Dedication 



This book is dedicated to Montana's volunteer birdwatchers, whose passion for birding and 

 careful record keeping allow us to better understand our bird populations. Your efforts are 

 greatly appreciated! 



Volunteer birdwatchers are used extensively for collecting bird records because of their 

 skill and the enormity of the task at hand: the number of bird species, the variety of habitats birds 

 occupy, and the different times of year that birds use our state. Individual birdwatchers who 

 collect and report their records contribute an important piece of the information needed to 

 monitor the health and welfare of Montana's birds. 



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This book would not be possible without the thousands of records submitted by volunteer 

 birdwatchers. These individuals see the beauty, grace, and diversity of birds, yet also understand 

 that the conservation of our bird populations and the environment on which they depend requires 

 awareness and knowledge. 



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