Exploring Makoshika State Park: Bluebird Houses

Makoshika State Park

Makoshika State Park ("ma-KO-sh(ih)kuh") is derived from the Lakota meaning "bad earth" or "land of bad spirits". Makoshika is one of the greatest probably little known places in Montana to go hiking, exploring, camping, blue bird watching, look for dinosaur bones, and much more. What does Montana's largest state park (11,531 sq acres) have to offer besides spectacular views, landscapes and rock formations? Amazing trails that wind through natural prehistoric landscapes offering up scenic vistas where you can see for miles, you may find dinosaur bones and maybe even an arrow head or two. (It is illegal to remove artifacts from the park, so please leave for others to find...but take all the pictures you want!) There is also RV camping on the lower portion and tent camping available on the upper portion. The best things to see can not be seen from your car window. Get out, walk the trails, explore and have fun! Oh, and bring water. Water is currently not easily accessible in the park. Check in at the visitor Center located at the entrance to the park. The rangers are knowledgeable and can give you information regarding trails and camping information. The gift shop is a great place to pick up a souvenir from your trip. All photographs are my own work unless stated otherwise. Please give credit if reposting.

Bluebird Sitting on it's nest

Makoshika State Park is host to 75 + bluebird houses. These little houses sponsored by the Friends of Makoshika organization, are scattered throughout the park. Although the intention is to provide a home for the bluebirds, other birds such as wrens and sparrows also build their nests in them. The bluebird houses are monitored throughout the season and data collected as to what kind of birds nested, how many eggs and how many survived. To follow along with this years stats, click here Bluebird Stats 2015.