Maclay Flat Rec. Area

Montana · Rocky Mountains

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Maclay Flat Rec. Area is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Goldeneye 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/5/2026Bancroft Pond1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Bancroft Pond1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Nellie's Place, Clements Road2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/3/2026Erskine FAS1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided)

Junco hyemalis

3/2/2026Milltown SP--Trails1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

353/3/2026

Mallard

123/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/3/2026

Common Merganser

43/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Northern Flicker

33/3/2026

Black-billed Magpie

23/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/3/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/3/2026

European Starling

13/3/2026

House Finch

13/3/2026

Red Crossbill

253/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/3/2026

Song Sparrow

23/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/3/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Maclay Flat Rec. Area for birding?
The best months to visit Maclay Flat Rec. Area for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Maclay Flat Rec. Area?
Notable species at Maclay Flat Rec. Area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Maclay Flat Rec. Area?
Birding at Maclay Flat Rec. Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Maclay Flat Rec. Area?
Maclay Flat Rec. Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.