01-05-2025
Low Water Levels at Montana Lake Spells Bad News for Bird Watchers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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North Central Montana's Freezeout Lake, a key migratory stopover for waterfowl, is facing critically low water levels caused by prolonged drought. This shift is disrupting bird migration patterns, potentially threatening the region's tourism industry, particularly during peak birdwatching season.
Why It Matters
Typically, hundreds of visitors gather at Freezeout Lake each year to witness flocks of swans, geese, and other migratory birds make their seasonal stop. However, wildlife experts warn that birds are being forced to seek alternative sites along their migration routes, according to a report by KRTV.
Low water levels at lakes like Freezeout not only disrupt bird migration but also lead to a cascade of challenges. Reduced lake volumes may affect fish habitats, and sediment transport can increase, exacerbating shoreline erosion, according to a report by The Cool Down.
Two bird watchers photograph thousands of snow geese at the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area on March 24, 2017, outside Fairfield, Montana.
Two bird watchers photograph thousands of snow geese at the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area on March 24, 2017, outside Fairfield, Montana.
Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP
What To Know
Freezeout Lake serves as a vital rest stop for migratory birds heading north to the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic. Each spring, species such as swans and geese rely on the lake's waters and surrounding habitat to refuel for their long journeys.
The reduced water levels mean fewer birds may visit, potentially rerouting long-established migration paths.
The lake's dwindling levels are attributed to the ongoing global climate crisis and persistent drought conditions. While this year has seen slight improvement in snowpack, recovery remains slow, a local expert told KRTV.
Wildlife viewing at the roughly 12,000-acre area varies by season, with birdwatching as the main attraction. Over 230 bird species have been recorded, including shorebirds, raptors, prairie birds, and large numbers of waterfowl. During peak migration, the area can host hundreds of thousands of birds, with sightings of up to 300,000 light geese and 10,000 swans at once.
Elsewhere, regions like Eagle Lake and Lake Shasta in California and Lake Mead between Nevada and Arizona have seen water levels begin to recover following droughts or through conservation measures—providing some hope for areas like Freezeout.
Across the United States, lake water levels have been experiencing fluctuations caused in part by climate change. In the Great Lakes region, for instance, warmer surface water temperatures have led to increased evaporation rates and delayed ice formation, contributing to lower water levels in certain years. The variability in lake levels poses can pose challenges for water supply, infrastructure, and shoreline ecosystems.
What People Are Saying
Wildlife biologist with Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Brent Lonner told KRTV: "So far this year the snow packs a little better, it's still below average. It's better than last year, but it's going to take time to really build that back up. So when folks do come out this year, if you do, you'll notice that, especially the north part of the main part of Freezeout is fairly dry."
What Happens Next
In addition to local efforts, broader conservation programs—such as drought and water initiatives, habitat restoration grants, and water supply management—have aimed to support species facing habitat challenges.
