On Wed, 26 Feb 1997, Kathleen Hunt wrote:

> I'm planning a field season to Montana to look at chestnut-collared and
> McCown's longspurs. And, if
> anyone is familiar with the longspur populations of Montana, I'd love to
> talk with you!

First, I strongly recommend you get a copy of Terry McEneaney's _The
Birder's Guide to Montana_; that was my basic guide, and I found it
invaluable, even though it requires some corrections.

McCown's Longspurs: I did not find these on the way east, and Terry
gave me directions to the place where I finally did find them, in
Harlowton. If you're on I-90, leave the freeway at Big Timber, between
Bozeman and Billings, and drive Highway 191 north to Harlowton.
(Highway 12 runs through it east-west, or take 191 south from the
Lewistown area.) The highway jogs east through town for a couple of
miles (along with 12) and then takes off north again. Stop right there.
You could probably park at a gas station or something there; I stopped
where there's a kind of parking lane, maybe for chaining up. Walk north
along 191 for no more than 200 meters or so, watching the fields to the
east of the highway. Happily, the highway is above the fields, and one
can walk safely on the slope leading down to the fields. McCown's do
not perch on fences; rather, they fly up in the air and then sail down, and
as they are descending they spread their tails and show the characteristic
T pattern. You should be able to see a number of birds flying, and you
can get a good look at some of them waddling along in the grass--they
prefer areas with short, sparse grass--especially with a spotting scope.

Billings area: Take highway 302 west from Billings to Molt; it's easiest
if you take Rimrock Road in Billings. As you approach Molt, you'll find
the fields rich in Lark Buntings. Just before the road enters Molt (which
is a nothing little town), look to your left and you'll see where Eastlick
Road begins. (Read pp. 176-177 in McEneaney.) It is not a bad little
road, although I would think twice about it if it has been raining lately and
your car isn't designed for rough travel. It goes about 2 miles past the
home of the Eastlick family, then joins a cross-road (Molt-Rapelje road,
although I didn't see any signs) going north (right); drive along here
slowly. That's where I found my first Chestnut-collared Longspur. They
like to sit on fences, with their tails hanging straight down. A generally
good area for prairie sparrows, Horned Larks, Lark Buntings, and such.

Lambert and Fox Lake: On the far eastern side of the state, stop in
Sidney. I got a nice motel room there very cheap. From just south of
town, get on highway 200 and drive west about 20 miles to Lambert. Drive
right through town--there's nothing to stop for there, except that as you
enter the town you'll see a marsh downhill to the left of the road (east),
and it's worth checking out. About the only street crossing the main
street is Railroad St. (Ave.?), and 0.5 mile from there, going south,
you'll come to a dirt road leading off to the west; look for a sign
directing you to a bible camp. Turn right on this road and drive 0.8
miles to the entrance to Fox Lake Wildlife Management Area, being
restored. Probably best to park on the road outside the area; don't try
to drive in. Most of the area is a wonderful marsh, with Wilson's
Phalarope, Avocets, Whimbrels, and many ducks. The dirt road running past
this wildlife area runs on for miles and miles, and if you drive it for a
while, you can check out sparrows and such along the way. The area is
full of Lark Buntings and hosts Chestnut- collared Longspurs.

Burt Guttman guttmanb at elwha.evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College Voice: 360-866-6000, x. 6755
Olympia, WA 98505 FAX: 360-866-6794

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