Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society is a local chapter of the National Audubon Society located from the Beartooth Mountains to the prairies of eastern Montana. YVAS hosts monthly Programs with a featured speaker September through May on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church (Billings). Members and the general public are invited to join us. YVAS sponsors birding field trips, ornithology classes, the Christmas Bird Count, a monthly newsletter, and various conservation and educational projects. Feel free to contact any Board or Committee member for more information.

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For the latest news and updates, see the February 2026 newsletter, The Flyer.

Visit us on Facebook.

Join a birding trip – 2026 Bird Field Trip Schedule.

Become a Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society member. 

The YVAS mailing address is YVAS, PO Box 1075, Billings MT 59103. 

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Birds in the Greater Yellowstone
Shawn Stewart, MT FWP Wildlife Biologist
February 16, 2026

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is one of the premier wildlife photography destinations in the world. Shawn Stewart, born and raised on the north edge of the GYE in Livingston, has been fortunate enough to be working as a wildlife biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in this special place for over 50 years.

Over that time, he has been involved in research projects on both black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tails, mountain lions, and elk, along with sage, dusky and ruffed grouse. From greater short-horned lizards to grizzly bears and from hummingbirds to eagles, Shawn has been capturing images of wildlife in the GYE since he first picked up a camera as a teenager. His photos have been published in Montana Outdoors and Wyoming Wildlife, as well as Orion and Ursus magazines. In 2013 his photo of a northern flicker won the grand prize in the Wyoming Wildlife annual photo contest. He has contributed numerous photos to various technical bulletins and books.

The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Mayflower Congregational Church on the corner of Poly and Rehberg. It is free and open to the public. Coffee and cookies are served at 6:30 p.m.

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        Mark your calendars for March 4th, 6 PM to 8PM.

       

        YVAS’ 1st Bird Trivia Night at the Thirsty Street Brewing Company.

       

        Come play, test your bird knowledge and win a prize!

       

        See the February Flyer for more details.   

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Upcoming YVAS Birding Field Trips 2026

Unless otherwise noted, field trips are open to the public and depart at 8:00 a.m. by car from the Rocky Mountain College parking lot on Rimrock Road next to Billings Studio Theater.

There are currently no trips scheduled in for the last half of January and February 2026.

For the current status of bird trips, check the YVAS website, YVAS Facebook or the Flyer. Links to these and the 2026 Bird Trip Schedule can be found above. To be added to the Bird Trip Notification List, contact Carolyn Jones at carolyn684@gmail.com. 

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Help for Injured Raptors and Other Birds Including Waterfowl

In eastern Montana, there are several resources you can contact for an injured or entangled bird including raptors, waterfowl or other species. The type of bird that may need assistance will determine the best person to call for assistance. For detailed information and recommendations from Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society see the guidelines that can be found under the Projects tab on the main menu. Please keep in mind that there are Federal and state laws in place that are important to consider before moving a bird.

Lawsuit Filed on behalf of Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society – Killing of Native Migratory Birds to Save Nonnative Fish

On behalf of Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society, Earthjustice filed a complaint against the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) for allowing the State of Montana to shoot and kill migratory birds in order to protect nonnative fish species. The November 14, 2024 press release, “Conservation Group Sues Feds Over Fish Hatchery Shooting Migratory Birds” can be found on the Earthjustice website. 

Hundreds of native migratory birds have been shot at the Hatchery including Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, Double-crested cormorants and Canada Geese. More information can be found under Projects.

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Recycle Your Aluminum with YVAS and Support YVAS’ Educational Fund

YVAS is accepting ALUMINUM CANS ONLY for recycling. The refund received goes toward YVAS’ Education Fund which supports a variety of projects – educational signs in public parks, Citizen Science Kits at the Billings Public Library and educational projects as requested. 

ALUMINUM CANS can be dropped off in secure bags at 918 Avenue C by the garage. Aluminum cans are the only items currently being accepted. If you are uncertain if a can is aluminum, try a magnet. It will not attach to aluminum. Aluminum cans can also be left with a board member at the Chapter Programs from September through May (those details are above). If you have several bags, contact Larry at larryhandsaker@gmail.com and he will be happy to pick it up.