
Distance
2.5 Miles

Elevation Gain
500 Feet

Difficulty
Easy

Cost Per Person
$125
Progam Overview
April 15, 2023: This course will provide a thorough introduction to the ecology and identification of the owls of the Flathead Valley. Since we humans are mostly diurnal and many owls are nocturnal, they have a reputation of being “secretive”. Montana boasts the largest number (15) of breeding owl species of any state in the nation. The Flathead Valley provides habitat for approximately 12 of these species, but 3 species are extremely uncommon. By the end of the course, you should be able to correctly identify NW Montana owls, understand their adaptations, life histories and overall ecology. In addition, students will have a grasp on some owl research techniques that will help you locate owls on your own.
Owls of the Flathead Valley – Guided Educational Hike
Hike Overview Continued
Instructor: Denny Olson, Flathead Audubon Conservation Educator
This course will provide a thorough introduction to the ecology and identification of the owls of the Flathead Valley. Since we humans are mostly diurnal and many owls are nocturnal, they have a reputation of being “secretive”. Montana boasts the largest number (15) of breeding owl species of any state in the nation. The Flathead Valley provides habitat for approximately 12 of these species, but 3 species are extremely uncommon. By the end of the course, you should be able to correctly identify NW Montana owls, understand their adaptations, life histories and overall ecology. In addition, students will have a grasp on some owl research techniques that will help you locate owls on your own.
Meeting Place: 320 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather) We will begin at 8:00 AM with an introduction to Montana owls before heading out to drive the backroads in search of owls, based on recent sightings. We will spend time in the field looking and learning about the natural history of Montana’s owls, signs of owls, and other interesting facts. We will have our lunch in the field. The course will end by 4 p.m. and will not be canceled due to weather.
Food: Please bring a sack lunch, plenty of water, and snacks for the day.
Equipment: It can be quite windy and /or raining.in the Flathead Valley so prepare with warm layers, jackets, hats, gloves and sturdy shoes or boots. We will be traveling off trail and you may encounter thorn bushes, burrs, mud, ticks, so please plan accordingly. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be beneficial, and the instructor can provide them if notified ahead.
Physical Requirements: We will be taking short off-trail hikes looking for tree holes, whitewash and other signs of owls and their habitats.

What to Expect On Your Owls of the Flathead Valley | Day Camp
We will be taking short off trail hikes looking for tree holes, whitewash and other signs of owls and their habitats.
Program Details
- This Glacier Institute program meets at 320 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls.
- Instructor: Denny Olson.
- The program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- On-site parking is available.
- There is a maximum number of 13 hikers per trip.
- This program has a minimum guest count of 3 people. In the unlikely case we don’t reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event.
What to Bring
Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches