benton lake national wildlife refuge

This was so good, we happily went twice during our visit to Great Falls. An easy drive north of town takes you to this wildlife reserve.the large wetlands supports a large number of waterfowl, waders, peeps and etc. the prairie around contained great grassland species - like chestnut collared long spur.

We visited Benton Lake to see the birds. In the middle of the plains outside of Great Falls, Montana, we were the only visitors our entire stay. And the birds didn't like it. One greeted us at the entrance, another swooped the car and stood in the middle of road as if to tell us not to come here. But it was so worth the visit. Saw Black Necked Stilts, Willets, lot of Mallards with their babies. Quiet and peaceful. Great view of the what the plains before cities must have looked like.

I will be there again this weekend, the wetlandsvrefuge just a few miles out of Great Falls, full of grasses, birds and life. Think about Ryan's Dam too.

This is truly an oasis -- most of the surrounding country is in dry land farming. Even in August, there was enough water present to provide a good variety of bird life, primarily wading birds with some waterfowl and some grassland birds. Portions of the "lake" were mostly dry at this time, since the refuge is managed for waterfowl migration; pumps had recently been turned on to start increasing water levels in preparation for Fall migratory birds. The visitor center is in excellent condition and the displays are very informative, highlighting local wildlife. The staff was very friendly and helpful. There are two drives, one of which is sometimes closed (check the visitor center or web site for the schedule); the gravel surfaces are well maintained. I saw 39 species of birds and four mammal species in about four hours on a very hot (near 100 degree), sunshine day.

If you like birds, be sure to stop here for some good grassland birds and waterfowl. I went in early July and got to see marbled godwit, willet, long-billed curlew, grebes and lots of mallards with ducklings in tow!

quiet and serene and different birds all the time. nice spot any time of year.

Have volunteered at the Refuge and felt like I was really making a contribution in doing bird counts.