Day 3 of the Montana Big Loop
The second of three days in Glacier National Park, what an unbelievable treat for everyone on the tour. Today, we woke a bit later and enjoyed coffee and breakfast at Eddie’s Café in Apgar. The big targets for day were another chance at Pacific Wren, Harlequin Duck, and Black Swift. We carefully picked our way along the east side Lake McDonald with a productive stop at the Sprague Creek Campground. The ever-present Townsend’s Warblers were in full throat along with chorus mates Golden-crowned Kinglets and Varied Thrushes. Jon give a nice dissertation of the “western” Warbling Vireo...
Read MoreDay 2 of the Montana Big Loop
By now a recurring theme was solidly materializing during this 2011 Montana Big Loop, “I have never seen such weather or more water ever in my life in Montana.” But, who can complain as you start your birding in spectacular Glacier National Park. As the first of the morning light came spilling over the mountains, the roaring North Fork of the Flathead River illuminated to reveal the opaque color of the flood, the water reminiscent of chocolate milk. We arrived at Warbler Heaven, my little secret spot that can absolutely teemed with those little novae of color. Northern Waterthrush,...
Read MoreDay 1 of the Montana Big Loop
The first full day started with a birder’s breakfast (you know, greasy and early) at the ever popular IHOP, although I am still skeptical about the international portion of the name. Our first birding destination was the Old Sloan Bridge site near Dixon. Lewis’s Woodpecker is somewhat regular here, but for some reason last night’s luck followed us and we dipped on Lewis’s Woodpecker, but this minor disappointment was tempered by great looks at Hooded Merganser going into her cottonwood snag nest hole, Willow Flycatcher throwing his head back in song, Gray Catbird imitating all his...
Read MoreDay 0 of the 2011 Montana Big Loop
The first evening of my first trip for WINGS. I was immensely nervous and hurriedly mentally rehearsing the entire trip. Mulling over drive times and dining arrangements in the hotel lobby, I rapidly noticed a fellow birder. She was wearing the standard issue uniform – tan and khaki cloths, binoculars suspended on a shoulder harness, and field guide in hand. Introducing myself, I was warmly greeting with a British accent and broad smile. My first client, one who would prove to have true English resolve by the end of the trip. Soon, I was meeting and greeting seven more participants. After...
Read MoreMore Than Birds
Interact with Me
By PDGACO GaballaLoans