In early July, naturalist Dottie Herring visits the Lubrecht Experimental Forest in Montana to assist wildlife biologist Erim Gómez in tracking Painted Turtles. The project involves measuring, weighing, and releasing turtles, aiming to estimate their population. She explores the different steps in tagging turtles, and the habitat they live in.
Category Archives: Narrative
Western Screech-Owl Update
In Part Two of the owl updates, Dottie goes through the process of fledgling and the difficulties of finding young owls
Western Screech-Owl Update
The fifth segment of Dottie’s Western Screech-Owl Update.
Western Screech-Owl Update
The house buzzes with excitement as my family and I await the arrival of Zach and Hailey, researchers from the Charlo-based Owl Research Institute. When we first got in touch with them, the Western Screech-Owls living on our property were in the process of laying five eggs. That was four weeks ago. Now, those fiveContinue reading “Western Screech-Owl Update”
Western Screech-Owl Update
In the third Western Screech-Owl Update, Dottie Herring allows
Oh My Gosh a Screech Owl!
Birder Dottie Herring retells her experience of providing a home for the elusive Western Screech-Owl…
Year of the Snake (and much more)
Writer, naturalist, photographer, and artist Dottie Herring shares her highlights from the past year.
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.
Missoula Bird Nerds 