WhenToBird

Birding spots

Best Birding Spots in Montana

By species reported, the top birding spots in Montana are Helena Valley Reservoir Fishing Access Site, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, and Giant Springs State Park. Helena Valley Reservoir Fishing Access Site has the longest list (195 species), and its best season is fall.

Species counts are birds reported at least three times in that season at that spot, 2016–2025. Busy spots list more species simply because more people look, so compare the checklist counts. Spot names come from public map data and hotspot listings.

SpotCountySpeciesChecklistsWinterSpringSummerFall
Helena Valley Reservoir Fishing Access SiteLewis and Clark County1951,62852132116147
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife RefugeRavalli County1901,47772152134120
Giant Springs State ParkCascade County1871,24967126107151
East Gallatin Recreation AreaGallatin County1841,67125136105146
Warm Springs Wildlife Management AreaDeer Lodge County18483843147134132
Pablo ReservoirLake County18179139133147136
Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (05N10W24ABBC01 Spring)Deer Lodge County1795647149139106
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (northeast)Ravalli County17583855142114112
Three Forks Ponds Fishing Access SiteGallatin County1711,66226131103139
Ninepipe ReservoirLake County1701,12849123124126
Willow Creek ReservoirMadison County1705108109119144
American Prairie FoundationPhillips County166287014210137
Lolo National ForestMissoula County1652,19567139124100
Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management AreaBroadwater County16530110118136126
Lake Helena Wildlife Management AreaLewis and Clark County1641,10326138126125
Spring Meadow Lake State ParkLewis and Clark County1621,909411379997
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (west)Ravalli County1609035612411287
Downstream Recreation AreaValley County1594871012610598
Council Grove State ParkMissoula County1561,3236713211288
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (southwest)Ravalli County1568735512912199
Browns LakePowell County156433012611179
Freezout Lake Wildlife Management AreaTeton County1545031128114100
Trafton ParkPhillips County152644221159691
Cherry River Fishing Access SiteGallatin County1482,0254411195102
Upper Holter LakeLewis and Clark County147332597472109
Kicking Horse ReservoirLake County146661369795108
Riverfront ParkYellowstone County144677401189185
Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (Silver Bow Creek)Deer Lodge County1443111010710769
Cooney ReservoirCarbon County14222132719386
Gardner ParkGallatin County1412,0094910493102

By county