Due to a variety of climates, Glacier National Park boasts a considerable avian diversity. Glacier National Park is home to over 260 bird species, including aquatic, forest, and terrestrial birds. You'll have the best chances to see many different kinds of birds on your Glacier adventure during their breeding season from May to August.
West Glacier
Glacier National Park is one of the top spots to see harlequin ducks in the contiguous 48 states. Ducks and dippers are abundant in MacDonald Creek, starting from the lake and up to the Sacred Dancing Cascades. Fish Creek campground and picnic area, near Apgar, is another destination to look for harlequins and other aquatic birds. Some of the best hikes for birding include Trail of the Cedars, a half-mile boardwalk that goes through the lush old-grown forest. Thrush and swifts are especially abundant in the area. Logan Pass is a good place to look for bird species that prefer alpine meadows: willows, ptarmigans, and gray-crowned rosy finches.
East Glacier
The Two Medicine Valley is another excellent birding destination in Glacier National Park. The Two Medicine Campground area and Medicine Lake Trail feature Steller’s jay, pine grosbeak, and olive-sided flycatcher.
You can also spot many blue herons, Canada geese, and tundra swans in Glacier Country. Great horned owls and rare northern hawk owls can be found in the park occasionally. Resident species also include bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, falcons, and hawks.
Practical info
What makes Glacier National Park a destination for birdwatchers?
Glacier National Park is home to over 260 bird species owing to its diverse habitats, and this diversity makes it a birding hotspot. The park encompasses aquatic, forest, and terrestrial environments, harboring rare birds like harlequin ducks and pine grosbeaks. Birdwatchers can observe different bird species in natural, active environments unique to the park. Show more
What is the ideal time for birdwatching in Glacier National Park?
The park is ideal for birdwatching between May and August, owing to the birds' breeding season. This period provides opportunities to watch mating rituals and newly hatched chicks. Warmer weather during this period also makes birdwatching easy and comfortable, allowing visitors to explore the park's forest and meadows with ease. Show more
Where are harlequin ducks commonly found at Glacier National Park?
Harlequin ducks are common in the west of Glacier National Park, making it one of the top spots to spot them in the contiguous 48 states. MacDonald Creek is an excellent place to observe harlequins from its lake to the Sacred Dancing Cascade. Alternatively, visitors can also spot harlequins and other aquatic birds at Fish Creek campground and picnic area located near Apgar. Show more
Which hikes should I consider for birdwatching when visiting Glacier National Park?
Trail of the Cedars is perfect for birdwatchers in Glacier National Park as it features a half-mile boardwalk through lush old-growth forest where birds like thrush and swifts thrive. At Logan Pass, visitors can observe alpine meadow bird species including willows, ptarmigans, and gray-crowned rosy finches. Show more
Which bird species can I encounter in Two Medicine Valley at Glacier National Park?
Two Medicine Valley is home to numerous exceptional bird species ideal for birdwatching. Visitors to the valley can watch Steller's jay, pine grosbeak, and olive-sided flycatcher, among others, in a natural and active environment. Besides, the area is also habitat to abundant blue herons, Canada geese, and tundra swans and occasioned by rare birds like Great horned owls and northern hawk owls and resident species such as bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, falcons, and hawks. Show more
