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 holds a master’s degree and was trained as a biologist and geologist, but his approach to illuminating nature with humor is better illustrated by one of his less formal titles: Professor Avian Guano. Denny is a published author, an educator with more than 30 years’ experience, and a master performer inspired by Native American storytelling traditions. He enjoys sharing his intimate knowledge of, and love for, Glacier National Park.

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 holds a master’s degree and was trained as a biologist and geologist, but his approach to illuminating nature with humor is better illustrated by one of his less formal titles: Professor Avian Guano. Denny is a published author, an educator with more than 30 years’ experience, and a master performer inspired by Native American storytelling traditions. He enjoys sharing his intimate knowledge of, and love for, Glacier National Park.
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.
Meals
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jun 24, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
  • Jun 24, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
  • Jun 24, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024 (Lake McDonald in West Glacier to Kalispell)
2 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
2 nights
St. Mary
The lodge is located just outside Glacier National park, at the east end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
1 night
Kalispell
This central and comfortable hotel welcomes guests with a friendly and helpful staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of the Flathead Valley, in historic downtown Kalispell. Glacier International Airport (FCA) is 10 miles away and Glacier National Park is 35 miles away. Centrally located, Red Lion Hotel is close to Walgreens, and local grocery stores and coffee shops.





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