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.

Western Grebe  Western Grebe Western Grebe 
Eared Grebe Eared Grebe Eared Grebe
Killdeer Sage Thrasher Sage Thrasher

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.

White-crowned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow DSC_1872
Sacajawea Peak Phlox  DSC_1875
 Buttercup DSC_1919
DSC_1910-Edit 

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 well as Trillium.

Fairyslipper Western Trillium Western Meadowrue
Blue Clematis View from on top Hairy Woodpecker

Trail Information

Distance: 3.4 miles
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gained: 1300 feet
Google Earth File: Link
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.

 

American Goldfinch Veery Veery
Cedar Waxwing Cedar Waxwing Cedar Waxwing

DSC_8660 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.

 

 

DSC_8623 DSC_8627 Yellow Salsify
Hairy Arnica Hairy Arnica DSC_8632
DSC_8645 Long-leaved Phlox Brown-eyed Susan
Yellow Sweet-vetch Sticky Geranium Rocky Mountain Iris
Cow-parsnip Cow-parsnip Bozeman from Drinking Horse Mountain
Heart-leaved Arnica False Solomon's-seal habitat shot
Rockcress Yarrow Rock Wren
View of the Hyalite Range Clark's Nutcracker Green-tailed Towhee
Green-tailed Towhee Blue Penstemon Arrow-leaved Balsamroot
DSC_8781 Lemonweed  Field Chickweed 

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.

Pasqueflower Wyoming Kittentails Vesper Sparrow
Lomatium Granite abstract Yellow Bell
Glacier Lily Shootingstar Singing Savannah Sparrow

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.

Hyalite Range Hyalite Range Milbert's Tortioseshell
Milbert's Tortioseshell   Hoary Comma
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