The Wild Wings Festival, a celebration of the annual bird migration, will be March 21 - 23, 2025.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of light geese, swans and other waterfowl migrate through central Montana on their way north to the arctic tundra. A large concentration stop at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area in Choteau, MT, providing a few weeks of phenomenal birding in March.

All events are located at the Choteau Pavilion and Free unless otherwise noted.

Schedule:

6:30-10:30AM: Free Guided tours of Freezout Lake WMA and vicinity targeting light geese activity in the area. Meet at Choteau Pavilion parking lot for van carpool and caravan options.

10:30AM-5:00PM: Educational booths featuring: Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Boone and Crockett Club, Ducks Unlimited, Montana Audubon, Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Montana Dinosaur Center, Montana Discovery Foundation and Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest, Montana Wetlands and Waterfowl, Montana WILD, Montana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Sporting Lead-Free, Sun River Watershed Group, and Teton Conservation District.

1:00-2:00PM: Join Cory Overton, Wildlife Biologist with USGS Western Ecological Research Center for a presentation on waterfowl migration. Northcentral Montana is a critical intersection of the Pacific and Central Flyways, serving as a vital corridor for waterfowl migration and providing essential habitats for a diverse array of species, including ducks, geese, and swans. Recognizing the ecological significance of this region, a new tool being developed at the USGS, AIMS (Automated Interactive Monitoring System for Wildlife), is being leveraged in this region to enhance the management and conservation of migratory birds and other wildlife. By offering spatially explicit information on species activity, distribution, habitat use, and survival, AIMS empowers wildlife managers and conservationists to make informed decisions that optimize habitat protection and restoration efforts in this crucial migratory pathway. The tool allows users to visualize trends and patterns in bird behavior, facilitating a deeper understanding of how waterfowl utilize the rich ecological resources available in northcentral Montana. Moreover, AIMS fosters public engagement by providing insights into the importance of these migratory birds and the habitats they rely on, ultimately promoting community appreciation and support for conservation initiatives. Together, the significance of north central Montana as a migratory corridor and the capabilities of the AIMS tool create a powerful synergy for preserving the health of both waterfowl populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.

2:00-3:00PM: Join Ali Pons, the Program Manager of the Montana WILD Wildlife Center in Helena, to learn about their efforts in rehabilitating wildlife in the state.  The presentation will focus on the species that the center can rehabilitate, along with the successes and challenges they have faced. Additionally, it will outline the role the center plays within Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

3:00PM: Raffle - Great prizes from our sponsors. Vortex Binoculars, Red Ants Pants tickets and more! Must be present to win.

Check out our other Community Events:

10AM-6PM: Choteau Arts Studio Spring Migration Show. Including live music, refreshments, and activities from 2-5PM. FREE

11AM - Noon: Conservation Grains - Hands-on milling demo and talk about wildlife habitat and grain farming - 21 2nd St NW, Choteau.

5:30PM: Doors open for the Old Trail Museum Wild Game Potluck. Museum Fundraiser. Admission is a free will donation. This is a POTLUCK with game and non-game dishes, silent auction, live auction, and 50/50 drawing. Located at the Stage Stop Inn's Rocky Mountain Convention Center.

Bird watching at Freezout Lake WMA requires a Conservation License, an annual license purchased through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks licensing page: https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply