Sunburst

History

Sunburst has its origins as a farming community and later saw significant population growth after oil development occurred in the 1920s. A refinery was built in 1922 with the discovery of oil in the Kevin Sunburst Oil Field. Since oil development in the area ceased in the 1970s, Sunburst has once again become a primarily agricultural town. The local high school gives homage to its past, as its students are known as the Sunburst Refiners. Its name comes from what is considered a dramatic sunrise that occurs when the sun comes over the Sweetgrass Hills and illuminates the local fields. Sunburst incorporated in 1924.

Geography

Interstate 15 passes through the community, with access from Exit 389. The Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area is nearby. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and is water. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Sunburst has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

Most-observed species

• Horned Lark

  Eremophila alpestris (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  58
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  44
• Rock Pigeon

  Columba livia J.F.Gmelin, 1789 · Aves
  28
• European Starling

  Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  26
• Canada Goose (canadensis Group)

  Branta canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  25
• Golden Eagle

  Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  24
• Western Meadowlark

  Sturnella neglecta Audubon, 1844 · Aves
  24
• Black-billed Magpie

  Pica hudsonia (Sabine, 1823) · Aves
  22

Most recent

• M 2.7 — 2024-04-10
  17 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana
• M 3.1 — 2018-10-22
  26 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana
• M 3.3 — 2017-11-22
  21 km S of Magrath, Canada
• M 2.8 — 2015-11-18
  13 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana
• M 3.4 — 2014-09-07
  36 km SSE of Magrath, Canada
• M 3.1 — 2014-04-02
  13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana