As March winds down and winter loosens its grip on Southeast Montana, a remarkable transformation begins. The landscape that appeared dormant just weeks ago now pulses with renewed life as migratory birds return to their summer breeding grounds. For birdwatchers, this transition marks one of the most exciting times of the year—a period when each day brings the possibility of spotting something new.

What to Watch For

The skies and landscapes of Southeast Montana become increasingly active in late March with both year-round residents and returning migrants:

Year-Round Residents

Black-capped Chickadees remain active throughout the year, their cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" calls providing a familiar soundtrack to Montana's natural areas.

Downy Woodpeckers reside in Montana year-round become more vocal in spring as they establish territories, their distinctive drumming and "pik" calls echoing through woodlands.

Bald Eagles: Present year-round in Montana, Bald Eagles are more visible during spring as they engage in courtship displays and nest-building near waterways. ​

Common Spring Migrants

Sandhill Cranes announce their arrival with distinctive rolling calls that can be heard from miles away. These elegant gray birds with crimson crowns often travel in pairs or small family groups. 

Tree Swallows return to claim nesting cavities, their iridescent blue-green backs flashing in the sunlight as they perform acrobatic flights over water bodies.

Yellow Warblers bring bright splashes of color to riverside vegetation, their sweet "sweet-sweet-sweet-I'm-so-sweet" songs signaling spring's arrival.

Lazuli Buntings and Black-headed Grosbeaks arrive in late March to early April, the males' vibrant breeding plumage making them standout sightings.

Cedar Waxwings move through in flocks, their sleek bodies and distinctive crests unmistakable as they feast on remaining winter berries.

Special Finds

Patient observers might be rewarded with glimpses of less common migrants like the secretive MacGillivray's Warbler, the melodious Plumbeous Vireo, or the increasingly rare Upland Sandpiper in appropriate grassland habitat. Field Sparrows and Orchard Orioles represent special finds that dedicated birders should watch for.

Prime Locations for Spring Birdwatching

Southeast Montana offers several outstanding locations for spring birding:

Makoshika State Park near Glendive provides diverse habitats from badlands to pine forests. The varied terrain attracts different species, and the park's hiking trails offer excellent access to prime viewing areas. Watch for golden eagles, prairie falcons, and mountain bluebirds among the dramatic landscapes.

Medicine Rocks State Park near Ekalaka features fascinating sandstone formations that provide nesting sites for rock wrens, Say's phoebes, and cliff swallows. The surrounding mixed-grass prairie attracts grassland species like field sparrows and upland sandpipers when you're lucky.

Tongue River Reservoir south of Miles City attracts an impressive variety of waterfowl and shorebirds during migration. Late March brings northern pintails, American wigeons, and great blue herons stalking the shallows.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area along the Wyoming border offers riparian habitat that serves as an important migratory corridor. Watch for early warblers like the yellow warbler, vireos including the plumbeous vireo, and various flycatchers in the cottonwood stands along waterways.

Gear Up for Spring Conditions

Early spring birdwatching in Southeast Montana requires preparation for variable conditions:

• Layer your clothing to adjust for temperatures that may range from below freezing at dawn to comfortable by midday
• Waterproof footwear is essential for navigating muddy trails and wet grasslands
• Quality binoculars with good low-light performance will serve you well during cloudy days
• A field guide specific to western birds will help identify spring arrivals
• A small notebook for recording sightings, behaviors, and locations enhances the experience

Community Resources

Connect with fellow birdwatchers through the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society or the Montana Birding Facebook Group, which often organize group outings during peak migration periods. The Montana Bird Advocacy offers workshops on bird identification specifically focused on challenging spring migrants like the MacGillivray's warbler and plumbeous vireo.

As the landscape awakens in Southeast Montana, so too does the opportunity to witness one of nature's most impressive phenomena—bird migration. Whether you're a seasoned birder searching for an orchard oriole or just beginning to appreciate the black-capped chickadees at your feeder, late March offers the perfect moment to step outside, look up, and welcome back our feathered neighbors.

Please note that migration patterns can vary annually based on environmental factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting local birding resources or organizations is recommended.

Happy birding!