Winter Recreation 2020

WINTER RECREATION December 20, 2020

2 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, December 20, 2020

Creating corduroy PERRY BACKUS

pbackus@ravallirepublic.com

There’s not much room for error when snowdrifts are measured in feet on a road that winds its way along the face of a cliff.

One a morning when the sky was an impossible blue, Tony Neaves kept his head on a swivel as he deftly maneuvered the multi-angle blade attached to the tracked Tucker snow grooming machine up the steep road leading to Skalkaho Pass.

After seven years behind the wheel, it’s a trip that he knows well.

Driving a machine whose company motto is: “No hill too steep. No snow too deep,” Neaves knows there’s no time to daydream.

“The light can get kind of flat up here when it’s snowing hard,” he said as he gently pushed the joystick that operates the blade this way and that. “It can be kind of hard to figure out where the edges are. It certainly makes you pay attention.

Surprisingly, you end up burning a lot of calories when you’re running full speed all day. There is a lot of concentration involved.”

Save for the straight-as-an-arrow track of a wolverine taking advantage of the packed surface, there was no other sign that anything or anyone had been up the road since the last dump of snow.

In some places, large drifts narrowed the track. In others, snow sloughing off the steep hillside above the road has done the same. Neaves points out places that he knows from experience will experience avalanches sometime this winter.

He hopes that never happens when he and his groomer are passing by.

It’s a 65-mile round trip when he grooms the road over Skalkaho Pass

PERRY BACKUS - Ravalli Republic

Tony Neaves grooms the Skalkaho Pass road once a week for the Bitterroot Ridge Runners. “We just keep getting snowstorm after snowstorm up there,” he said. “I’ve had people tell me this isn’t a very good snow year. I tell them that you haven’t been up very high. It’s a totally different world up here.”

and down toward Philipsburg. He goes as far as the sapphire mine on those longer runs.

On this day his plans called for going to the top of the pass from Bitterroot side. After making a couple of trips up and down, he’d leave a 16-foot wide track of hard and smooth corduroy for winter recreationists of all makes and models.

“I think this year I’ve seen more skiers than snowmobilers using the groomed trail,” Neaves said.

And that’s not to mention the fat tire cyclists, snowshoers, and dog walkers who take advantage of the packed track.

With two clubs working together to create opportunities for everyone, Neaves said the Bitterroot Valley is becoming a destination spot for winter recreationists.

Neaves operated a groomer owned by the Bitterroot Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. The machine was purchased through a state grant program that uses a portion of the state sales tax on gasoline to provide funding for snowmobile grooming through the winter months.

“The Bitterroot Ridge Runners have been receptive to that program for about 15 years,” said Dan Thompson, a longtime member of the snowmobile group. “Every year we write a grant proposal that’s reviewed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, who administer the program.”

FWP provides funding to operate the machinery. The club is required to pay for the maintenance. It also purchased the truck and trailer used to haul the groomer to both the

Skalkaho and Lost Horse trailheads.

On top of that, the group built and maintains the building where the groomer is stored.

“We’ve had a lot of fundraisers over the years,” Thompson said. “There have been races and all kinds of other stuff. The snowmobile club has been quite effective in raising the money it needed to make this work.”

Initially, the focus was on Skalkaho. A few years ago, the Bitterroot National Forest let the club groom the Lost Horse road up the agency cabin three times a winter. After seeing use there climb, the snowmobile club was allowed to groom the road once a week.

“Lost Horse used to get so rough that people wouldn’t even try to drive it,” Thompson said. “It’s amazing to see how many snowmobile-assisted

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation,December 20, 2020 skiers use that area now. It’s really opened up a significant opportunity for backcountry skiers.”

The snowmobile club and the Bitter Root Cross Country Ski Club work together to create winter recreation opportunities at Skalkaho, Lost Horse and Chief Joseph.

Neaves is a member of both clubs.

The ski club now pays Lost Trail Powder Mountain to groom its extensive trail system at Chief Joseph Pass. While some areas are set aside specifically for skiers, other trails are open to a variety of recreational uses, including snowmobiles, dogsleds and dog-power skijorers.

Once the ski club turned grooming over to the ski hill, Neaves said that opened up the use of the club’s snowmobile equipment to begin grooming

trails at Lake Como.

“Use at Lake Como has exploded this year,” he said.

Neaves does much of the grooming at Lake Como as well. He’s seen the parking lots fill to the brim on weekends. There are plenty of Missoula license plates in the mix.

“People will travel long distances to take advantage of these groomed trails,” he said. “The money they bring often finds itself deposited in local businesses along the way. It’s all about these two groups working together for everyone’s benefit. We all win when that happens.

“We’re all in this together,” Neaves said. “What affects their access affects your access.”

Grooming is allowed between Dec. 1 and March 31.

PERRY BACKUS - Ravalli Republic

Tony Neaves flashes the peace sign at a couple of dog walkers taking advantage of the groomed track he had made earlier that day on the Skalkaho Pass. Neaves said he’s seen more skiers than snowmobilers using the groomed track this year.

Neaves said he gets a lot of highfives and people saying thank you during his long hours driving the groomers.

“There’s a sense of satisfaction that

comes when you look in the mirror and see that beautiful corduroy that you’ve created,” he said. “Of course, then all I want to do is go ski it.”

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, December 20, 2020

Chief Joseph Pass offers something for everyone this winter MIKE HOYT

Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club

For over 30 years, the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club, a valleybased all-volunteer non-profit, has designed, maintained, and groomed the trail system at Chief Joseph Pass.

As of the third week of December, all the trails are packed and open to cross-country skiers.

“The user numbers have just been crazy so far this year,” said Tony Neaves, a member of the volunteer grooming crew. “The parking lot has

been full for weeks.”

A good early snow allowed club volunteers to start grooming the trails on Nov. 20 this year, Neaves said.

“We were even able to get the lower trails, which is something that rarely happens this early in the season,” he said.

These trails typically have the earliest and best snow conditions for cross-country skiing anywhere in the area. Although donations are always appreciated, trail use is free to everyone!

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photo Mike Hoyt

A pair of skiers enjoy a bluebird day on Chief Joseph’s Continental Divide Trail.

Located near Lost Trail Pass at the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, the Chief Joseph Ski Trail System provides almost 30 miles of groomed trails, 10-plus miles of trails designed and groomed specifically for classic-style track-skiing, and 19 miles of multiuse trails groomed for skate skiers.

The trails are groomed Thursday through Sunday as weather and conditions require and/or permit.

Those who wish to snowshoe are welcome on the multi-use trails as are those who ride Fat Tire bikes.

The multi-use trails are dogfriendly and used each winter for what has become, thanks to the Bitterroot Mushers, one of the West’s premier dog-sled races.

Several years ago, the Club entered into an agreement with Lost Trail Powder Mountain downhill ski area to use their PistenBully snowcat machines to groom these trails.

The vastly improved trail conditions have attracted skiers from far and wide in numbers that now exceed 12,000 user-days per winter.

The Gordon Reese Cabin, built by the Club’s volunteers is still one of the best and unique warming huts for hundreds of miles in any direction. The hut is available for

overnight rental through the Forest Service’s rental program.

The Club meets on the second Thursday of each month (November through March) in Hamilton.

Meetings are always open to the public and usually include an interesting presentation such as next February’s (2020) appearance by Skip Horner, a world-renowned adventure guide.

In coordination with area schools, the Club hosts ski lessons for kids.

This winter will see the addition of ski lesson programs for adults.

Check the Club’s Facebook page for updates on ski lessons, all of which are free.

The Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club coordinates with several other valley non-profits including the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists, the Bitterroot Mushers, and the Bitterroot Ridgerunners to provide excellent wintertime recreation for valley residents and visitors.

Trail maps are available for free from several area locations including sporting goods stores.

The Como Cross-Country Ski Trails These trails, now under the wing of the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club, provide a great, close-to-town,

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation,December 20, 2020 dog-friendly, skiing opportunity

rent snow and grooming conditions.

when conditions permit. Last winter Grooming is performed by the the Club added Fat-Tire Bikes and

Club’s all-volunteer crew with the

groomed bike routes to the trail user Club’s snowmobile equipment. list. It was a big hit with the increas-

Parking is one half mile above the

ing numbers of Bitterroot winter-

boat ramp up Forest Road 550 at its

time bikers.

intersection with Forest Road 550A.

On Dec. 14, Neaves said they are

Forest Road 550 is closed beyond

still waiting for snow to arrive at

this point to wheeled, motorized

Lake Como.

traffic from Dec. 1st to March 31st.

Historically, Neaves said they

A new network of trails built

don’t start grooming there until

through a partnership with the

around the first of the year.

Bitterroot National Forest and

These trails are usually groomed

Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists

COURTESY PHOTO

For over 30 years, the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club, a valley-based all-volunteer nonprofit, has designed, maintained, and groomed the trail system at Chief Joseph Pass that includes the Gordon Reese Cabin warming station.

once a week, depending upon

could turn out to be perfect get-

weather, snow, and daily tempera-

away this winter for those who

tures—warm spells or lack of snow

prefer snowshoes and fat tire bikes,

bikes and snowshoes off the ski trail, Skalkaho Basin to above Dam Lake

diminishes grooming opportunities.

Neaves said.

which should make my life easier

Check the Bitterroot Cross-Country

“They did a beautiful job,” Neaves when I start grooming.”

Skiing on Groomed Snowmobile said. “That new trail should funnel

Ski Club’s Facebook page for cur-

Trails A growing number of skiers are

and Sand Basin road to the Bowles creek intersection is groomed.

The Skalkaho/Rye road (Forest Road 75) from Skalkaho road to Rye Creek Road, 8 miles up from

using the many miles of trails, in

Highway 93 is groomed less often

three different areas, groomed for

because of possible danger from

snowmobile use by the Bitterroot

huge, wind-driven snow drifts and

Ridgerunners Club. All routes are

possible avalanche.

groomed weekly but dependent upon weather and temperatures.

Lost Horse Canyon is a very popular route for both snowmobile

These trails are dog-friendly, but you riders and backcountry skiers who need to be aware that you’re sharing

snowmobile to the back of the can-

the trails with fast-moving machines, yon to gain access to deep powder so pay attention to where your dogs are at all times.

Skalkaho Pass is groomed from

COURTESY PHOTO

The Como Trail system is a popular location for cross-country skiiing, showshoeing and fat-tire bike riding.

runs.

Montana State law requires any route groomed under special use

the gate, 14 miles up Highway 38,

permit to be closed to wheeled

on the Bitterroot side to the gate

motor vehicles once grooming starts,

just above the Sapphire Mine on the

whether it’s a ski trail or snowmobile

Phillipsburg side. In addition, all of

route. No exceptions!

6 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, December 20, 2020

Ways to keep moving through the winter KATELYN ANDERSEN

Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club

As snow heralds in winter, Bitterroot Valley residents will soon be challenged with shorter days, icy roads and colder temperatures. The fatigue of managing the impacts of a global pandemic adds to the need for focusing on personal health this upcoming winter. It is easy to put personal health on the back burner.

A free program with MSU Extension — Ravalli County can assist residents to build and strengthen components of personal health and well-being. The third annual WINter Wellness runs Nov. 16, 2020 through Feb. 28, 2021 and is a free health incentive program for Ravalli County.

WINter Wellness started in 2018 in response to participant feedback and a way to increase physical activity throughout the calendar year.

This program complements the efforts of the summer health incentive program called Bike, Walk, Roll & WIN and is facilitated by Katelyn Andersen, MSU Extension for Ravalli County.

“This year, there are a lot of reasons why our personal health may have slipped,” states Andersen.

“Personal stressors, such as finances, childcare, and management of unforeseen circumstances can adversely impact our health. Physical activity is a way to manage stress by reducing the levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.”

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic diseases. About six in 10

adults live with a chronic disease and four in 10 adults have two or more.

Examples of chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Every year, $117 billion in health care costs are associated with inadequate physical activity.

The benefits of physical activity for adults include: lower risk of high blood pressure, lower risk of stroke, improved aerobic fitness, improved mental health, improved cognitive function, reduced arthritis symptoms and prevention against gaining weight.

These statistics are strong reasons to add a little more movement in your life.

“This year, the WINter Wellness program has made some adjustments to practice physical distancing by offering virtual wellness challenges instead of health-focused classes like we’ve offered in previous years,” clarifies Andersen.

Incentive program details Every time an adult, 18 and older, engages in physical activity, they are eligible for a self-reported entry in the program. The entries are for health-focused prizes donated by community businesses.

The physical activity eligible for WINter Wellness could occur at home led by a DVD or app, outside on the ski hill, at the gym with a kickboxing class, or even yoga. The minimum amount of time to enter is a 10-minute episode of physical activity.

During last year’s WINter Wellness challenge, over 266 adults logged over 7,100 entries with WINter Wellness and over 850

Courtesy photo

The WINter Wellness program is a way to celebrate the diverse opportunities Montana offers for physical activity. Snow shoeing, cross country skiing and down hill skiing are all ways to stay active in the Bitterroot Valley.

people engaged in the health classes offered through MSU Extension during that timeframe.

Sapphire Lutheran Homes Partners for Senior Support This year, Sapphire Lutheran Homes has generously offered to provide additional support to residents 65 years and older in partner-

ship with MSU Extension. Sapphire is providing a free WINter Wellness notebook to individuals who are 65 years and older. These individuals can enter their physical activity in a notebook and turn it into Sapphire’s office for online entry. They will then be eligible for the same prizes as participants who enter electronically

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation,December 20, 2020 on their own.

Plus, seniors will able to earn additional prizes from Sapphire for five entries, 10 entries, 20 entries, etc. To help encourage physical activity, Sapphire Lutheran Homes has a lending library of exercise DVD for use by the community.

Contact Dominic Farrenkopf, Director of Community Life at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, at 3632800, ext 103 or Katelyn Andersen for questions.

Weekly Wellness Challenges In addition to self-reporting entries, MSU Extension is offering an opportunity for all Ravalli County residents and Montanans to participant in wellness challenges, which will be realized every other week starting Nov. 23 through Feb. 28.

“Last year, I partnered with local businesses and individuals to offer eight different wellness classes, ranging from mindfulness to OULA, cross-country skiing and more,” shares Andersen. “This year, we will be offering a wellness challenge to encourage residents to create their own personal goal to achieve.”

With the help of MSU Extension specialists, primarily located in Bozeman, Andersen will release a new wellness challenge every other week on Monday at 10 a.m. on Facebook, MSU Extension website and the office’s e-newsletter, Nov. 23 through Feb, 28. Prizes will be given to both Ravalli County residents as well as state-wide incentive prizes.

Montanans located in other counties have expressed the desire to par-

ticipate in WINter Wellness. These weekly challenges are a way for them to engage from afar. The challenges can be found at ravalli.msuextension.org/healthandwellness.html.

Prizes to Win MSU Extension — Ravalli County appreciates the support of many local partners who help build connections in the wider community and enhance the health of the individuals that live, work and play in Ravalli County.

In addition to better health, businesses and individuals have contributed prizes: Wellness gift basket from Alternative Wellness Group; one private (in-person or virtual) session from Aspen Leaf Yoga; Bee Happy Honey basket from Bee Happy Honey; $50 gift card to Chamber businesses from Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce; $50 credit for adult education class from Bitterroot College Continuing Education Program; $25 Gift Certificate — 6 winners — from Bouilla; deluxe cabin for one night from Camp Sula; Kelty Tuck Sleeping Bag from Corvallis Physical Therapy; half season CSA share from Cultivating Connections; customized birthday (or special day) poem from Flominic, author; $25 gift certificate from Grains of Grace Café; Bluetooth stereo earphones with microphone — two winners — from Grizzly Broadband; $30 credit for adult education class — two winners — from Heart of the Valley Adult Education; $25 gift certificate — two winners — from Heritage Market & The Coffee

Shack; one hour of personal training from Health by Heidi; essential oil infused winter wellness goody basket from Healthy Connections; 1/2 hour massage — two winners — from Judy Banks, LMT; $25 Gift Certificate to Lifeline Farm; private cross-country ski lesson from Ken and Patrice Loucks; Novel “Be Epic or Go Home: A Triathlon Journey” — 10 winners — from Becky Lovejoy, author; gift basket for kids from Main Street Toys; health goody basket from New Horizons Physical Therapy; gift certificate to one pair of Oboz shoes from Oboz Footwear; Mammut Lithium Speed 20L Backpack from Ravalli County Federal Credit Union; one introductory heart math session from Step Stone — Becki Koon; $25 gift certificate to Runner’s Edge; two hours of personal training from Wendy

Davis Training; gift certificate for ½ session of Tai Chi with Jude Trapani, Zero Point Tai Chi. Everyone has different reasons for getting physically active. To learn more about the free WINter Wellness health incentive program, check out the website ravalli.msuextension.org/healthandwellness.html or visit the Extension Office, 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton or 375-6611.

Questions or comments can be directed to MSU/Ravalli Co. Extension, 215 S. 4th St. Ste G, Hamilton, or call 375-6611. If you are interested in attending or hosting an educational workshop on this topic, please contact the office.

Katelyn Andersen, M.S., is a Professor for Montana State University Extension. She serves as family and consumer sciences extension agent for Ravalli County.

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8 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, December 20, 2020

PERRY BACKUS, Ravalli Republic

Former Bitterroot National Forest Historian Mary Williams enjoys a moment’s rest in a comfortable rocking chair in Hayward Lodge. The historic cabin known locally as Wood’s Cabin was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places. .

Winter is a great time to visit the Bitterroot National Forest When you venture out, always be prepared for cold weather and snow.

The National Forest is mountainous From the thrill of downhill skiing and snowmobiling, to the quiet solitude terrain and snowy conditions can start of cross-country skiing and snowshoe- as early as October and last until April or May. Refer to the West Central ing, there is something for everyone.

Montana Avalanche Foundation for Get away with family or friends and current advisories and resources to enjoy an experience from yesteryear.

Rent a rustic cabin nestled deep in the help assess the risk in avalanche terrain forest or hike through the snow to find https://missoulaavalanche.org/.

Christmas Tree Permits that perfect Christmas tree.

Ravalli Republic

Cutting your own Christmas tree is a special holiday outing available to those who live near National Forest Lands.

There’s an abundant choice of trees and species on the Bitterroot National Forest. In order to remove a Christmas tree from the National Forest, you need to have a Christmas tree permit. They may be purchased for $5 beginning Tuesday, November 12th at any Forest Service office or at area retailers. Permits

are for personal use only and limited to three per family.

Downhill Skiing Lost Trail Powder Mountain, located near Sula, Montana, operates under a Special Use Permit on the Bitterroot National Forest. With over 300 inches of snow annually, Lost Trail consistently enjoys the greatest snow depth of any Montana ski resort. Lost Trail offers opportunities for both the alpine skier

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation,December 20, 2020 and snowboard enthusiast. For more information or snow conditions contact Lost Trail Powder Mountain ski area at 406-821-3211 or www.losttrail.com Nearby Cross Country Ski Trails Chief Joseph Pass Cross Country Ski Trails are located off of Hwy 43 on Chief Joseph Pass on the BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest. These trails are maintained by volunteers from the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club.

The ski club grooms 24 kilometers of cross country trails for classic and skate skiing. For more information or snow conditions visit www.bitterrootxcskiclub.net.

Como Trails Cross Country Ski Area offers about 20 miles of trail located on roads 550, 550A, and 13201 out of the boat ramp parking lot at Como Lake. The multi-use Como Ski Trails will be groomed by the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club again this winter.

Snowmobile Activities Snowmobiling continues to increase in popularity as more people discover the enjoyment of motorized winter recreation.

The fabulous winter scenery of the Bitterroot National Forest is accessible to people of all ages who enjoy the pleasure of snowmobile travel. Please remember that snowmobiling is not allowed in any designated Wilderness Areas.

The Forest travel plan designates 2,246 miles of forest roads and trails open to motorized use. It also permits motorized over-snow use (snowmobiles) on 543,840 acres, approximately one-third of the Forest. These areas are designated on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map (OSVUM) now available free of charge at all Bitterroot National Forest offices. The maps identify which areas are open to motorized use, the

types of vehicles allowed and any seasonal restrictions that apply.

The Bitterroot Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club grooms the snowmobile trails up Skalkaho, SkalkahoRye Creek road, and Lost Horse road.

For more information about area snowmobile clubs visit https://www.snowmobilemt.org/.

Cabin Rentals Woods Cabin The historic Wood’s Cabin at Lake Como is available for the public to rent during fall and winter months.

The cabin built in 1928 is located on the north shore of Lake Como. It features large windows and a deck overlooking the lake and nearby mountains.

Wood’s Cabin has 3 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, and large living room. It sleeps up to 12 people and rents for $60 per night.

There is no drinking water available and the woodshed at the cabin will be stocked with firewood. Also, the road to the cabin is not plowed, so you may have to park at the boat launch and walk across the dam to reach the cabin.

Lake Como is a beautiful setting in the wintertime and is popular with crosscountry skiers, snowshoers, and ice fishermen.

East Fork Guard Station This structure was built prior to 1914 and used as a guard station in the summertime by the fireguards. The East Fork Guard Station is approximately 50 miles southeast of Hamilton, located near Sula. The Guard Station features a 16’ x 24’ one room log cabin. The cabin is equipped with a wood burning stove for heating and a four-burner propane stove/oven for cooking. During the winter months, the road is plowed to the cabin, but there is always the possibility that the road isn’t plowed on occasion. It’s a good idea to contact the

Mike Hoyt

The multiple-use trails at Chief Joseph are open to skiers, fat-tire bike riders, snowmobiles, dog-sledders and folks looking for a place to get their dogs outside in the wintertime.

Darby Ranger Station for updates on the road prior to arrival.

Twogood Cabin Winter-time dates of availability December 1st - 31st Twogood Cabin is a rustic cabin located on Porcupine Creek, five air miles southwest of Sula.

The structure was built as a range line cabin in 1952 and utilized as such into the 1970s. This one room log cabin measures 15’x19’ with a steep pitched roof. The cabin is equipped with a wood burning stove for heating,

2 two-burner propane cooktops and 2 propane lanterns (propane not provided).

During the winter months the road is usually plowed to Warm Springs Campground. From here winter visitors must x-country ski or snowshoe approximately 9 mi. to the cabin on an ungroomed trail.

For more information about these cabins or to make reservations please visit www.Recreation.gov or call toll free 1-877-444-6777.

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10 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, December 20, 2020

Stevensville prepares for its 58th Christmas bird count Ravalli Republic

Christmas time for birders means it’s time to clean the binoculars and spotting scopes, find the warm field clothes and be sure to find the bird guide.

It’s Christmas Bird Count time in the Bitterroot and nationwide.

For the 121th time citizen scientists will go to the field to count as many as possible of the birds occupying a 7.5 mile radius, 178 square mile circle. Compilers will report the results of nearly 2,000 count circles across the U.S. and another 500 in Canada, Mexico and Central America.

Bitterroot Audubon sponsors three annual counts around Hamilton, Stevensville and in the Big Hole Valley.

The 33rd Hamilton CBC occurred on Dec. 19.

The 58th Stevensville count will be held on Dec. 26. The 11th Big Hole count was canceled this year due to COVID-19.

The Stevi count, started in 1963, is one of the two oldest in Montana.

Yellowstone Audubon in Billings initiated their count the same year or in 1964.

The participation of anyone interested in learning more about winter birds in the Bitterroot. In normal years, beginning birders are paired with more experienced folks who know the area and the birds, but that might not be possible to the pandemic.

The groups gather at about 7:30 a.m. with the intent of getting

PERRY BACKUS - pbackus@ravallirepublic.com

Christmas time for birders means it’s time to clean the binoculars and spotting scopes, find the warm field clothes and be sure to find the bird guide.

to the field by daylight about 8.

Stevensville birders meet at the Stevi Ranger Station.

John Ormiston of Bitterroot Audubon said he normally travels with a group of people during the Hamilton bird count, but opted to go alone this year. The group also had to skip its 33-year-old tradition of meeting at the Teller for lunch featuring homemade chili and Oreos.

The National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count data represents the largest bird database compiled in North America with

119 years of records of bird counts throughout the U.S. Just considering the local data, Ormiston said people can learn something about the fluctuation of local populations and think about the range expansion of exotic or native species.

For instance, California Quail first appeared in the Stevi count in 2000 when 17 were enumerated. By 2005 they appeared in both count circles and 74 were seen. In 2010 participants counted 1,049.

Eurasian Collared Doves first appeared in Steve in 2017 when 11

were seen. They were seen in the Hamilton circle in 2008, but there were only 3. In 2018 over 1,200 were seen in the two count areas and 11 were sighted in the Big Hole.

The invasive doves rapidly expanded from Florida where they successfully moved across the Atlantic from Bermuda in the 1980s clear to Alaska and into most of the lower 48 states.

You can easily track current and historical data on the National Audubon website at http://netapp. audubon.org/CBCObservation/ CurrentYear/ResultsByCount.aspx.

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation,December 20, 2020

Winter recreation home delivered Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and online 7 days a week.

PERRY BACKUS - pbackus@ravallirepublic.com

Bob Martinka looks through his binoculars during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count in 2017.

The Stevi count annually competes with the other 33 counts circles in Montana for number of species seen.

The Bitterroot counts have averaged 70 species a year with a record high count of 90 in 2012 and over 7,000 birds counted. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge provides winter habitat for large flocks of waterfowl, as long as open water occurs. Over 158 species have been recorded in the Stevensville count circle.

Hamilton counters see an average of 67 species with a high count of 78 in 2013. The Hamilton area averages nearly 7,500 birds seen, many of them waterfowl on the Mansion Pond where open water remains available every year.

We’ve recorded 133 species in the Hamilton circle.

Weather in the Big Hole severely limits the number of species and birds seen. The average number of

species seen, 19, actually outnumbers the average number of participants by only one. But, it’s a great place for winter raptors and tundra birds that nest in Canada or further north.

Feeder watchers -- folks who identify the species and count the birds out their windows or in their yard -- annually add around 5 species not seen in the field at each of the Stevi and Hamilton counts. If you live within 7.5 miles of either the Hamilton Airport or the Stevensville Ranger Station you could help our citizen science project. Call John Ormiston, 360-9530 (Hamilton); or Dave Lockman (Stevensville), 777- 2929 to participate as a feeder watcher.

Please take the opportunity to enjoy a day out with a great group of people and help the effort to enumerate all the birds in three official National Audubon Christmas Bird Count Circles.

Call 363-3300 to subscribe!

232 West Main, Hamilton, MT • 406 363-3300 ravallirepublic.com

get outside

and social distance ski & snowboard rental daily lift tickets & season passes group & private ski or snowboard lessons

Text “snowing” to 406-625-0585 to receive alerts when it snows!

SNOW PHONE 406-821-3211 OPEN EVERY DAY FROM DECEMBER 17 - JANUARY 3

photos @atkpic -Alex Taylor Kim