Amazing numbers of waterfowl, marsh birds and shore birds wing their way over the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, just off Highway 2, seven miles east of Malta.

More than 250 different species make their way through shrublands, grassy marshes and wetlands. Nesting colonies of white pelicans, black-crowned night herons and white-faced ibises lure the best of the country's birdwatchers, who know that late spring, early summer and late fall are the best times to catch a glimpse.

Precipitation is only 12 inches per year. The Milk River, draining the eastern slopes of the Montana and Alberta Rockies, is the source of the precious water for the refuge wetlands.

Location: HC 65 Box 5700, Malta Montana 59538 Telephone 406-654-2863 Fax 6

See more Wildlife Viewing.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming Montana Events Are: 30th Annual Montana PRCA Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals Great Falls January 15 thru January 17 Christmas Tours at the Conrad Mansion Kalispell November 27 thru December 27 Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade with Santa Whitefish December 24 Elves Decorate for Christmas Bigfork November 21 RUST - Rails Under the Stars Big Sky December 19

Other upcoming events include: Annual Ski Fest Essex January 16 thru January 17 Holiday Candlelight Tours of Lewis and Clark Caverns Whitehall December 19 thru December 29 Ice Fishing Derby Havre January 30 thru January 31 Sno-Ball Big Sky January 16 thru January 23 Christmas Tours at the Conrad Mansion Kalispell November 27 thru December 27