“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 on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church. Members, the general public and visitors to the Billings area who are interested in birds, bird habitat and conservation 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 August 2022 newsletter, The Flyer.
Visit us on Facebook – the link is in the upper right-hand corner.
Join a birding trip – 2022 Bird Field Trip Schedule.
The YVAS mailing address is YVAS, PO Box 1075, Billings MT 59103.
YVAS Birding Field Trips 2022
In order for YVAS to sponsor birding trips, it is necessary that each participant 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.
August 6 (Sat) – Shorebirds, Hawks, Prairie Birds. Meet at at 8:00 a.m. at Rocky Mtn. College. Sack lunch. Mike Weber, leader.
September 3 (Sat) – Bridger Creek. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Itch-Kep-Pe Park in Columbus. Sack lunch. Stan Heath, leader.
September 7 (Wed) – Riverfront Park. Meet at 5:00 p.m. at the parking area on the right once in the park Mike Weber, leader.
September 17 (Sat) – Hawk Watch & Red Lodge Area. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Red Lodge Town Pump. Sack Lunch. Marco Restani, leader.
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 or donnbartlett@msn.com. For the updated status of trips, check back on the YVAS website, YVAS Facebook, or the Flyer. Links to these and the 2022 Bird Trip Schedule 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. In 2018, the US Fish Wildlife Service began issuing Depredation Permits to the Hatchery allowing them to kill native migratory Ospreys to save nonnative largemouth bass. MFWP has created a Working Group in 2021 to find solutions to these killings at the Miles City Hatchery. 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!
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