out through yet another window. You can help birds with some simple yet proven solutions such as placing bird feeders either very close to or far from your windows, where there is little time for them to hit the windows at high speed. Other solutions include installing exterior screens and blinds, or placing stick-on dot patterns to the exterior of the window.

During their migration in the spring and fall, turn off the lights or install motion-detecting outdoor lights to reduce disruption. Excessive outdoor and indoor lighting can disorient migrating birds, often resulting in collisions with buildings.

For more information and additional solutions visit ABC - Preventing Bird Collisions at Home and Lights Out for Migratory Birds.

Check Keeping Our Starry Skies for guidance on outdoor lighting solutions.

How do I discourage woodpeckers from pecking holes on my house?

Woodpeckers may damage your house’s siding when drumming to attract mates or feeding on insects. To discourage, remove insect colonies from the building, hang shiny objects or metallic strips, attach plastic tightly woven netting under eaves, and/or provide appropriate nest boxes near the house. You may still need to repair some holes once in a while and increase preventive tactics. Loud noise will scare them off temporarily, but they are persistent.

How can I improve bird habitat in my backyard?

  • Plant native vegetation. Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. However, avoid planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs that attract bears. Find the best native plants for birds in your area by entering your zip code at www.audubon.org/native-plants.

  • Create a pollinator garden. A pollinator-friendly garden benefits birds by supporting the insects they rely on for food. Check with your local Conservation District’s Landowner Programs for guidance and assistance.

  • Control invasive weeds. Noxious weeds displace native plants, reducing food and habitat for birds, other wildlife, and livestock. Learn how to prevent and manage invasive species at www.livinginflathead.org/native-plants-noxious-weeds.

  • Protect wetlands and riparian areas. Wetlands, including seasonal pools, provide critical habitat for birds and often hold water when other areas dry up. Give these areas space and enjoy the birds they attract! You can also support local conservation groups working to protect vital bird habitats.

  • Recycle and reduce plastic use. Whenever possible, choose to recycle plastics - or better yet, reduce plastic consumption altogether. Plastic waste, including lids and bags, can be harmful to birds if ingested. When plastics break down into microplastics, they enter rivers and lakes and can impact wildlife health. Learn more in this article.

Join a bird tour or consider volunteering with Flathead Audubon Society to teach our youth about birds.

Keeping Your Cats Indoors: Benefits and How-to Guide

Cats and dogs bring us joy and companionship, but free-roaming cats pose a major threat to birds and small mammals, killing over a billion bird and millions of small mammals a year. Learn how to provide a safe and enriching environment for your cat while also protecting our avian friends.

  • Keep cats indoors or under close supervision. Indoor cats live longer and healthier lives.

  • Train your cat to walk on a leash to give your cat important outdoor exercise.

  • Create a secure outdoor space. A catio (cat patio) allows your cat to safely enjoy fresh air and the outdoors without endangering wildlife.

Learn more: Love Your Cats But…

How do I keep bird baths and feeders clean?

Birds are attracted to water just as they are to feeders, and keeping these clean helps prevent the spread of illness. Follow these simple steps to ensure a safe and healthy space for birds in your backyard.

  • Clean bird feeders every one to two weeks—or more often in warm, damp conditions or with heavy use. Scrub off visible debris, then soak the feeder for 10 minutes in a diluted bleach solution (nine parts water to one part bleach). Let it dry completely before refilling.

  • Hummingbird feeders need extra care. Clean them every two to five days, or sooner if the water looks cloudy or you spot black mold, which grows quickly in sugar water.

  • Keep the area under feeders clean. Rake up fallen seed to prevent mold, disease, and unwanted pests. Spoiled food is harmful to both birds and pets.

  • Refresh bird baths daily. Changing the water keeps it clean and prevents mosquitoes from breeding.

  • If you live in bear country, only hang bird feeders when bears are hibernating.

Learn more: Helping Birds or Project FeederWatch.

How is Montana protecting bird habitats?

Montanan’s put tremendous value on open spaces, abundant fish and wildlife, and hunting and recreational opportunities.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Flathead Land Trust, and Montana Land Reliance work with landowners to protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors, key wetlands for sandhill cranes and other birds and wildlife.

Contact the land trusts or wildlife state agency to learn more about our local wildlife and ways to support conservation in the Flathead (see Flathead Partners).

Bird Help!

Flathead Audubon Society’s educator and storyteller Denny Olson, describes how we all can help bird populations thrive after a half-century of decline by implementing small changes in our homes and yards.

Explore additional educational videos on the natural history of native birds and plants, how to learn to ID bird songs, reasons behind bird population declines, ways to help them thrive, and more at flatheadaudubon.org/education-videos.