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.
Tag Archives: wildlife
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”
The Weasel of Snow
Least weasels are native to Montana but extremely rare, that is why I was so surprised when I saw one. It was a Friday afternoon at Maclay Flat. I was looking for owl pellets and Dottie was looking for the Barred owl. We were at the owl pellet tree when Mom yelled “weasel!”. True toContinue reading “The Weasel of Snow”
2024 In Photos
My favorite images taken in 2024 In this collection comprising 15 of my favorite photos taken in 2024, I will illustrate the imaginative and thrilling art that is photography. Each image and the work behind it is vividly described, leading to a collage of experiences that I had in the past year. I would alsoContinue reading “2024 In Photos”
Maclay Flat’s Owl Quartet
Missoula hosts a wide range of owl species, from the miniscule Northern Saw-whet to America’s largest, the three foot tall Great Gray. My favorite spot to go ‘owling ‘ is Maclay Flat, in which 4 species of these elusive raptors reside in the winter months. Amongst them is the Barred Owl. Their call, the popularContinue reading “Maclay Flat’s Owl Quartet”
Missoula Bird Nerds 