Birds – 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…

Piping Plovers

Their Problems, Their World Just smaller than your average Ticonderoga pencil, and weighing as much as a tennis ball, the Piping Plover forages sandy shores atop orange legs, snatching up small invertebrates with their stubby, black and orange beak. I am lucky enough to have seen one hunkered down on Sandy Hook, a peninsula juttingContinue reading “Piping Plovers”

Year of the Snake (and much more)

Writer, naturalist, photographer, and artist Dottie Herring shares her highlights from the past year.

Search for the Resplendent Quetzal

By Lucy I wake to the steady drip, drip, drip, of coffee splashing out of the coffee maker and into the waiting mug. It is 4:30 am and I quickly remember why on earth I would be awake so early. Today, we are getting up today to go search for the Resplendent Quetzal who isContinue reading “Search for the Resplendent Quetzal”

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.

Missoula Bird Nerd Calender for Sale!!!

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!!!”

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.