On this evening, I had the opportunity to go for a bout of night birding with a group led by Byron Butler and Tom Forwood (park naturalist). We went late in the afternoon toward the cavern entrance, and we had Canyon Wren, Green-tailed Towhee and Western Tanager. The evening started off slowly with a few …
Monthly Archive: June 2009
Jun
30
2009
Catching up
Over today (and hopefully only today), I am going to put out a series of postings that cover my adventures over the past couple of weeks.
Jun
29
2009
Hiking to Lava Lake and Tabletop Mountain
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 …
Jun
24
2009
Quiet Morning at Cherry River
This morning I went for a quick bird at the Cherry River Fishing Access. It was the usual cast, but hey beats working or sleeping.
Jun
22
2009
Twitching Montana’s First Presumed Eastern Meadowlark
Sunday, Sam Koenen and I went on a twitch for the first presumed Eastern Meadowlark in Montana. The bird is located in some sedge meadow habitat within a large private ranch that graciously granted us access with a field researcher, Bo. Bo led us right to the bird and both of us were able to …
Jun
18
2009
Leverich Canyon Hiking
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 …
Jun
17
2009
Battle Ridge and butterflies
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.
Jun
15
2009
The Pilgrimage – Annual trip to the Pryor Mountains
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 …
Jun
14
2009
Sourdough morning and Drinking Horse Mountain afternoon
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 …
Jun
13
2009
Pioneer Falls Hike with Vida
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 …
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