Sweet Grass Prairie Birding Tour

Join us for a 3-day/3-night prairie birding tour based out of the Sweet Grass Lodge on the J Bar L Ranch, May 15-18, 2026. Participants will enjoy an array of daily field trips in the varied habitats of the ranch and nearby areas, with an emphasis on observing and learning about prairie birds, as well as conservation ranching. The group will engage in a citizen science effort, reporting the results of their bird surveys to the ranch staff for use in guiding land management. Ranch managers will share info about regenerative grazing and their strategic ranching practices, which are aimed at improving ecological resilience on ranch lands. 

Participants will carpool or drive their own vehicles to the ranch (20 miles N of Big Timber). 

·      3+ days, 3 nights: Depart Bozeman Fri, May 15 – Return Bozeman, Mon May 18

·      $435/person double occupancy only

·      Includes 3 nights lodging in the Sweet Grass Lodge, and 9 catered meals

·      Small group: limit of 9 participants

·      Guides: Beth Madden, John Parker, Ed Harper

Registration will open April 1 on this page. For tour information or questions, email bethmadden64@gmail.com.