Custer Country Southeastern Montana Birding Trail :

Birding Trail #1-5

1. Roundup River Walk Heritage Trail
   
2. Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge
3. Rehberg Ranch Estates Billings City Park
4. Lake Elmo State Park
   
5. Pictograph Cave State Park
   
   Birding Trail #6-10 ( Please see details in page 2)
   
   
6. Chief Plenty Coups State Park
7. Pompeys Pillar National Monument
   
8. Howrey Island Recreation Area and Nature Trail
9. Pirogue Island State Park
10. Matthews Recreation Area
    
    Birding Trail #11-15 ( Please see details in page 3)
    
    
11. Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area
12. Makoshika State Park
13. Medicine Rocks State Park
14. McNab Pond
15. Black's Pond

ABOUT THE SAGE GROUSE

In Southeastern Montana’s Custer Country, thousands of acres of big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) serve as habitat for the stunning sage grouse. In the early spring, sage grouse males exhibit an elaborate drumming dance, strutting and displaying their plumage. Their long pointed tails open up to a large fan, and they inflate the air sacs in their neck and chest - all to attract and impress a mate.  The sage grouse have traditional dancing grounds located on patches of short grass surrounded by sagebrush. This sensitive dancing ground is termed a “lek.” Learn more about the sage grouse by visiting the Audubon Society website www.audubon.org.






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ROUNDUP RIVER WALK HERITAGE TRAIL

GENERAL INFORMATION:  The trail follows the Musselshell River Valley in cottonwood-dominated river bottomland with an optional upland path into ponderosa pine and juniper-dominated sandstone rims above the river. The upland path is the traditional hike to the Roundup “R.” An annual bird walk is hosted in the early morning on the 4th of July. The annual Audubon Musselshell Valley Christmas Bird Count (CBC) includes the trail loop.

HABITAT:  The river bottom is dominated by cottonwood and green ash. The sandstone rims are dominated by ponderosa pine, chokecherry, and juniper.

SPECIES:  Over 80 bird species are present in the spring and summer including nesting Great horned owl; Yellow-breasted chat; Lazuli bunting; Yellow, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped, and MacGillivray’s warbler; Belted kingfisher; and Yellow-headed, Red-winged, and Brewer’s blackbird. Blue jays and Ferruginous hawks overwinter in the Cowbelles Camp Ground.

BEST VIEWING SEASON:  Year-round.

FACILITIES:  The trail is marked by kiosks in the parking area at the end of Main Street and at the Cowbelles Campground.

CONTACT:  For information on the annual bird walk and the annual Audubon Musselshell Valley CBC, call 406-323-3544

DIRECTIONS:  Turn south at the flashing yellow light at the junction of Main Street and US Hwy 12/87 in Roundup and follow the signs to the River Walk Heritage Trail at the south end of Main Street.

From here, try a nice side trip to Lake Mason.

HABITAT:  Lakeshore, emergent marsh, big sagebrush, and mixed grass prairie.

SPECIES:  Abundant waterfowl are present in years with sufficient rainfall. Burrowing owls reside on the site in spring/summer. Lapland longspur, Snow bunting, and Horned lark are present in the winter. Sage grouse may be present in the prairie habitat of the Refuge where sagebrush is abundant.

DIRECTIONS:  Take Main Street/US Hwy 12/87 north. Turn west at Roundup Memorial Health Care and take Golf Course Road west approximately 6.5 miles. Turn north at the wildlife viewing sign and drive to the Refuge boundary.  The Refuge has walk-in access only.

REHBERG RANCH ESTATES BILLINGS CITY PARK

GENERAL INFORMATION:  Nearly 50 acres of dedicated natural parkland, the site is unique in its proximity to a major urban area and its surprisingly remote natural environment. The habitat attracts uncommon species such as the Lesser goldfinch and the Plumbeous warbler, as well as the frequently seen meadowlark and robin.

HABITAT:    Year-round springs and dripping water, deep ravines, ponderosa pine and prairie grasslands. 

SPECIES:  Lesser finch and Plumbeous warbler, Turkey vulture, Canada geese, Mallard, Golden and Bald eagle.  A variety of hawks include Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Red-tailed and Rough-legged hawk; Northern goshawk, American kestrel, Prairie falcon, Mourning dove, Eastern and Great horned owl and the Common nighthawk.  A flock of Wild turkeys is frequently seen in the park, as well as bluebirds and a variety of woodpeckers, swallows, wrens, chickadees, flycatchers, shrike, vireos, and warblers.

BEST VIEWING SEASON:  Primarily spring and summer, though many species stay year-round.

FACILITIES:  The city park is located in a new residential subdivision. Parking is available at the mail station.  Other commercial facilities, including lodging, shopping, restaurants and camping facilities are located within 10 to 15 minutes of the Ranch.

CONTACT:  Rehberg Ranch – 406-245-3441

DIRECTIONS:  Rehberg Ranch Estates is located on top of the rimrocks in Billings just west of Logan International Airport.  From the airport, travel west 2 miles on Montana Highway 3 and turn north/right onto Rod and Gun Club Road.  From the west end of Billings take Zimmerman Trail to Highway 3 and head east ½ mile and turn north/left onto Rod and Gun Club Road.  Drive north and turn left into the Rehberg Ranch subdivision. Follow Iron Horse Trail around the first curve to a parking area at the log mail station on the right side of the road.  A natural walking path leads down to Pa Hollow, one of the favorite bird viewing points on the Ranch.

 LAKE ELMO STATE PARK

GENERAL INFORMATION:  Visitors can enjoy all the pleasures of a natural setting without leaving the city.  Open year-round, Lake Elmo State Park offers an abundance of recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, bird watching, and more.

HABITAT:    Deciduous woods and shrubs, man-made reservoir, urban park. 

SPECIES:  Lark, House, and Chipping sparrow; American robin; Roufous-sided and Spotted towhee; Red-winged blackbird; Western tanager; American goldfinch; Yellow warbler; Bullock’s oriole; Black-capped chickadee; Black-billed magpie; American crow; Lazuli bunting; Bald eagle; Rock and Mourning dove; Northern “Yellow-shafted” flicker; Common and Yellow-billed loon; Eared, Western, and Horned grebe; Mallard; Say’s phoebe; Blue jay; Belted kingfisher.

BEST VIEWING SEASON:  Morning and evening, year-round.

FACILITIES:  Parking, restroom, covered pavilion, paved trail, picnic area, public programs with lodging, campgrounds, grocery, restaurants, and fuel nearby.

CONTACT:  Park Manager – 406-247-2955

DIRECTIONS:  In Billings, follow Main Street (US Hwy 87) north past Metra Park to Pemberton Lane, then .5 mile west.

PICTOGRAPH CAVE STATE PARK

GENERAL INFORMATION:  Pictograph Cave State Park offers easy access and is well marked.  It is adjacent to Billings—Montana’s largest city.  Prehistoric hunters camped in Pictograph Cave over 10,000 years ago, leaving behind 30,000 artifacts and over 100 pictographs.  One of the most extensive archaeological excavations ever undertaken in Montana took place between 1937 and 1941.  The Park has interpretation and facilities that offer a well-rounded experience for bird watchers
.

HABITAT:  Mixed woods, shrub/scrub, sagebrush/grassland, short-grass prairie.

SPECIES:  Rock, House, and Canyon wren; Pine siskin; Lark, House, and Chipping sparrow; American robin; Roufous-sided and Spotted towhee; Red-winged blackbird; Western tanager; Western meadowlark; Mountain and Western bluebird; Yellow-breasted chat; Yellow warbler; Bullock’s oriole; Western wood peewee; Western and Eastern kingbird; Black-capped chickadee; Black-billed magpie; American crow; Lark and Lazuli bunting; Bald and Golden eagle; American kestrel; American and Lesser goldfinch; Prairie and Peregrine falcon; Rock and Mourning dove; Cliff swallow; White-throated swift; Turkey vulture; Wild turkey; Ring-necked pheasant; Northern “Yellow-shafted” flicker.

BEST VIEWING SEASON:  Morning and evening, year-round.

FACILITIES:  Parking, restrooms, paved trail, picnic area, interpretive materials, guided tours, and public programs.  Lodging, campgrounds, grocery, restaurants, and fuel nearby.

CONTACT:  Park Manager – 406-247-2955 or Park Naturalist – 406-245-0227

DIRECTIONS:  On I-90, exit at Lockwood/Roundup exit, turn south onto Colburn Road and travel approximately 6 miles to park.