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SAGE-GROUSEUPDATE

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WHAT THE BIRDS ARE TELLING US

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THE VIEW FROM ABOVE

Can you imagine what Montana would soundlike in the spring without the familiar songs of ournative birds? From the Rockies in the west to the vastgrasslands in the east, our diverse state is host to over 430 species of birds that either breed here orpass through in migration. Many of us have noticed a decline in their numbers and now we learn moreabout the cause – a combination of climate change,habitat loss and pesticide use. The Three Billion Birds study in the journal Science was particularlyeye-opening.This is the first study to undertake anaccounting of the net population changes across atotal of 529 breeding bird species in the UnitedStates and Canada. The researchers analyzed birds on a group-by-group basis, allowing them to identifydeclines among species that use similar habitats.

The study included 48 years of data from multiple independent sources, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas Bird Count. A comprehensive analysis of 11 years of data from 143 NEXRAD radar stationsshowed a similarly steep decline in the magnitude of migration.The study clearlyshows that the losses threaten some of our most common and beloved birds. Of the nearly three billion birds lost, 90% came from just 12 bird families, includingsparrows, warblers, finches, and swallows. These common, widespread species playinfluential roles in ecosystems. The greater web of life, including us, is in trouble.

When studies like these are published, we sometimes are left to wonder “what can I do?” A popular Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second best time is now.” So while I wish we had done more 50 years ago, I also know it is not too late. Rachel Carson taught us all that our actions can not only cause problems for birds but we can also be the solution. In the next few months we will be launching new strategic initiatives that will get to the heart of the problems we are facing in Montana when it comes to our avian populations. Stay tuned as these new programs and projects will need yourparticipation and support so we can all do our part to protect our featheredneighbors in Montana.

Larry Berrin, Executive Director

fall 2019Cover Story: What the Birds are Telling Us

Conservation Briefs

News from the Center

Annual AchievementAwards

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Our mission is to promoteappreciation, knowledge andconservation of Montana’snative birds, other wildlife,and natural ecosystems tosafeguard biological diversityfor current and futuregenerations.

Founded in 1976, MontanaAudubon has built effectiveprograms in public policy,education, and birdconservation to serve itsmembers and Montana’snine community-basedAudubon Chapters.

We need your participationand support so we can all do our part to protectour feathered neighbors in Montana.

Board of Directors

OfficersRachel Van Wingen, PresidentJoe Batts, Vice-PresidentBernie McHugh, SecretaryRon Farmer, Treasurer

At-large Board MembersMimi FaliveneCurt LarsenCary LundBob Mackin

Center Council DelegateDon Roberts

Chapter Delegates

Bitterroot AudubonMike Daniels

Five Valleys AudubonRose Leach

Flathead AudubonBob Lee

Last Chance AudubonJanice Miller

Mission Mountain AudubonJim Rogers

Pintler AudubonJack Kirkley

Sacajawea AudubonLoreene Reid

Upper Missouri Breaks AudubonVacant

Staff

Larry BerrinExecutive Director

Heather BildenCommunity Programs Lead

Sarah ChatwoodPreschool Lead

Emily ChilcoatVolunteer Coordinator

Bo CreesAvian Technician Data Specialist

Krista CunninghamTeacher-Naturalist

Hannah DunfordYouth Programs Lead

Cathie EricksonAccounting Specialist

Norane FreistadtDevelopment Director

Alina GarnerSchool Programs Lead

Janet JohnstonOffice Manager

Nicki KenyonPreschool Teacher-Naturalist

Ashley LaukhufTeacher-Naturalist

Gabi MoreyTeacher-Naturalist

Caroline ProvostBSWC Avian Technician

Anthony SammartanoBSWC Restoration Specialist

Amy SeamanDirector of Policy & Science

Carolyn SevierCenter Director

Sterling SpilinekRange & Wildlife Biologist

Jennifer WalkerPreschool Teacher-Naturalist

Montana Audubon is a proudmember organization ofMontana Shares, a partnershipof Montana-based nonprofitsdevoted to improving thequality of life in the Big Skystate.

On the cover: MacGillivray’s WarblerBob Martinka photo.

Helena OfficePO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624 • Phone: 406-443-3949 Fax: 406-443-7144 • info@mtaudubon.org • www.mtaudubon.org

Audubon Center7026 S. Billings Blvd., Billings, MT 59101 • Phone: 406-294-5099www.mtaudubon.org/center

FALL 2019 54 MONTANA AUDUBON

In 1962 Rachel Carson challenged all of us to try and imagine a quieterworld. To wake up one morning in May and not hear the sounds ofbirdsong filling the air was a chilling image that resonated with many ofus. To this day, Silent Spring is considered one of the most important booksto document the detrimental effects of pesticides, including DDT whichwas later banned.

In the early 1960s we didn’t realize the full extent that our actions were having on birds. Once people realized that DDT was impactingreproduction by thinning the eggshells of some of our most majesticraptors at the very top of the avian food chain, including our nationalsymbol, we took action. As a result of this ban and the dedication offunding for conservation programs, the Bald Eagle and other birds of preymade a recovery. Rachel Carson proved to all of us that not only can webe the cause of the problem, but once we are made aware of it, we can alsobe the solution.

Now we have the opportunity to act again. continued

Three billion birds disappeared from our skies in just 50 years.What does this mean for us?

WHATTH EB I R D SA R E

T E LL I NGU S

COVER STORY

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Birds are indicator species, serving as acutely sensitive barometers ofenvironmental health, and their mass declines signal that the earth’sbiological systems are in trouble. In a way birds are our “canary in thecoalmine” when it comes to the environment, so what impacts them willeventually impact us. You may have heard the story of caged birds whosesensitivity to lethal gasses served as a natural alarm call to coal miners as they learned that if the canary died, it was time to exit the cave. The same observation can be made about our planet but unfortunately,there is no exit.

There was one bright spot in both studies however. They show that if we take action now we can help improve the situation. For instance,waterfowl numbers have actually increased significantly, likely thanks tothe decades-long efforts to fund restoration and protect the wetlands they need to feed and breed. Unfortunately most birds, including some of our most common species, do not have the kind of consistent,dedicated funding that waterfowl have benefited from. These studieshighlight the urgency of addressing America’s avian crisis by ramping upconservation investments and defending the laws that protect birds and their habitats.

Right now, there is a bill in the House of Representatives that wouldprovide this kind of sustained funding to other birds and wildlife in trouble – the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. If it passes,Montana will receive nearly $30 million dollars per year for proactivewildlife conservation funding that would benefit birds and other wildlifein our state. Together, we can avoid a silent spring and pass on the gift ofbird song to future generations. We urge our congressional delegation inWashington, D.C. to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

This fall, the Three Billion Birds study in the journal Science foundstaggering, widespread bird declines. Cumulatively, three billion fewerbirds fill the skies of North America today than in 1970 – a loss of morethan a quarter of our birds. This was not a report on projected future losson the basis of current trends, but rather one that tallied actual losses offamiliar species. Sparrows, juncos, finches, blackbirds, warblers, swallowsand even our state bird the Western Meadowlark are among the birds indecline. Their loss affects the services birds provide us all, from dispersingseeds to controlling insects. And it is not just birds – scientists are seeingsimilar declines in wildlife across North America and around the world.

On October 10, the National Audubon Society also released agroundbreaking report that forecasts, in extraordinary detail, the impactclimate change will have on North American birds through the end ofthe century. The Survival by Degrees climate report shows that 389 birdspecies are vulnerable to extinction because of climate change. Audubonscientists studied 604 North American bird species using 140 million bird records and the same climate models used by more than 800 expertsin 80 countries. The science shows that the majority of North Americanbird species – even familiar and beloved birds like the Mountain Bluebirdand American Robin – are at risk of extinction from climate change.

Many of us who have been observing birds for decades were not surprisedby these reports. You may have your own accounts of trends and evidencethat you have observed in your lifetime. From backyards to the vastgrasslands in the eastern part of the state – fewer birds filling our skieshas not gone unnoticed. Studies like these need data so your observationsmatter. This is why we launched Montana eBird a year ago. MontanaeBird compiles a great deal of Montana-specific bird data by citizenscientists all across our state so we can help by adding to a database thatcan be used in the future to note trends.

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Birds are indicator species, serving as acutelysensitive barometers of environmental health,and their mass declines signal that the earth’sbiological systems are in trouble.

Chestnut-collared Longspur

Sage-grouse Need State and Federal Conservation Support

2019 Field Projects at a Glance

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Working closely with partnerorganizations, Audubon chapters, andcitizen scientists, we supported researchand monitoring projects in Important BirdAreas, and statewide, on species like Long-billed Curlew, Harlequin Duck, ChimneySwift, Black Swift, and dozens of songbirds

and colonial waterbird species, like theAmerican White Pelican and Black Tern.This work kept us busy from April throughAugust, a season that started out whensnow was still flying, and ended just as theleaves began to turn their brilliant gold.

As the close of the year approaches, thefate of Greater Sage-grouse in Montanacontinues to be affected by managementdecisions on the federal and state level.Given a September 2019 report to statelawmakers indicating a decline ofapproximately 40% in the past three years(surveys indicating the presence of about43,000 birds), those decisions will impactthe potential need to protect GreaterSage-grouse under the EndangeredSpecies Act during the 2020 review of thespecies’ listing petition. Taking steps in theright direction, the Montana Sage-grouseOversite Team approved over $3 million in state funding for term easements andpermanent conservation easementsscattered throughout sage-grouse corehabitat. Overall state support for the Sage-grouse Stewardship Act is strong,and the addition of term leases as aconservation option have helped broadenthe base of private landowners willing towork with the program.

Further afield, the Interior Department’sdecision to relax restrictions on oil and gasdevelopment on Bureau of Land

Management(BLM) managedlands, continue tothreaten core habitat andseveral Important Bird Areas in Montana.At the onset, an Endangered Specieslisting was partially avoided because ofcollaborative efforts to strengthen BLMresource management plans (RMPs)throughout the species’ range, alongside ofstrengthened state management plans.With Montana upholding its end of thebargain, changes to BLM RMPs that arenot supported by science may push sage-grouse closer to the brink. MontanaAudubon continues to fight these changes,and as part of that process have identifiedthe core areas most at risk, and taken steps to put legal pressure on the BLM toreinstate strong protections in sage-grousehabitat.

Citing extreme drought as the likely causefor declines to sage-grouse numbers in2019, the September report cautions toomuch concern over bird numbers they seeas falling within normal populationfluctuations.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Provisions Still in LimboIn December of 2017, when changes tothe interpretation of the Migratory BirdTreaty Act (MBTA) weakened theInternational Treaty, federal managerswere left in limbo regarding how toprevent indirect threats to birds. To recall,the Solicitor General’s interpretation of the law, whose language remainsunchanged, reversed the intent of theMBTA to cover “incidental” take, oractions, threats or activities creatingindirect sources of bird mortality (think wind farms, etc.).

Seeking to understand enforcement ofincidental take by individual states in

the absence of federal mandates, theAssociation Fish & Wildlife Agencies(AFWA) combed through laws workingwith state agencies to find that just 17states have legal provisions stipulating the regulation of incidental take. Theyalso found that sources of indirectmortality continue to be common in theenvironment. Among the most commonwere collisions with buildings, lead in theenvironment (from shot or ammunition),and collisions with transmission lines orcommunications infrastructure.

Fortunately, Montana was one of the 17states with some legal standing, though

AFWA did point out many states havenever prosecuted incidental take cases.Montana prohibits the killing any birds,other than game birds, without specialpermission by our state’s wildlife agency.

Our state code clarifiesthe unlawfulness

to “kill... anywild bird,other than agame bird,or any part

of the plumage, skin, or body of the bird...or to take or destroy [its] nest or eggs”(Montana Code § 87-5-201(1). Thoughviolations can result in fines and huntingrestrictions, AFWA’s interpretation wasthat Montana’s laws may fall just short of intending to enforce incidental take. As yet, our state hasn’t faced this legaltest, but the AFWA report suggests thisuncertainty is great cause for states tobegin strengthening their regulatoryauthority now.

Common Loon is a species often affected by incidental take,whether from off-shore gillnet operations in the mid-Atlantic, or exposure to heavy metals in settling or tailings ponds.

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Curlew sightings recorded in western Montana, working with 30 volunteers

Pairs of Harlequin Ducks tagged in Glacier National Park to track annual movement

IBAs surveyed for waterbirds, locating the fifth nesting colony of American White Pelicans working with two volunteers

Locations in Canyon Ferry and Madison River IBAs surveyed for songbirds and noxious weeds

New nesting sites discovering while hosting three eastern Montana Chimney Swift survey trainings

Waterfalls surveyed in Black Swift habitat, working with 20 field technicians and volunteers

New Black Swift nesting colonies discovered

OUR WORK BY THE NUMBERS

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To get involved and learn more, please visit our citizen science website,montanabirdsurveys.com

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Our climate ischanging, and ourbirds are among thevisual, measurableindicators that makethis truth evident. Fiveyears ago, the NationalAudubon Society releasedtheir first climate report,which opened our eyes to theeffects climate change may haveon both the summer and winterranges of 314 bird species. This year, afollow-up report based on data from theU.S., Canada and Mexico, gives us zipcode-level detail about potential affects to604 North American bird species.

In Survival by Degrees: 389 Species on theBrink, scientists assess the exposure risk,adaptive capacity, and sensitivity that birdspecies have, given a changing climateunder three emissions scenarios. The firstreport’s findings relied on data from theChristmas Bird Count and Breeding BirdSurvey, but in the 2019 report, over 140million bird observations were used;observations primarily contributed byindividual citizens. Suffice it to say, birdsare already bearing the consequences of achanging climate. As an example, theMountain Plover, a state species ofconcern and species of the western GreatPlains, is predicted to lose 76% of itshabitat – facing potential extirpation fromthe Oklahoma and New Mexico portionsof its range.

Interestingly, the report finds thatMontana is one of the states most likely toundergo cropland expansion as the climatechanges, a threat we know negativelyaffects many of our most threatened

grassland birds like Baird’s Sparrow,Chestnut-collared Longspur, andMcCown’s Longspur. The report also findsthat these species, and especially GreaterSage-grouse, Brewer’s Sparrow, LarkBunting and Baird’s Sparrow arethreatened by increased fire activitythroughout the western U.S. Findings likethis underscore the importance of ahabitat-focused approach to conservation.It is important to give birds the space andlandscape needed to support their abilityto adapt and respond. The report alsostates a clear goal before us: If we are ableto come together to move forward onclimate solutions, there is reason for hope.“By stabilizing carbon emissions andholding warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, 76 percent ofvulnerable species will bebetter off, and nearly150 species would nolonger be vulnerableto extinction fromclimate change.”

Survival by Degrees, Update fromNationalAudubon

The Promise of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Full funding for LWCF is an important next step for our wild places, wildlife, and educational and recreational opportunities for Montanans. Pictured: Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area.

Like the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and our local Habitat Montana landconservation program, the Land andWater Conservation Fund (LWCF) hasgarnered bipartisan support for decades.In exchange for the removal of non-renewable resources generated by offshoredrilling, a portion of operational royaltiesare annually dedicated to LWCF. Fundsare intended to protect parks, naturalareas, national forests, wildlife refuges,outdoor recreational opportunities, and to encourage sustainable forestry along with a strong recreation economy. Up to$900 million at the federal level, theinjection of funds to states can have aripple effect. In Montana we havereceived just under $620 million over five decades. The support has affectedImportant Bird Areas like Glacier

National Park, Red Rock Lakes NationalWildlife Refuge (NWR), the Charles M.Russell NWR, the Blackfoot Valley(which contains Brown’s Lake), and theMadison River, in addition to helpingpreserve state parks like Lewis & ClarkCaverns, Lone Pine, and Giant Springs.

As the program approaches its fifty-fiveyear landmark, Montana Audubon isproud to solidly support permanentreauthorization of this fund. Sentimentremains strong that full funding for LWCFis an important next step for our wildplaces, wildlife, and educational andrecreational opportunities for Montanans.

For more information and to get involvedplease visit www.lwcfcoalition.org.

The full report is available online,

and you can access it by visiting our website

and searching for Birds & Climate.

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Montana Audubon will again makeavailable mini-grants from the AudubonWildlife Fund of Montana, a permanentendowment. The application deadline for the 2020 grant cycle is December 16,2019. For information and a grantapplication, visit:mtaudubon.org/about/wildlifegrants

Projects funded through this program in2019 included supporting the Restorationof Trumpeter Swans in the BlackfootValley, the Impacts of Conifer Removal on Sagebrush-Obligate Songbirds, theconstruction of a Wildlife Viewing Blind at Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, and development of Avian Profiles in theSevenmile area of the Prickly Pear Valley.

BECOME A MEMBER OF MONTANAAUDUBON THROUGH OUR ANNUALCONSERVATION FUND

Your membership* helps support one of the most effectiveconservation organizations in Montana. Enjoy a year of benefitsincluding timely conservation updates, invites to special events,our biannual print newsletter and the peace of mind knowingthat you’re actively contributing to the protection of birds, other wildlife and their habitats across our vast state.

For more information email us at info@mtaudubon.org or call 406-443-3949.

*Montana Audubon is registered as a nonprofit organization without members. Participation in this program does not include voting responsibilities.

You can enjoy a fantastic day outdoors thiswinter and learn about the resident birdsin your area by joining a Christmas BirdCount (CBC) near you!

These annual outings have beenmaintained by Audubon organizationsaround the nation since the year 1900with the first Montana count in 1908.There were over 30 counts around thestate last season.

This winter’s CBCs will occur betweenmid-December 2019 and the first week ofJanuary, 2020. Please visit mtaudubon.orgfor more information about the CBC,which will post in late November.

Christmas Bird Counts are family-friendly,community events: all experience levelsare welcome!

2019–2020 Christmas Bird Counts

Wildlife Grants Available

American Tree Sparrow

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“The new Norm Schoenthal Field Lab is open for business at the AudubonConservation Education Center (ACEC)in Billings!”

So went the announcement of thededication of the Norm Schoenthal FieldLab on October 17, 2009. Ten years later,the Center now provides educationprograms to more than 20,000 visitors each year.

The idea of a conservation education facilityin Billings – a place to get children andfamilies outside to learn about the animals,plants, and ecosystems of the area – hadbeen around for a long time. What is nowcalled the Montana Audubon Center wasthe culmination of the efforts of a number oforganizations, including Montana Audubon,the Yellowstone River Parks Association(YRPA), Yellowstone Valley AudubonSociety (YVAS), and others. The work of allof these partners recognized that connectingkids to the natural world had importantbenefits to kids and nature.

The location along South Billings Boulevardhad been a gravel pit during repairs onInterstate 90 in the early 1990s. TheYellowstone River Parks Association, having only recently been incorporated,acquired the property from the Long FamilyTrust in 1998. Through the leadership ofNorm Schoenthal and others, volunteersbegan work to rehabilitate the landscape.From the beginning, the vision for the space was always a combination of native Montana plant communities andopportunities for youth engagement.Education was a priority from the beginning,not only via Norm with his own background as a professor for almost 30 years at EasternMontana College, but also through theinvolvement of teachers Jean Smith, Dean Smith, and John Miller.

At the same time, Montana Audubon was in the process of identifying a location toestablish its first nature center. They werelooking at a number of local properties,including the current Sundance LodgeRecreation Area, Riverfront Park, and

Pompeys Pillar. In 2002, MontanaAudubon teamed up with YRPA on thecurrent site, and over the next six yearscollectively raised more than $350,000 for the construction of a Wet Lab to serve as the headquarters for restoration,education, and research. Kathryn “Billie”Hicks of YVAS, in addition to othersignificant contributions, made and soldpeanut brittle to help fund the project.Other notable individuals from early oninclude YRPA members John Spencer,Earl Gus, and Sam and Mary Walter, andfrom Montana Audubon Paul Belangerand Robert Fitzgerald.

Since that time, both the programs andthe landscape have matured. On theproperty, hundreds of volunteers plantedcottonwoods and junipers which havegrown into an oasis of riparian habitat onthe urban edge of Billings and the Center’seducation programs have become a corecommunity asset as well as a model ofconservation education in the region.

Urban Forestry Partnership

We all know fall is a great time to enjoy thecolor of forests. For a team of professionalsfrom Billings it’s also a great time to learnabout them – and no better place than inNew York City!

As a team, representatives from theMontana Audubon Center, the City ofBillings, and Rocky Mountain College won a coveted spot in the Natural AreasConservancy’s “Convening” on urbanforested natural areas, held in late Octoberin New York City. The Center’s CommunityPrograms Coordinator Heather Bilden, City Forester Steve McConnell, and Dr. Megan Poulette from Rocky Mountain

College joined representatives from 12 citiesacross the country. They were the only team from Montana and one of only twoteams from a Western state.

Urban forests around the world are oftenoverlooked in conversations about habitatconservation, but they are unique ecologicaland cultural assets. Not only do they providea primary interface between an increasinglyurban human population and the naturalworld, thus improving community well-being, but are also critical islands of habitatfor many species. Birds can especially benefitfrom appropriately managed urban forests.The public spaces in the Billings-area forests

are made up of 9,400 trees in parks, golfcourses, cemeteries, and other spaces aswell as vegetation on 1,400 acres managedfor their natural characteristics.

Over the last summer, Heather and Stevehosted community programs to increaseawareness of the natural areas in RiverfrontPark. In addition, Megan coordinatedstudents from Rocky Mountain College togather park data, combining education withcitizen science efforts to determine speciesdistribution. This information was sharedat the conference, while also learningabout best practices and other case studieson urban forests across the country.

Back at the Beginning: Ten Years of Conservation EducationIt’s always great to highlight those who contribute to our work. We’d like to introduce and recognize the following star volunteers!

First is Haley Ash-Eide, who came tothe Center this summer and quicklybecome an integral part of our volunteerfamily. Haley is currently studyingEnvironmental Studies at Montana StateUniversity, after recently transferring fromChief Dull Knife College, and has intentionsof studying Environmental Law. In her shorttime with us, Haley helped with ourrestoration and summer camp programs,finding a fondness working with ourrecurring volunteer restoration groups.One of the greatest things Haley haslearned through her volunteer experienceis that unexpected things always happen –so come prepared to just go with the flow!Being outside sharingand learning withothers andknowing she is making adifference is abig part of whyHaley enjoysvolunteering with us!

Our second Spotlight goes to a volunteerwho has been with the center since YRPA acquired the property: HaroldSilkwood. Starting his academic career inAgriculture Economics, Harold completedcollege with a focus in Geology and studiedunder Norm Schoenthal, creating a lifelongconnection to the Center. Harold takespride in making sure the Center looks itsbest and participating in its ongoingtransformation from a gravel pit to awonderful environmental education oasis.To Harold, the Center is a special placewhere you get to “see the excitement inthe kids, the discoveries they make,whether it’s a snake,bug, or spider,” andenjoys workingwith those whoalso want tomake an impactin continuing tohelp make theCenter the bestit can be!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

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Harriet MarbleLifetime Achievement Award

For this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,we recognized Harriet Marble as a MontanaAudubon long-term supporter, mentor, andfoundational contributor. She made headwayfor women and conservation across the state,serving as one of the first female InterpretivePark Rangers in GlacierNational Park, being active inthe League of Women Voters,raising a family in ChesterMontana, and contributing toavian conservation via herthousands of bird observations.She provided leadership to Upper Missouri BreaksAudubon, as well as serving onthe Audubon Council – thepredecessor to what is now MontanaAudubon.

As a founding member of the AudubonCouncil, Harriet provided literature on grizzlybear biology and conservation in publiclibraries and schools, worked on Bald andGolden Eagle recovery efforts, advocated for wilderness protection and strongconservation on National Forest lands, andworked to limit oil and gas development on

public lands. Later, as the Audubon Councilbecame Montana Audubon, she served onthe board continuously until 2018, and alsoas a participating member of the MontanaBird Records Committee. She is proud of her lead role in the establishment of theAudubon Wildlife Endowment Fund, startedwith the purpose of using earnings toestablish an annual small grants program for

worthy bird conservation andscience research projects toindividuals and local chaptersin Montana. Her commitmentto Audubon didn’t stop at the local and state levels, asHarriet was selected by theRocky Mountain RegionalNational Audubon chapters toserve as the Rocky MountainRegional Board member on

the National Board in 1987 and again in1989. During her tenure on the NationalBoard she served on the Chapter Relations,Planning, Scientific, and Sanctuariessubcommittees, including an Ad HocCommittee on the Platte River.

Harriet is beloved by Audubon at all levels,speaking highly of her commitment toconservation. We are honored to recognizeher many achievements.

Sherry RitterConservationist of the Year

Montana Audubon andBitterroot Audubon recognizedSherry Ritter for hercommitment to conservationwith our 2019 Conservationistof the Year Award. The onesentiment continuouslyexpressed regarding Sherry, is that herenthusiasm and love for birds and the naturalworld is palpable, contagious, and unending.Whether she is leading field trips of young4th or 7th graders in the Bitterroot, or trips of more mature birders to special places like

the Big Hole River during Memorial Day, her patienceand teaching style make oneand all feel welcomed andexcited to learn about birdsand the natural world.

Sherry’s contributions toconservation are multi-faceted.Her professional biology career

spans three decades and three great Westernstates, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.During that time she also contributed tocitizen science projects like the Breeding BirdSurveys – completing 29 routes in those threestates up until the late 90s.

Mike SchwittersOutstanding Achievement Award

Mike Schwitters was honoredwith the 2019 OutstandingAchievement Award. Mike’s contributions to theknowledge and conservationof wildlife are legendary inMontana and throughout the country. When it comes to knowledge of both Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese migration and populations, in particular at FreezoutLake Wildlife Management Area, no oneindividual has contributed more. He is the“go to” person for information about thismagnificent area, and his competence anddiligence at data recording, analysis, andwriting are exemplary and represent one ofthe finest long-term, consistent records ofbird migration for a localized geographic area.Mike’s contributions go beyond documenting

birds at Freezout Lake, as hisinteractions with hunters,birders, and other interestedparties are always informativeand professional. Birders canconsult his “Birding at FreezoutLake” brochure for what birdsto expect and he regularly postsupdates of bird migration on“MOB” (Montana Outdoor

Birders), a site monitored daily by manyMontana birders. Mike also served onMontana’s Bird Records Committee for 10years, currently serves as an eBird reviewerfor a number of Montana counties, andcontinues to help guide the Berkeley PitAdvisory Council with his knowledge of“white geese.”

Beyond birding, Mike’s reputation for being a positive force in avian conservation isunmistakable, and we appreciate his knowledgeand his affinity for sharing that knowledge.

Congratulations to our 2019 Award WinnersDuring our 2019 bird festival in Glasgow, Montana Audubon honored the following outstanding individuals for their conservation achievements.

MERLIN TOURS

Visit Cuba before the possibility vanishes. New restrictions will severely limit travel to this remarkable island. Our trip givesbirders the possibility to see all 27 endemicbird species, along with over 60 sub-endemics, and over 400 total bird species.Our travel partner, Holbrook Travel, allows amaximum of 12 travelers on this excursion.Will you be one of the lucky birders to add Cuba endemics to your life list?

For more information, visitwww.merlinbirding.com/cuba

Costa Rica should be on every birder’s bucket list. Our trip visits many Costa Rica hotspots.Habitats vary from cloud forests to lowlandtropical rainforests, greatly increasing thechances of seeing more birds. We’ll also visitboth Caribbean and Pacific slopes to increasethe diversity of plant, bird and other animallife we’ll observe. The trip concludes with a visit to Corcovado National Park of which National Geographic calls “the mostbiologically intense place on Earth.”

For more information, visitwww.merlinbirding.com/costa-ricaCuban Tody

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Globally Significant Important Bird Areas like Canyon FerryWildlife Management Area, NorthValley Grasslands, and MussellshellSage-steppe are all reminders ofhuman reverence for birds and other wildlife.

You can ensure this good work willcontinue by investing in a MontanaAudubon Endowment. The giftprincipal is preserved in perpetuity; theinvestment income from your gift isused to achieve lasting protection ofwildlife and habitats. The original giftis never depleted, but continues togive, year after year.

Gift annuities are one of the simplestways to convey a planned gift toMontana Audubon’s endowments. In exchange for a transfer of cash ormarketable securities, you can establishan annuity that guarantees annualpayments to you, or you may choose to defer those payments, makingadditional funds available for Montana

Audubon to help protect places forbirds, other native wildlife and thehuman spirit.

Montana donors may be eligible toreceive significant tax advantagesthrough the Montana Endowment TaxCredit. This program gives donors anincentive of 40 percent of the presentvalue of a planned gift – up to $10,000annually – that can be taken as a direct credit (not deduction!) againstyour state income tax liability.

Contributions to Montana Audubon’sendowments truly keep on giving.Sprague’s Pipits, Burrowing Owls andGreater Sage-grouse win, nativegrasslands win, you win, and MontanaAudubon’s vital work continues.

For more information on how youmay become a Montana Audubonendowment donor, please contact the Montana Audubon office inHelena at 406-443-3949 or email at info@mtaudubon.org.

What’s Your Legacy?A significant legacy for anyconservationist is protectingoutstanding habitats fornative wildlife in perpetuity.

A PLATEFUL OF BIRDS

You can make a meaningful impact for the birds ofMontana by choosing the Bird Habitat license plate.Sporting several favorite Montana bird species—American Avocet, Ruddy Duck, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and a trio of Black-billed Magpies, we are pleased to boast over 1,000 Bird Habitat plates across Montana! The initial cost is $40, which includes a $20 donation that directly supportsour work to ensure long-term protection for critical wildlife habitat.

For more details, visit mtaudubon.org/support

Montana AudubonCenter VolunteersAdvisory CouncilDon Roberts Bob Mackin Darryl Wilson - YRPA President

Steve Regele - YVAS President

Megan PouletteJohn MillerShari DaytonSusan GilbertzMarian Lyman KirstLara GuercioBernard Rose

Center VolunteersDan AltmireHaley Ash-EidePenney AshCloie BanderobMegan BarberIsabel BarettaErin BeanLindsey BeasleyHeather BildenPaul BledsoeMaisee BrownMichelle ButlerJoe ChilcoatSarah ChatwoodRylie CroakerJerry DaltonPeggy DetienneHannah DunfordElijah EreksonDylan ForquerHeather GaitondeAlex GarnerAlina GarnerKaitlyn HarperDon HavigBrian HendersonAshley HeppnerJennifer HolmRiley Hutchens

Keely HuthRuth JohnsonChristine JonesCarolyn JonesBraydee KaercherDaniel KenyonShelby KiekoverHannah KnickDavid MayamekAlisha MerfeldArciela MesaSusan MikkelsonNora MoranDirk MoritzMary MullenDerek MungiaJessica OstwaltSarah ParkerSarah PeperJames PittockAnna RogersJulien RollinsAndrew RutzAllie SaudovalLolly SchaferAshlee ScherrDanyel SchnetterMelissa SchwiegartGretchen SellegreenRachel SheaJan ShorthillBev SilkwoodHarold SilkwoodCarrie StaggieEllie StockJohn SugdenBrianna SullivanKylie TillerTori TindleJoan TrentRenee VerbeckDaniel VukonichCampbell WalkerChuck WardMadisynn WeberShellie WherleyBrooke WitchellMia Yegen

GroupsAll Nations Middle School

Boy Scouts of AmericaCOR EnterprisesGirl Scouts of AmericaHELP Flight TeamLeadership BillingsMOM’s ClubMontana State University-Billings

Rimrock FoundationRiverside Builders ClubRocky Mountain CollegeSkyview High SchoolUnited Way Day of Caring

West High SchoolYellowstone River Parks Association

Montana AudubonField VolunteersKim AlexanderTammy BennettElaine CatonCara ChamberlainTracy CookDeeDee CressJeremy DittoKatie EatonAmmanda EmmelCarol FoxChristian FrazzaConnie GeigerWalt GuslerJudy HalmErin HarbaughRandy HawkinsMarilyn HayesConnie HerzogJake HewittLiz HiltunenCindy HolderSue JacksonPat JaquithCarolyn JonesVlad Kovalenko

Helena MahoneyRobert MartinNancy MathesonJanice MillerJim OatesJodi PerrosMartha Powers SwansonSherry RitterTorrey RitterLynda SaulSandy SchullShawn ServiceRebecca Sharp HamlinWyatt SmithHanna SpecthMolly ToddStephen TurnerAnya TysonJeff Van TineRaylene WallPam WillisonKristin Wokanick

Bird FestivalVolunteersLars AndersonWoody BaxterDianne BorgreenJohn CarlsonWes CochranJosh ColvilleAndrew GuttenbergHeather HarrisScott HeidebrinkGeorge Horse CaptureHenry HvizdosDan KinseyNate KohlerDennis LongknifeRon MartinBob MartinkaKelsey MolloyHeather NenningerMark SullivanJacie VonadaStan Zander

These Montana Audubon volunteers have offered time, expertise, passion, elbow grease, advice, and a sense of humor as they’ve helped with recent events, projects, programs, and more. Thank you!

Star Volunteers

Non-Profit Org.

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Wings Across the Big Sky 2020 Festivaland Bird Science Conference

Montana Audubon will host its 21st annualbird festival at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown,Montana on June 5 – 7, 2020.

This longstanding, community eventcelebrates Montana’s native bird species and typically draws hundreds of wildlifeenthusiasts from across the state andbeyond. New for the 2020 event is anoptional, pre-festival bird science conference on Friday, June 5.

There are many other fun activities tochoose from at Wings Across the Big Skyincluding a Saturday evening banquet,Montana Audubon’s annual conservationawards, “Nature Adventure Tour” silentauction, “Cakes for Conservation” fundraiser and more.

Stay tuned to our website for more 2020festival and science conference informationin the coming months: mtaudubon.org.

21ST ANNUAL MONTANA AUDUBONBIRD FESTIVAL

SAVE THE DATE!JUNE 5 – 7, 2020YOGO INN, LEWISTOWN

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