birding – Missoula Bird Nerds

Western Screech-Owl Update

In the third Western Screech-Owl Update, Dottie Herring allows

4/26/2026 A creature of night-time prowls, the owl is more often heard than seen. Tonight, Mom, Papa, Lucy, Fred, Charla, and I sit in a loose semicircle around the nesting box, the sky darkening around us. As the light fades from the crisp air, everything forms into the shape of owls which slips into shadows.Continue reading “Western Screech Owl Update”

Western Screech-Owl Update

April 19th, 2026 This is a follow-up segment to the post “Oh My Gosh, A Screech Owl!” from last week. Basically, I am just so excited about the owls and want to share their life and our experience with you. Each week, I will post another update, until the owls have left the nesting box.Continue reading “Western Screech-Owl Update”

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.

The Nest Nature Center

Writer, birder, and photographer Dottie Herring explains the threat of deforestation and how Costa Rica’s Nest Nature Center is working hard to fight back against it.

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.

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”

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.