Welcome to Yellowstone Valley
Audubon Society
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Education, Activism, and
Conservation
Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society located from the Beartooth Mountains to the prairies of eastern Montana. YVAS hosts monthly Programs with a featured speaker September through May on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church (Billings). Members and the general public are invited to join us. YVAS sponsors birding field trips, ornithology classes, the Christmas Bird Count, a monthly newsletter, and various conservation and educational projects. Feel free to contact any Board or Committee member for more information.
For the latest news and updates, see the September 2026 newsletter, The Flyer.
Visit us on Facebook.
Join a birding trip – 2026 Bird Field Trip Schedule.
Become a Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society member.
The YVAS mailing address is YVAS, PO Box 1075, Billings MT 59103.
Implementing the Eagle Protection and Offset Program (EPOP) at NorthWestern Energy
Marco Restani, Speaker
Monday, October 19th at 7:00 PM Mayflower Church Poly and Rehberg Lane
Golden Eagle perched on a power pole that has been retrofitted to be avian safe
A recent study found that the main anthropogenic causes of golden eagle mortality in the western US were shooting, collision, electrocution, poisoning, and trapping. This “take” of golden eagles can either be intentional (e.g., shooting) or incidental from otherwise lawful activities (e.g., collisions with wind turbines). Incidental take of golden eagles violates the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
A NorthWestern Energy crew replaces a power pole dangerous to birds with a new pole that is avian safe
Marco Restani will be discussing how the US Fish and Wildlife Service works with the industries to mitigate incidental eagle kills as well as protect eagles. Marco directs the avian protection program at NorthWestern Energy. He has studied raptors in Montana for 40 years. Prior to his time at NorthWestern Energy, he was a wildlife ecology professor. Marco attended the University of Montana (BS), Montana State (MS), and Utah State (PhD).
More information can be found in YVAS’ October Flyer. The program is free and open to the public. A social with coffee and cookies begins at 6:30 PM.
Upcoming YVAS Birding Field Trips 2026
Unless otherwise noted, field trips are open to the public and depart at 8:00 a.m. by car from the Rocky Mountain College parking lot on Rimrock Road next to Billings Studio Theater.
*CANCELLED due to rain and road conditions* September 19, Saturday – Hawk Watch on Meeteetse Trail (Red Lodge). Meet at 8 AM at the Red Lodge Town Pump. This trip is dependent on the road condition. An update will be posted. Marco Restani, trip leader. *CANCELLED due to rain and road conditions*
November 1, Sunday – Yellowtail Dam Afterbay. Meet at 8 AM at the Rocky/BST parking lot. Ron Kuhler, trip leader.
For the current status of bird trips, check the YVAS website, YVAS Facebook or the Flyer. Links to these and the 2026 Bird Trip Schedule can be found above. To be added to the Bird Trip Notification List, contact Carolyn Jones at carolyn684@gmail.com.
Great Horned Owl found near Joliet MT on highway. Photo – MRCC
Help for Injured Raptors and Other Birds Including Waterfowl
In eastern Montana, there are several resources you can contact for an injured or entangled bird including raptors, waterfowl or other species. The type of bird that may need assistance will determine the best person to call for assistance. For detailed information and recommendations from Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society see the guidelines that can be found under the Projects tab on the main menu. Please keep in mind that there are Federal and state laws in place that are important to consider before moving a bird.
Lawsuit Filed on behalf of Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society – Killing of Native Migratory Birds to Save Nonnative Fish
On behalf of Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society, Earthjustice filed a complaint against the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) for
allowing the State of Montana to shoot and kill migratory birds in order to protect nonnative fish species. The November 14, 2024 press release, “Conservation Group Sues Feds Over Fish Hatchery Shooting Migratory Birds” can be found on the Earthjustice website.
Hundreds of native migratory birds have been shot at the Hatchery including Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, Double-crested cormorants and Canada Geese. More information can be found under Projects.
“Recycle to Reforest”
Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society recommends that aluminum cans be recycled through the City of Billings Program, “Recycle to Reforest.” There are three collection sites located around Billings: Stewart Park, Veterans Park or Clevenger Park. The City will use the refunds to plant, enhance and improve the trees in Billings.