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”
Tag Archives: Mountains
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”
The Caching of Gray Jays
Gray Jays: the infamous “robbers” of food from campers and picnics. In late October, I enjoyed observing them gather fat from an elk carcass and caching it. Caching is when an animal hides food for later use, like a squirrel hiding a stash of nuts and seeds. The difference between the squirrel’s way of cachingContinue reading “The Caching of Gray Jays”
Snails of a Talus Field
By Lucy Herring We arrived at Moose Bend Rock Creek at 11:00 am in the subaru. Dottie, Mama, Papa and I all stare at the mountain we are going to climb. I look at the river and groan. I know the mountain is going to be very steep and tough to climb because I haveContinue reading “Snails of a Talus Field”
Hutsinpilar, Upland Killer
By Dottie Herring Our Subaru Outback glides into a pullover spot on Rock Creek Road and my family and I clamber out with enthusiasm. The sunscreen, water, and snacks are dropped in the spacious backpack and soon we are ready to go. The last thing to enter the backpack is the 22, for it isContinue reading “Hutsinpilar, Upland Killer”
Missoula Bird Nerds 