Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Gadwall, Northern Pintail, and Green-winged Teal 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/2/2026lee metcalf2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/2/2026lee metcalf1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/2/20262830 Iroquois Trail, Victor, Montana, US (46.445, -114.161)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

2/28/2026US-MT-Stevensville-1436 Middle Burnt Fork Rd - 46.4806x-113.97232 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2/22/2026Lee Metcalf NWR--Kenai Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

13/2/2026

Northern Pintail

13/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/2/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

13/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

13/2/2026

Bufflehead

13/2/2026

Canada Goose

503/2/2026

Mallard

403/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/2/2026

Wild Turkey

183/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

13/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/2/2026

Killdeer

13/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

53/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/2/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/2/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge include Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye, Barrow's Goldeneye. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge?
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.