MONTANA OWL WORKSHOP
Why Montana?
Montana is the country’s fourth largest state, encompassing 145,392 square miles (376,564 square kilometers), and has one of the lowest human densities of all states; about six to seven people per square mile. Its habitat diversity and variable climate reflect its biological diversity. Among its alpine tundra, coniferous forests, plains, intermountain valleys, mountains, marshes, and river breaks, Montana lists 433 species of birds, 109 species of mammals, 13 species of amphibians, and 18 species of reptiles. Montana also maintains about 2,080 species of native plants. Join researchers for four full days of learning how to survey, locate, and observe owls in the field.
April 22-27, 2026
$2,995
6
DAYS
Most Species of Owls in One Place
While Montana boasts the largest number of breeding owl species in any state within the United States. Fifteen species of owls occur in Montana, of which 14 species breed: American Barn Owl, Flammulated Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Burrowing Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Long-eared Owl, and Short-eared Owl. Snowy Owls are winter visitors only. Although all species will not be seen, chances are good for five to seven species, and with some luck, eight species are possible. Highlights can include Great Gray Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Boreal Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Arrival & Dinner
Day 2-5: Field workshops and wildlife excursions
Day 6: Concluding activities and departure
Small Group, Unique Opportunity
During this educational workshop, you will meet and observe field researchers of the Owl Research Institute (ORI) who have been conducting long-term studies on several species of MT owls. Our group will spend one morning observing researchers conduct studies on Long-eared Owls. As part of the breeding season research activities, ORI researchers will band, weigh, measure, and record other biological data on this secretive nocturnal species.
We will discuss the importance of wildlife research, and how researchers share their findings with the scientific community and the public. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the natural history of owls, explore their evolutionary adaptations and how they have developed exceptional hearing, night vision, silent flight, camouflage, and hunting skills. You’ll have the hands-on opportunity to search for and dissect owl pellets in the field, uncovering the secrets of their diet.
Throughout the workshop, you’ll embark on multiple short walks to observe different owl species and scenic drives through some of Montana’s most breathtaking landscapes, including prairie grasslands and stunning mountain views.
Owl and Habitat Identification
Other aspects of this workshop include learning techniques for investigating woodpecker and natural holes in trees for cavity nesting species such as: Northern Pygmy Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and other cavity nesters. We will discuss the pros and cons of nest boxes programs for species such as the Boreal Owl. If we’re lucky, we might observe the elaborate “sky dancing” courtship display of the ground-nesting Short-eared Owl. We’ll look for stick nests in stands of trees around farms, tree groves, and woody thickets for species such as Great Horned Owls. A hike in the coniferous forest might result in a sighting of the very elusive Great Gray Owl.* This workshop offers a unique blend of education, exploration, and the chance to experience the beauty of Montana’s wilderness up close.
*Please remember that the schedule, locations, and numbers of owls can change, depending upon prey species populations and the timing and whereabouts of the owls.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - WED. APRIL 22: WELCOME
Arrive in Missoula. Travel arrangements from the airport to your hotel are available through the Doubletree Hotel. We will meet at 6:30 pm in the Doubletree lobby, and have dinner at the hotel restaurant – Finn and Porter.
DAY 2 - THURS. APRIL 23: MISSOULA VALLEY
This morning after breakfast, we will meet in the lobby at 8:30 a.m. for our departure. We will spend the morning in the Missoula Valley looking for Pygmy Owls, and the afternoon searching for Long-eared Owls, with lunch in the field. We will then drive north approximately 50 miles and arrive at our hotel in late afternoon for check-in and dinner.
DAY 3 - FRI. APRIL 24: MISSION VALLEY
This morning after breakfast, we will meet in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. We will spend the day in the Mission Valley learning techniques for locating owls that nest in stick platforms, such as the Great Horned Owl. A boxed lunch will be provided in the field. We will learn how to find owl roost sites, and hopefully collect and dissect owl pellets in the field. After an early dinner at Ninepipes Lodge, we hope to observe the “sky-dancing” courtship display of the Short-eared Owl. NIGHT:
DAY 4 - SAT. APRIL 25: MISSION & FLATHEAD VALLEYS
After breakfast, we will meet in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. to depart once again for the beautiful Mission and Flathead Valleys. We will learn how to check natural cavities for nesting Northern Pygmy and Northern Saw-whet owls. We will then hike through the forest and search for Great Gray Owls. Boxed lunch will be provided.
NIGHT: Ninepipes Lodge, Charlo, Montana
DAY 5 - SUN. APRIL 26: MOUNTAIN PASSES
After an early breakfast, we will make a long drive to the high mountains passes to search for Boreal Owls. We will be in snow, and it might be three or more feet deep. However, we will have fun trudging through the snow on several short walks. No formal lunch, but an assortment of snacks will be provided in the van, as it will be a longer day of driving. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner.
NIGHT: Doubletree Hotel, Missoula, Montana
DAY 6 - MON. APRIL 27: DEPARTURE FOR HOME
Tour participants may depart at any time on this day, departure day does not include breakfast.
EXPECTED WEATHER AND CLOTHING NEEDED
CONDITIONS: This tour has a mix of driving and hiking. Driving can sometimes be long and boring; however, there is much country to cover to find owls. Hikes are of two kinds: 1) short and vigorous 2) medium distance (about one mile) and vigorous. Walking through forests with downed trees can be difficult, as is walking over spring snow which can be mushy and strenuous.
CLOTHING: This time of year in Montana, it is advisable to dress for the unexpected as temperatures can range from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend cold weather, warm weather, and wet weather clothing. A hat, gloves,coat or jacket, shelled parka or overcoat, and boots are a must. We recommend light, layered clothing, as opposed to bulky, heavy clothing. Leisure clothing, such as running shoes, short sleeved shirts, and sweat pants can be a welcome addition.
DETAILS, PRICING, TERMS & CONDITIONS
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: The fee for this tour is $2,955 per person in double occupancy from Missoula, MT. This includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 5, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, ground transportation during the tour, meal gratuities, and guide services provided by the tour leaders. It does not include airfare from your home to Missoula and return, airport departure taxes, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature.
The single supplement for this tour is $595. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations, or if you prefer to share but have no roommate and we cannot provide one for you.
REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: To register please contact Jeanna Clifford at the ORI Office jeanna@owlresearchinstitute.org. The initial deposit for this tour is $500 per person. If you would like to pay your initial deposit by check, money order, or bank transfer, your tour space will be held for 10 days to allow time for the ORI office to receive your deposit and completed registration form which we will email to you. If you prefer to pay the initial deposit using a credit card, your deposit must be made with MasterCard, Visa, or American Express at the time of registration.
PAYMENTS: Initial tour deposits may be made by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, check, money order, or bank transfer. All other tour payments, including second deposits, interim payments, final balances, special arrangements, etc., must be made by check, money order, or bank transfer. Full payment of the tour fee is due 120 days prior to the tour departure date.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Refunds are made according to the following schedule: If cancellation is made 120 days or more before the tour departure date, a cancellation fee of $200 per person will be charged unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another ORI tour that will operate by the next year, in which case the cancellation fee will be $50 per person. If cancellation is made between 120 and 90 days before departure date, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 90 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post-trip extensions. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance for your protection.
If you cancel, your refund will be as follows:
120 days or more before departure date: Your deposit minus $200*
Between 120 and 90 days before departure: No refund of the deposit, but any payments on the balance will be refunded.
Fewer than 90 days before departure: No refund available.
*Unless the deposit is transferred to a new registration for another ORI tour that will operate within the next year, in which case the cancellation fee will be $50 per person.
Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of the terms and conditions of any of the contract for transportation or travel services, all sums paid to ORI for services not received by you will be promptly refunded by ORI to you unless you otherwise advise ORI in writing.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: To safeguard against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit.
EQUIPMENT: You should bring binoculars along with a belt or day pack (good for carrying books, sunscreen, camera, etc.). As a precaution, it is a good idea to pack your binoculars, a change of clothing, toiletry items, medication and travel documents in a carry-on bag or backpack. Your leader will have a spotting scope but if you have one and wish to bring it, feel free to do so. Other items to bring should include an alarm clock and sunscreen.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. YOU MAY BRING A SMALL CAMERA, BUT REQUEST YOU NOT BRING LARGE LENSES AND TRI-PODS.
HEALTH: If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication. As standard travel precautions, you should always be up to date with tetanus shots.
SUGGESTED READING: Our website, www.owlinstitute.org offers quite a bit of information on owls and the types of species.
• König, C. and F. Weick. Owls of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven and London. 2008.
• Mikkola, H. Owls of the World: A Photographic Guide. Christopher Helm Publishing, London. Second Edition 2016.
• Reid, F.A. Mammals of North America North of Mexico. Peterson Field Guides. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 2006.
• Weidensaul, S. Owls of North America and the Caribbean. 2015. Houghton Mifflin, Co., New York.
• Jennifer Ackerman, What an Owl Knows, Penguin Press
• Kerry R. Foresman, Mammals of Montana, Mountain Press
TIPPING: Tipping (restaurant staff, porters, drivers, local guides) is included on ORI tours. However, if you feel one or both of your ORI leaders or any local guides have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip, but is not required. Tips should be given directly to your tour leader.
RESPONSIBILITY: Owl Research Institute (ORI) and/or its Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel, and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. ORI and its agents can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. The right is reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute leaders on any tour. Where this is necessary, notification will be given to tour members. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. The right is reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of any tour. Baggage is at owner’s risk entirely.