Burrowing Owl

This diminutive owl is usually seen in daytime.

Birding the western prairies in early summer, when resident birds are in crisp breeding plumage and in full song, is a delight for the senses! Although the plains and prairies don’t get as much attention from birders, there is a wonderful array of grassland specialists to enjoy during breeding season. 

We’ll explore the prairies and pothole wetlands in Montana in search of Thick-billed and Chestnut-collared Longspurs, the elusive Baird’s Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl, Wilson’s Phalarope and Greater Sage-Grouse. We’ll witness the towering courtship flight of the Sprague’s Pipit, observe Ferruginous Hawks hunting over prairie-dog towns and, if we’re lucky, find nesting Mountain Plover, a scarce breeding resident of the high plains.

Expanses of open grassland await us at Bowdoin and Charles M. Russell NWR, while the surrounding mountain ranges and the Upper Missouri River Breaks offer some breathtaking scenery. We’ll also explore some higher elevation habitats like the Little Rockies near Malta, and Beartooth Mountains and Big Pryor Mountain near Billings.

Dates: June 13 – 20, 2026 (7 nights/8 days)

Cost: $4,500 single, $775 doubles discount; $500 deposit due upon registration.

Guides: Chip and Sam Darmstadt

What’s included:

▪ All lodging during the trip.

▪ Transportation in a comfortable 12-passenger van.

▪ Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

▪ Any entrance fees and park admissions.

What’s not included:

▪ Airfare to/from Bozeman.

▪ Meals in airports and any alcoholic beverages.

▪ Tips/gratuities.

▪ Extras in hotels (e.g., room service, laundry, etc.)