Deer Lodge native Gary Swant is teacher, scientist, bird watcher and author. His book “My Montana Birds” was written with the goal to help others get into bird watching.

Gary has traveled all seven continents to watch and study birds. He works with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Atlantic Richfield Co. (British Petroleum) to study birds in an effort to give us an accurate indication of the health of our environment.

Gary was a longtime science teacher at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge. After 25 years in education, he retired to focus on following birds full time.

A while back, Gary published a book called “My Montana Birds.” It is a book geared toward people who want to get into bird watching. He says anybody can bird watch, and you can do it from anywhere.

Listen in to this podcast to hear Gary talk about the places he’s traveled too and his favorite places to watch birds.  Listen to hear Gary say that Arie Grey wasn’t one the greatest students he taught. (To be fair, Gary said he wasn’t the best student, either.)

Gary currently owns his own business. You can read about that here.

Get your copy of Gary’s book by sending a check for $39.95 to Bird Squawk, Gary Swant, 800 St. Marys, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Gary will cover the shipping.

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