“Building on the tradition of special interest in birds, Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society is organized to promote enjoyment and protection of natural environment through education, activism, and conservation of bird habitat.”
Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society hosts a Public Program Series with a featured speaker September through May the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church. A social hour with cookies and coffee precedes the program at 6:30. We welcome new members as well as the general public and visitors to the Billings area who are interested in birds, bird habitat and conservation to join us. YVAS sponsors birding field trips, ornithology classes, the Christmas Bird Count, and various conservation and educational projects. Feel free to contact any Board or Committee member.
For the latest news from YVAS, see our January 2022 newsletter, The Flyer.
Visit us on Facebook – the link is in the upper right-hand corner.
Join us on a birding trip – Bird Field Trip Schedule.
The YVAS mailing address is: YVAS, PO Box 1075, Billings MT 59103.
Avian Protection at NorthWestern Energy
Marco Restani, Speaker
Monday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Mayflower Church
Power companies, wildlife agencies, and conservation organizations have collaborated for decades to reduce bird electrocutions and collisions with power lines. Borne from these efforts was the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC). Today APLIC counts among its members over 50 utilities, the Edison Electric Institute, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. 
In 2005 APLIC and the US Fish and Wildlife Service released Avian Protection Plan (APP) Guidelines. NorthWestern Energy is an active member of APLIC and implements an APP across its entire electrical system.
Marco Restani is a Wildlife Biologist at NorthWestern Energy responsible for developing and implementing the company’s avian protection program.
Masks are required inside the Mayflower Church and Covid vaccination is encouraged. Seating will be arranged with Covid management in mind.
YVAS Birding Field Trips 2022
In order for YVAS to sponsor birding trips, it is necessary that each participant to follow Covid-19 safety measures. Wear a mask when prudent, distance appropriately between others, and do not share binoculars or scopes. Make transportation arrangements ahead of time if possible. Carpooling cannot be guaranteed due to covid.
There are no birding trips planned for February at this time.
If you would like to be notified of impromptu trips or for updated information on current birding trips, contact Donn Bartlett at 406-812-1008. For the updated status of trips, be sure to check the YVAS website at yvaudubon.org, YVAS Facebook, and the Flyer. Links can be found above.
The Permitting & Killing of Fish-eating Birds at the Miles City Hatchery
The easternmost breeding population of Ospreys on the Yellowstone River has been lethally removed by MT Fish Wildlife & Parks’ Miles City Hatchery. The US Fish Wildlife Service has granted the Hatchery a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit allowing them to kill Ospreys since 2018. MFWP has created a Working Group to find solutions to these killings at the Miles City Hatchery. The first meeting was in June 2021. The second meeting wasn’t held until December 2021. More information can be found in these documents; Shooting Birds at the Miles City Hatchery (070821) and Protect The Wild Fishing Birds Of Eastern Montana (121321).
The Twine Collection & Recycling Site is Open and Accepting Clean Twine
Deliveries of clean, dry twine can be made year-round, weather dependent. Small deliveries can be left in the shed or in the outside bin. Access is through the red pedestrian gate to the left of the locked vehicle gate. For large loads requiring vehicle access or for assistance with AG totes/bags, please call in advance. Leave a message at 406-591-8606 and we will return the call.
The TCRS is located 2½ miles north of Laurel on the west side of Buffalo Trail Rd. Or, 3/4 of a mile north of the intersection of Laurel Airport Rd with Buffalo Trail Rd. For more details, see our location map, TCRS Brochure and “Why Recycle Twine”.
Like all recycled plastics, the twine will need to be 90% to 100% clean. Net wrap (mesh) is not being accepted since most mesh is not recyclable and it is one of the most difficult plastics to clean. For addition information about the Twine Collection Project, follow this link. If you would like to volunteer, contact Deb Regele at debregele@gmail.com or 406-962-3115 and leave a message.
We want your photos!
[/av_section]
