Celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count at Flathead Lake State Park

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks invites the public to enjoy birding activities in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork.

The Great Backyard Bird Count of 2025 is one of the largest citizen science projects in the world every year. Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork is hosting a weekend-long event of birding from Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17.

Visitors are invited to engage in self-guided birding for the entire weekend and record their sightings using the Merlin Bird ID or eBird app on their phones. Anyone looking to get involved without using their phone, please pick up a free field guide and checklist at the Wayfarers Ranger Station.

For kids, an obstacle course will be set up in the field near the campground.

New to birding? Meet at the ranger station to learn the basics with a ranger-led guided hike on Friday (2/14) 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and Saturday (2/15) 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Participants can bring their own binoculars or borrow a pair at the park. Call the ranger station to secure a spot: 406-837-3041. Please bring/wear weather appropriate clothing and water.

What: Great Backyard Bird Count 2025

When: Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17

Where: Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park, 8600 Mt. Hwy 35, Bigfork

The Wayfarers unit of Flathead Lake State Park is located near Bigfork on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. Learn more online at https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/wayfarers.