For years, people would seek me out in order to ask where to find which birds in Glacier. And, to be completely honest, I would seek out birders to talk with about the birds of Glacier as well! Finally, after describing specifically where to find the Timberline version of the Brewer’s Sparrow along the Scenic Point trail, a fellow suggested that I write a guidebook. And, here it is.
With the second highest number of breeding bird species of any park in the lower 48 states, Glacier is a fantastic place to expand your life list while enjoying spectacular scenery and some of the best hiking in the world. This trail guide will help you know what birds to look for and where to find them while learning about the plants, mammals, geology, human history and ecological context along the way. Fifty-three trails and other locations are described in detail with information covering over 170 bird species.
“The book focuses on birds first and foremost, but also covers plants, geology, mammals, basic ecology, and recommendations for what to do in the park, where to do it, and when.
It’s replete with 42 informational boxes with facts and ideas about such topics as the importance of a fungus to cavity-nesting birds, historic fire regimes and how Glacier National Park deals with fire, as well as Darwin’s theories on species’ evolution, beaver as restoration ecologists, giardia, and even mammals like moose.”
It’s replete with 42 informational boxes with facts and ideas about such topics as the importance of a fungus to cavity-nesting birds, historic fire regimes and how Glacier National Park deals with fire, as well as Darwin’s theories on species’ evolution, beaver as restoration ecologists, giardia, and even mammals like moose.”
“It can be useful for the hard-core birder but also for the amateur birdwatcher or just an interested observer of nature who is traveling Glacier National Park.”
“Unlike the typical dry guidebook, his stories and descriptions capture your imagination as if you, too, are part of his audience at Glacier National Park. The book not only provides an entertaining directory of the park’s resident birds but also points out history, fossils, mammals, wildflowers, and hazards along the way. The pages are packed with interesting tidbits and lighthearted anecdotes meant to enrich the visitor’s experience.”
“This book is written to be used as a trail guide while birding and hiking in Glacier National Park. The author dedicates a few pages to each hike and not only talks about the birds you can expect to see but also information on geological formations, wildflowers and plants, history and also some humorous side notes. He also has small inserts discussing birds, plants, mammals and geology in detail. The book was written in 2016 so some of the trails likely have changed some due to fires, however I have found it very useful in planning our wish list of trails to hike in 2020. This book is designed to take with you on the trail and use as if you were being guided by a naturalist. The author has been working summers in GNP since 1999 and I feel he does a great job passing on his knowledge and experience of the park.”
“Best Bird Guide Ever!
I feel like most of these reviews do not do justice to this incredible bird finding guide. If you are a birder going to Glacier National Park – you MUST get this book!!! My two sons are avid birders. Everywhere we go for vacation is a birding vacation. We have bought and used many Birding in X Place Guides …. they have been useful, but this book is in another class! David Benson knows the birds of Glacier incredibly well. The book not only tells you general areas, or specific hikes to take to see certain birds – it tells you which switchback, around which corner, in which meadow, practically in which tree to look! Truly it is an amazing guide that I can’t praise highly enough. We got all our target birds and were amazed over and over again how accurate and useful the book was. We spent a full week in Glacier using this book.”
I feel like most of these reviews do not do justice to this incredible bird finding guide. If you are a birder going to Glacier National Park – you MUST get this book!!! My two sons are avid birders. Everywhere we go for vacation is a birding vacation. We have bought and used many Birding in X Place Guides …. they have been useful, but this book is in another class! David Benson knows the birds of Glacier incredibly well. The book not only tells you general areas, or specific hikes to take to see certain birds – it tells you which switchback, around which corner, in which meadow, practically in which tree to look! Truly it is an amazing guide that I can’t praise highly enough. We got all our target birds and were amazed over and over again how accurate and useful the book was. We spent a full week in Glacier using this book.”
“This book is not only for novice birders! I have birded the Two Medicine Valley of Glacier for 15 years, and this book still helped me find a variety of species on various trails. I was far more prepared to find a Lazuli Bunting, let’s say, after reading the discussion of the Cobalt Lake area. The book’s organization is clear and instructive; each chapter focuses on the major areas of Glacier (Two Medicine, Lake McDonald, etc.) with discussions of the trails that offer the best birding opportunities. A section on the Blackeet Potholes, perhaps my favorite birding spot, is included though the potholes aren’t in the park. There are also interchapters on various ornithological and environmental issues in Glacier.
Benson’s book is accessible, and his quirky humor comes through. It is light enough to carry in your pack, but reading it the night before is advisable. Plus, reading it is fun!”
Benson’s book is accessible, and his quirky humor comes through. It is light enough to carry in your pack, but reading it the night before is advisable. Plus, reading it is fun!”
“Must have for birding and hiking at Glacier NP
This is an outstanding guide for birding locations and general distribution info within and around the Glacier NP area. Lots of excellent maps and appendix info as well. David Benson is a humorous writer, and an excellent guide if you are lucky enough to catch one of his scheduled walks in the park! His guide is just as informative/helpful for general hiking, as it is for birding, so this is an excellent addition to anyone’s research library if they are planning a trip to Glacier NP. It is also a nice size to carry with you in a backpack.”
This is an outstanding guide for birding locations and general distribution info within and around the Glacier NP area. Lots of excellent maps and appendix info as well. David Benson is a humorous writer, and an excellent guide if you are lucky enough to catch one of his scheduled walks in the park! His guide is just as informative/helpful for general hiking, as it is for birding, so this is an excellent addition to anyone’s research library if they are planning a trip to Glacier NP. It is also a nice size to carry with you in a backpack.”
“A useful book for anyone planning to visit GNP
Well written. Reader friendly. Comprehensive. A trail-by-trail guide describing which birds to look for and where to find them. Subtle humor makes an enjoyable read. A useful book for anyone planning to visit Glacier National Park even if not interested in birding.”
Well written. Reader friendly. Comprehensive. A trail-by-trail guide describing which birds to look for and where to find them. Subtle humor makes an enjoyable read. A useful book for anyone planning to visit Glacier National Park even if not interested in birding.”
Where to Purchase
Amazon.com
Kindle or eReader version Updated 2024.
I put out an inexpensive option
you can carry with you on your phone!
I put out an inexpensive option
you can carry with you on your phone!
The Glacier Conservancy
Paperback.
Support a really good cause while buying
a really useful book.
Support a really good cause while buying
a really useful book.