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.

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.

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.

Sometimes in birding and life, the weather is going to be dark and miserable, and then you will get a break in that weather. You need to take advantage of these relieving interludes, and that is exactly what we did today. Sam and I went up to the Triple Tree Area, and spotted most of the usual birds, including a First-of-Year Willow Flycatcher, and many new butterflies for the season (Silvery Blue, Variable Checkerspot, and a possible California Tortoiseshell).

On Friday morning, Sam and I went up to Spanish Creek for a little forest birding. We also went to the Little Bear Creek area, which unbelievably neither of us had ever visited. We both had two life butterflies; Green Comma and Western Pine Elfin at Little Bear Creek Road.

This Sunday was the first really hot day of the year. I went up to the Mount Ellis area, and I was graced with wildflowers and sparrows.

Later on in the day, Non-birding Vida and i went up to the Hyalite area. There is still a considerable amount of snow up there, so no hiking to the waterfalls (maybe in a week or so). Along Hyalite Creek, there were many Milbert’s Tortioseshells and Hoary Commas.