Education

CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 - (406) 961-4211

- Corvallis High School - Corvallis Middle School - Corvallis Primary

STEVENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #2 - (406) 777-5481

- Stevensville High School - Stevensville Middle School - Stevensville Primary

HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #3 - (406) 363-2280

- Hamilton High School - Hamilton Middle School - Daly Elementary - Washington Primary

VICTOR SCHOOL DISTRICT #7 - (406) 642-3221

- Victor Public School

DARBY SCHOOL DISTRICT #9 - (406) 821-3841

- Darby High School - Darby Elementary/Middle School

Jewelry for every Montana Lifestyle!

Traditional Modern Unique

jewelry for every lifestyle LONE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT #13 - (406) 777-3314

- Lone Rock School

CARLTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #15 - (406) 273-6751

- Florence-Carlton High School - Florence-Carlton Middle School - Florence-Carlton Elementary School

PRIVATE EDUCATION

BLODGETT VIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL- (406) 363-0575 HAMILTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - (406) 363-4534 PAROCHIAL PINES ACADEMY - (406) 961-3055

HIGHER EDUCATION

BITTERROOT COLLEGE- (406) 375-0100

SUMMIT CAREER CENTER - (406) 777-7232

Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate? WE CAN HELP!

Home of the Professionals

115 West Main Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 406.363.1250 www.coldwellbankerwsa.com

BIRDING IN THE BITTERROOT

Photo by Perry Backus

A glittering rainbow of kaleidoscope colors fill the Bitterroot Valley sky each spring and summer as the hummingbirds return to breed and nest here in Southwestern Montana.

Three distinct Bitterroot Valley hummingbird species are prevalent in this area, including the smallest breeding bird in North America, the Calliope; the feisty, rusty-backed colored Rufous; and the shy lesser seen Black-chinned. Males are quite colorful for attracting mates, where females are more gray and green to camouflage on their nests, aiding in deterring predation. There are many opportunities to view these migrating winged creatures in the valley while they linger to build fat reserves for metabolized fuel for the long journey south. It’s commonly believed by researchers that their average life span is 3 to 4 years, but amazingly, a nine-year old male Black-chinned hummer was captured and safely released along the Sapphire Range foothills in 2009.

To publicly view these Bitterroot feathered treasures, one may visit Skalkaho Steakhouse where there is a history of providing sugar-water feeders that host a marvelous variety of colorful hummingbirds. Also to relax and enjoy a wonderful meal while watching these winged wonders. The place is a buzz with the small bird’s wings beating 40-80 beats per second. A few other quick facts, normal flight speed, 30 mph. Heart rate 250 beats per minute at rest, normal body temp. 105-108 Degrees - truly amazing!

Teller Wildlife Refuge is the state’s only private wildlife refuge. It provides some diverse habitat systems for numerous birds and animals. The non-profit refuge is supported by grants and private individuals. They are dedicated to conserving wildlife habitat living along the Bitterroot River corridor, and serving as an outdoor classroom for people to find out about conservation issues. Teller has around 1,200 acres with various species to view.

Public access is permitted from the Woodside Fishing Access. Visitors are asked to stay on the main trail to the north or to the river side (west) of the trail. Access to the area east of the trail requires permission. For more information call (406) 961-4489.

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge was established on February 4, 1964 and has 2,800 acres in the Bitterroot River Valley. The refuge is approximately 2 miles north of Stevensville. It is located in a floodplain and provides a unique wildlife experience for the public to enjoy.

Refuge habitats - riparian woodland, wetland and upland are managed for the benefit of migrating songbirds, waterfowl, water birds and raptors. Riparian woodland and wetland communities are managed to provide optimum nesting, feeding and cover habitat for these bird species.

Refuge staff manages the Refuge and there are about 267 species of birds present in the Bitterroot River watershed and 242 have been recorded at Lee Metcalf.

There are trails paved and accessible for wheelchair users. For more information on trails and access call Lee Metcalf Natural Wildlife Refuge at (406) 777-5552 or www.fws.gov/refuge/lee_metcalf.

Photo by Carol Woodring