Summer keeps rolling along
Yesterday was a completely enjoyable, we went for a hike and last night was host to spectacular lightning storm. But the day got off to great start with a surreal sunrise. The hike was along Bass Creek to the old log jam at the boundary of the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness. It was about 5 miles and just enough for us. Butterflies abounded, although the only good shot I got was of the Lorquin’s Admiral, which is AWESOME. The fields below the trailhead are filled with Bobolinks that are singing constantly. ...
Read MoreSo many reasons to be grateful
Waking up on Saturday morning, I went down to the old reliable birding spot. The birds present were the usual cast of characters. You know Canada Geese, Mallards, Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers, Cinnamon Teals, and American Coots. The hordes of male Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds called from the cattails. The first female Red-winged Blackbirds had also arrived. I had an amazing opportunity to photography a rather cooperative Northern Shoveler drake, a species that I have never gotten a decent image of in the past. What a beautiful morning. After some lunch, I decided...
Read MoreButterflies of 2009
As the year draws to an end and the temperatures hover below the freezing point, my thoughts have turned to butterflies – both the ones I’ve seen and the others still waiting for me. ...
Read MoreIndependence Day
July 4th, Independence Day – so what better time to wade chest deep in the middle of a bunch of grebes? There were plenty of Western and Eared Grebes swimming around – definitely a great experience. On the way back to Bozeman, I decided to drive up to Fairy Lake and do a little off-trail exploring. The results were a soul fulfilling time in an alpine meadow with spectacular views of the Bridger Range. ...
Read MoreBattle 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...
Read MoreThe 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 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...
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