Kicking Horse Reservoir

Montana · Rocky Mountains

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

SummerFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Kicking Horse Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Cackling Goose Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan American Wigeon

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/2/2026Stinger/Leighton Rd. Pond, Ronan, MT., U.S.1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/2/2026Pablo (Reservoir) NWR5 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/24/2026Old Golf Course, Polson, Montana, US (47.695, -114.131)1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

2/24/2026Pablo (Reservoir) NWR1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

2/24/2026Pablo (Reservoir) NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Cackling Goose

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/25/2026

4 birds

Canada Goose

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/25/2026

Trumpeter Swan

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

3 birds

Tundra Swan

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

1 birds

American Wigeon

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

4 birds

Mallard

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

45 birds

Canvasback

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

22 birds

Ring-necked Duck

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

15 birds

Lesser Scaup

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

5 birds

Common Goldeneye

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

5 birds

Common Merganser

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

20 birds

Bald Eagle

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

2 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

1 birds

Rough-legged Hawk

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

1 birds

Northern Flicker

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

1 birds

Black-billed Magpie

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

3 birds

Common Raven

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

2 birds

Western Meadowlark

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

2 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Kicking Horse Reservoir

2/24/2026

5 birds

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Montana

Glacier National Park

Continental Divide park with alpine ptarmigan, Harlequin Ducks, and boreal forest species.

American Prairie Reserve - White Rock

Grassland birding hotspot in Montana with 211 recorded species.

Arco Ponds

Mountain birding hotspot in Montana with 239 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Best Birding Apps in 2026: The Ultimate Digital Field Guide

7 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kicking Horse Reservoir for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kicking Horse Reservoir for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.

What birds can I see at Kicking Horse Reservoir?▼

Notable species at Kicking Horse Reservoir include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kicking Horse Reservoir?▼

Birding at Kicking Horse Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Kicking Horse Reservoir?▼

Kicking Horse Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.