Coming back from Big Sky on Sunday afternoon, I came across a small bachelor herd of Bighorn Sheep rams. Within the herd, there were two full-curl rams, one of which was very cooperative. It was a really treat to take image after image of this ram as he pawed through the snow to eat grasses that have long since given up most of their nutritional value, which is close of cardboard. Ultimate survivors are these creatures. When the deer and elk have traveled to lower elevations, the bighorns are pawing through the snow.

The mountain under which I was raised

I awoke this morning to a fall snap in the air, and I was reminded that the summer of 2009 is drawing to an end. Maybe it is a memorial to the warm weather, but I have selected my favorite 25 images from the summer.

We took off for Glacier National Park, and we drove the back roads and had a quick and productive stop at Freezout Lake.

After Freezout, we headed towards Browning and Glacier, when we encountered a really good thunderstorm.

We stayed the night at the St. Mary Campground; however, we had to wait for the weather to break before we set up the tent for the evening. No better time for a drink.

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.

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.

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.

This evening, June returned from its temporary winter vacation. I went cruising around the backroads south of Bozeman, and had some good opportunities to photograph some rather common species that I normally overlook. I was using the truck as a mobile blind, and I have to say that it is amazing how well simply rolling up with the engine off works.

In Montana, we learn that June doesn’t necessarily mean summer. Today, there was several inches of fresh snow in the Hyalites, so I naturally decided to grab Olivia and go for an early morning hike to Arch Falls. The gray skies and heavy, wet snow didn’t make for many photo opportunities, but the stillness of the air and sound of falling snow made for a memorable morning. Not many birds, save for a few American Robins, Golden-crowned Kinglets and Dark-eyed Juncos.