‌

Dear Friends, Each Autumn, we experience loss – loss of leaves – loss of summer’s warmth – loss of our migratory birds. From this loss, we have a chance to gain – to renew our gratitude for the natural world. We have time to reflect, take this pause and get ready for next year’s vital work. From certifying more than 110,000 bird-friendly acres to building a new home for our Fledglings Preschoolers, we have so much to appreciate as the year wanes! Because of friends like you, Montana Audubon accomplished so much and is well-positioned to make an even bigger difference in 2023 and beyond. We call on you once again on behalf of Montana’s birds and wildlife habitat – consider a year-end gift to Montana Audubon today so that our conservation work thrives well into the future. We are thankful for your support and wish you a wonderful holiday! Yours in Conservation,  Your Friends at Montana Audubon

GIVE TODAY

Thankful I'm Not a Turkey

by the Bold Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) Did you know? I am North America's largest shorebird. I breed in grasslands of the Northern Great Plains, and I overwinter in wetlands, tidal estuaries, mudflats, flooded fields, and beaches. Did you know? My genus name, Numenius, means “of the new moon,” and describes the slender, curved shape of my bill, which is longer if I am a female. So, think about me next time you see the new moon!  Did you know? Montana Audubon’s science team is monitoring Long-billed Curlews as a priority grassland species for the Audubon Conservation Ranching program (ACR), which supports ranchers to keep grassland habitats healthy.  So, I’m also thankful for Montana Audubon and their supporters like you!

Wildlife Grants Available

For more than 25 years, Montana Audubon has awarded grants to organizations in support of research and education projects directed toward wildlife habitat conservation. Funds are awarded from earnings generated by the Audubon Wildlife Fund of Montana, a permanent endowment. Grant applications are due December 23rd, 2022.

Apply Today

If You Feed the Birds, We Need You!

Do you feed birds during the cold winter months or know of a friend or family member who does? If so, Montana Audubon invites you to contribute to a large Rosy-Finch study spanning eight Western states! Rosy-Finches breed around cliffs and snowfields in our highest elevations during the summer and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Before devising effective conservation strategies for these remarkable, hardy little birds, we first need to better understand their populations.  This is where you come in! Once again, we are partnering with Sageland Collaborative on the survey. We are looking for volunteer participants who will watch a feeder as little as 20 minutes, once a month, December to April, and report observations of Rosy-Finches. To participate, contact our Avian Specialist Bo Crees (bcrees@mtaudubon.org) or Volunteer Coordinator Cassidy Dinkel (cassidy@mtaudubon.org).

No Hibernation at Montana Audubon Center

Cold weather can't stop us! Join us at the Montana Audubon Center for these exploratory winter programs. Nature Nuts Preschool Program Every Tuesday 10 - 11am Nature exploration comes naturally, especially for kids! Children ages 1 to 4 (and an accompanying adult) join our teacher naturalists for guided outdoor play and learning about nature in Billings and beyond. Suggested donation: $5/child or free for members. Advance registration is required. Weekend Wonders Family Program 2nd Saturday of the month 10:30am-12pm  This expert-led program is perfect for people of all ages! Every month features a nature theme, an outdoor adventure, and a hands-on learning experience from an expert in their field. Time to get some fresh air, learn something new, and have some fun in nature with your friends and family. Suggested donation: $5/person or free for members. Bird Stroll 2nd Saturday of the month 8:30 - 10am  Enjoy a morning stroll by the river and learn a few birds along the way. Great for beginning birders! On this monthly birding adventure, we will cover birding basics, learn bird calls/songs, and work on our description skills to visually ID species. Come with your own gear or borrow some from us. Rain, snow, or shine, we'll be out birding! Suggested donation: $10/adults, $5/students, or free for members. Holiday Market Saturday, December 10th 10am-2pm Join us for our second annual Holiday Market at the Montana Audubon Center. We will be featuring nature-inspired gifts created by local artists and crafters. Truly unique gifts made by people in your community.

Center ENews

GIVE TODAY