Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

Montana · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Montana, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and American Wigeon 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

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

3/6/2026Back Rd, Polson US-MT 47.63544, -114.188312 observed

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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

2/24/202610143 Montana 200, Sčilíp, Montana, US (47.323, -114.465)2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

American Wigeon

753/6/2026

Mallard

603/6/2026

Northern Pintail

23/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

103/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/6/2026

Black-billed Magpie

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

223/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/6/2026

Common Merganser

23/6/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

33/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Northern Harrier

23/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/6/2026

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 Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge?
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.