Category Archive: Butterflies

Apr
26
2010

So many reasons to be grateful

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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 …

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Dec
12
2009

Butterflies 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.                      

Jul
04
2009

Independence 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 …

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Jun
17
2009

Battle Ridge and butterflies

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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

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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 …

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Jun
14
2009

Sourdough morning and Drinking Horse Mountain afternoon

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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 …

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Jun
13
2009

Pioneer Falls Hike with Vida

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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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Jun
10
2009

Moments of solitude

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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 …

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Jun
03
2009

A break in the weather

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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 …

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May
29
2009

Spanish Creek Morning

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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.           …

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