The Long-billed Curlew is North America’s largest shorebird. It also holds the world record for the longest billed bird compared to body size. It uses its bill to dig deep into mud pulling out crabs, shrimp, and other marine invertebrates. So what are they doing in the prairies of Montana?!
Hello friend! It was a wonderful trip spending time with Sandhill Cranes this March. However, there was another site I know you’ll enjoy as much as I did. What a surprise to spend time with a flock of Mountain Bluebirds (Sialia currucoides). You cannot miss them hunting in the grasses. They clearly do not blend in.
Welcome back to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge for the spring Sandhill Crane migration! Between late February and early April up to 27,000 Sandhill Cranes spend time preparing for the next, perhaps last, leg of their trip to breeding grounds primarily in the Yellowstone Eco-system. Although not near as many as travel through Nebraska heading to northern Canada, what a spectacular sight!
Thanks to Susan Alexander for the video. A good friend who loves birds as much as I do.
LET’S GO!
It is such a joy that so many birds are in Yellowstone by May’s end. Oh the songbirds, the ducks, the swans, the grebes, and more. So come along on our bird adventure. Wow, look, a Mountain Bluebird in full mating colors!
