For the first time ever, we are excited to offer a Missoula Bird Nerds 2026 calendar! Filled with crisp and colorful images alongside little facts, the $40 calendar will be available until December 23rd. i.e. it might not reach you by Christmas, since it takes 1-2 two weeks to deliver. If you have any questions,Continue reading “Missoula Bird Nerd Calender for Sale!!!”
Author Archives: Dottie Moon
Calling All Arthropods (And Everybody Else Too)
Writer and naturalist Dottie Herring explains why arthropods are crucial to the well-being of the planet and dives into three disliked arthropods. Illustrated with stunning photography and art, learn a tip or two on tolerating ad perhaps even loving these creatures.
A Party With The Gems of the Treasure State
Photographer and birder Dottie Herring shares her thoughts on how to enjoy the stunning beauty of hummingbirds. Taking the reader step be step through the process of buying setting up and filling a hummingbird feeder, Dottie illustrates the post with beautiful photography take from her experience.
ZACC’s Youth Gallery is Filled Yet Again!
For the entire month of July, my photography will be on display at the ZACC’s Youth Gallery. This is my first photography show, so I am extremely excited to see how it turns out. During the opening last night, I talked about the prints for two whole hours! I was super nervous because Lucy hasContinue reading “ZACC’s Youth Gallery is Filled Yet Again!”
Smith River Delta, California
Our Subaru turns onto Mouth of Smith River Rd. “What a creative name!” I joke, “Oh, hello – I live on Mouth of Smith River! It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.” I have been anticipating this moment ever since Papa emailed me a checklist for the area a few weeks ago. I click theContinue reading “Smith River Delta, California”
Haystack Rock, Oregon
The metal stairs make a dull clang as I jump down each step. Sand poofs out underneath my feet as I make the final jump and land on the beach. The waves surge onto the sandy beach and a group of pelicans drift over the watery expanse. They veer as one towards a huge rockContinue reading “Haystack Rock, Oregon”
A Camo-covered Creature
A birthday trip to Charlo didn’t turn out the way I expected, I was determined to come back again. Searching for Long-eared Owls is challenging, due to their nocturnal habits and their choice of habitat. But I persevered and returned to Ninepipes WMA two years later. After two failed attempts, I found one – which really goes to show how far perseverance can get you.
Chasing Wild Geese at Freezeout Lake
As 12 year old birder Dottie Herring drives through a whiteout in Central Montana to witness the Freezeout Lake Snow Goose migration, she tells a story of perseverance, determination, and so much more.
Name That Bird : The Montezuma Quail
Post II The Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a heavily patterned quail that resides in the mountain grasslands and woodlands found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The male and female are nearly identical. The female’s call is described as “a quavering, descending series of metallic whistles with an otherworldly quality” (All About Birds).Continue reading “Name That Bird : The Montezuma Quail”
Name That Bird : The Wilson’s Phalarope
This is the first post of a weekly series in which I will feature a bird species that has been subjected to nomenclature (see the What’s in a Name blog post series). If you would like to, I would love it if you would submit a new name for the featured bird in the box.Continue reading “Name That Bird : The Wilson’s Phalarope”
Missoula Bird Nerds 