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Montana

Birding in Glacier National Park

Program No. 22411RJ
Join expert birders for an off-the-beaten path adventure to search for and learn about warblers, loons, woodpeckers and many more bird species that thrive in Glacier National Park.

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At a Glance

On this off-the-beaten path birding adventure, both novice and skilled birders will hone their birding skills while hiking in Glacier National Park, one of the nation’s most intact and undisturbed ecosystems. Explore eastern, western and alpine habitats with expert local birders who will use both sound and sight to seek out a diverse array of avian species. Enriching stories and lore will help you gain a greater appreciation for the species you encounter. This program will emphasize birding by ear due to thick vegetation, and many birds may be heard and not seen.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
For hearty explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge while spending most of their days on the go. Hike up to five miles daily with elevation gains of 500-700 feet on natural surface dirt trails in mountainous, uneven and rocky terrain. Elevations from 3,200 feet to 7,200 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Benefit from the instruction of some of the top birding experts in the region and develop your birding by ear skills.
  • Search for a diversity of species that call Glacier National Park home, such as Harlequin Duck, Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpecker, and Water Ouzel.
  • Explore an array of habitats on the west and east side of the continental divide, and learn about the geology, botany, history and wildlife of Glacier National Park.

General Notes

This program will emphasize birding by ear due to thick vegetation, and many birds may be heard and not seen. All Road Scholar birding programs have a maximum participant-to-instructor ratio of 14:1 in the field. We adhere to the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics. Learn more at http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Denny Olson
Denny Olson is an acclaimed author with training as a biologist and geologist. He has taught nature for over 30 years. He received an M.S. from the University of Minnesota and has researched beavers, hares, and loons. Using Native American storytelling as a teaching tool; he blends science, humor, and drama, establishing his national reputation as an innovative performer and educator. Denny has applied these skills to his love for Glacier National Park, leading interpretive hikes, Road Scholar birding trips, and doing many park presentations.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Denny Olson
Denny Olson View biography
Denny Olson is an acclaimed author with training as a biologist and geologist. He has taught nature for over 30 years. He received an M.S. from the University of Minnesota and has researched beavers, hares, and loons. Using Native American storytelling as a teaching tool; he blends science, humor, and drama, establishing his national reputation as an innovative performer and educator. Denny has applied these skills to his love for Glacier National Park, leading interpretive hikes, Road Scholar birding trips, and doing many park presentations.
Profile Image of Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul View biography
Lynda Saul received the National Wetlands Award for her career protecting and restoring Montana's wetlands and streams. Now retired, she's an avid bird watcher and citizen scientist in Glacier National Park and across Montana. Lynda loves sharing her fascination about nature with others. She spends winters seeking out new birds while volunteering in Latin America and East Africa. Lynda keeps active canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing, and has led numerous long-distance bicycle trips over the years. She has degrees in geology and forest hydrology.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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