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Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

Montana  >  United States

This 2,800-acre sanctuary with varied wetlands, riparian forest, ponderosa pines, and grassland, is one of the best birding hotspots in Montana.

Aggiunto* da The Forever Birder
Ultimo aggiornamento 12 aprile 2025

Descrizione

Set in the broad valley of the Bitterroot River about 22 miles south of Missoula, with the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Sapphire Mountains to the east, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge ranks first among Montana birding sites in number of species seen. It comprises varied wetlands, riparian forest, ponderosa pines, and grassland.

The Bitterroot Valley has been designated an Important Bird Area in recognition of its diversity. More than 240 species have been counted in the refuge, with another 20 or so present elsewhere in the valley. The refuge is known for Trumpeter Swan and Tundra Swan and numbers of other waterfowl. Twenty or more waterfowl species may be present in migration. Other wetland-nesting birds include Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern, Sora, American Avocet, Wilson's Phalarope and Marsh Wren.

Driving Wildfowl Lane or walking the 1.25-mile Kenai Nature Trail may bring sightings of California Quail, Wild Turkey, American White Pelican, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Lewis's Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bobolink, and Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Dettagli

Accesso

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 2 miles north of Stevensville and 25 miles south of Missoula in Ravalli County, Montana. The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Press a P on the map for directions to a parking. The Refuge has four kiosks in place. Two are positioned, respectively, at the south and east entrances to the Refuge via Wildfowl Lane. A third kiosk is at the trailhead for the Kenai Nature Trail and the fourth is in place at the Wildlife Viewing Area.

Terreno e habitat

Foresta , Zona umida , Prateria/pascolo

Caratteristiche dell’area

Paesaggio aperto

Percorso ad anello

Si

È utile un cannocchiale?

Può essere utile

Buona stagione per il BW

Tutto l'anno

Miglior periodo per visitare

Primavera

Percorso

Strada asfaltata , Sentiero ampio

Grado di difficoltà del percorso a piedi

Facile

Modalità di accesso

A piedi , Bicicletta , Macchina

Capanno/torretta di osservazione

No

Link

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Mappa

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