I went for a hike up to Lava Lake and extended it to a trudge up to Tabletop Mountain. The hike itself was great if not tiring. Not much in the way of birds, but a few butterflies. A lot of water is flowing in Cascade Creek. I found a couple of Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels at the rocks around the lake.

Panoramas

Map and Google Earth

Google Earth KML

We went on to Ennis and Yesterday’s Cafe for the best hash browns with sausage gravy ever. Don’t believe me, try it, I dare you. From the cafe, we traveled along the south and east sides of Ennis Lake to the north side, and then onward to Beartrap Canyon. The shores of the lake were thick with Double-crested Cormorants and American White Pelicans. Franklin’s Gulls were swarming over the adjacent grasslands for presumably flying insects along with 6 species of swallows. We come across a cooperative Osprey pair as well.

On the Madison River, the concentrations of American White Pelican and California Gull were outstanding. Along the Beartrap Canyon, we managed a few Spotted Towhees, Hammond’s Flycatcher, and White-throated Swift. The swifts were calling loudly as the caddisfly hatch from the river was bountiful.

What a day. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to see this bird, and I wish to thank Garrett MacDonald, Bo Crees, and the O’Dell Creek Ranch.

WilderTrack trip report

This evening I went for a quick jaunt up Leverich Canyon. Both Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes were singing along with McGillivray’s Warblers and Dark-eyed Juncos. I managed to run into both Hairy and American Three-toed Woodpeckers in the Douglas-fir forest above the old mine. The first orchids of the year were seen – Fairy-slippers as well as Trillium.

Trail Information

Today, Sam Koenen and I went up into the Bridgers and Battle Ridge for a little butterflying. We had several lifers and a cooperative Brewer’s Sparrow. The butterfly highlights were both Orangetips, Greenish Blue, Common Checkered-skipper, and Anise Swallowtail.  Full trip report at WilderTrack.

Full trip report at WilderTrack.

Every year (well almost), Sam Koenen and I make a trip to the Pryor Mountains and specifically Bear Canyon for bird species that cannot be found elsewhere in the state or are very difficult to find. These include Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Canyon Wren, Blue Grosbeak, and rarities such as Black-throated Gray Warbler. Full trip report at WilderTrack.

Our route took us first to Itch-Kep-Pe Park near Columbus and Barb Jaquith’s house in Red Lodge. The park produced White-breasted Nuthatches and a multitude of songsters. The sunrise was spectacular and Barb’s house kick ass as usual. At Red Lodege, there was lots of interesting variations of plumage coloration among the Red Crossbills. There was also a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird and several Cassin’s Finches among the Pine Siskins.

Leaving Red Lodge, we headed for Bear Canyon. When we arrived the morning was cool and ground was actually damp. Immediately, the Rock Wrens and Dusky Flycatchers were singing. We found many Blue-gray Gnatcatchers as the Sagebrush Lizards scurried in the undergrowth. White-throated Swifts were very active and vocal. Say’s Phoebes were in abundance as well. Besides the birds, we had several great butterflies; Acmon Blue, Melissa Blue, Sagebrush Checkerspot, Nevada Skipper and Juniper Hairstreak.

Leaving the canyon, we headed towards Gyp Spring for Mountain Plovers (hopefully). As we drove to the spring, we turned up Loggerhead Shrikes and Sprague’s Pipit. Arriving at the spot, we started scanning the short vegetation for the plovers, and there it was, a lone Mountain Plover followed by woo-hoos and high fives. After this we decided, to keep driving until we were south of the border – the Wyoming border that is. We had no maps or experience in this area, but we managed to come out at Cowley, Wyoming. We headed back into Montana and stop at the traditional Blue Grosbeak spot, and we could not find any grosbeaks. We did, however, turn up a Northern Mockingbird (my second state record). I managed a few documentation images. From here we headed back to Bozeman.

Full trip report at WilderTrack.

Singing Veery

This morning, I went for a walk along the Sourdough Trail where I was treated to the usual cast of characters. I manage to get a few decent shots and a nice video of a singing Veery, though.

In the afternoon, I decided to go for a hike along the new Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, which is a great route for birding and doing a little flower photography. I was treated to great views of Green-tailed Towhees, Rock Wrens, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

On Saturday, Vida and I had a great hike up to Pioneer Falls in the Spanish Peaks area. the hike goes along the beautiful Spanish Creek and culminates at the top of Pioneer Falls, a gorgeous ~50 foot waterfall followed by an extended cascade. Olivia had more than fun kicking it along the trail (I actually believe that she got tired).

Topographic Trail Map

After 3 days and nights  of solid work, I went for a little hike up to Kirk Hill for a little birding, photography, and relaxation. I took the unofficial “very” long loop that goes through several old cuts. The typical birds were singing and calling, and there were a plethora of Sara Orangetips flitting about as well. The hike was about 4 miles total and climbed about 100 feet, so it was a decedent workout also. This time of year the wildflowers are starting to really show off which made for some macro photography opportunities.

This evening, June returned from its temporary winter vacation. I went cruising around the backroads south of Bozeman, and had some good opportunities to photograph some rather common species that I normally overlook. I was using the truck as a mobile blind, and I have to say that it is amazing how well simply rolling up with the engine off works.