The Stunning Sandhill Crane Migration!

Hello! It has been a while, so time to catch up. Right now I’m sitting in a VRBO in Montana seriously considering moving back to the Treasure State. Not to mention ongoing worry about destruction of our National Parks and Monuments and privatization of virtually every part of government that is still standing. However, as we all know, worry does nothing but make you sick, so send letters, make phone calls, vote, we can only do what we can do–keep on keeping on my friend!

Enough of all that. We can all agree to disagree. That’s truly the American Way!

What a wonderful trip to Monte Vista again this year to see the Sandhill Cranes as they migrate north. The experience was a bit different than the last three years. Thousands upon thousands, but none very close. Saw ducks already in their most gorgeous mating colors, and a big surprise–at the very end, of course 😉 .

Check this out!

Pelicans and Cormorant–Trouble Makers Everywhere

What a surprise–American White Pelicans! Walking to a favorite local lake to see the waterfowl passing along our bird migration flyway. This was an unexpected delight. One of the largest birds in North America, it has a wing span of 9 to 10 feet, only outdone by the California Condor, endangered but making a comeback.

Wait, something’s up . . . come along

Beauty, Diversity, Partnerships Commingle at Ninepipes

We only have one day to explore Ninepipes National Wildlife Refuge. The weather is not too promising, but such is spring in Montana. Over the course of the day we may see sun, then rain, then sun, then clouds. An ever-changing landscape, but the birds are consistent. Waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors alike are nesting and beginning to raise their next generation.

We are 18 miles south of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. The refuge sits in the Mission Valley with the Mission Mountains east and the Salish Mountains west, but the center of our attention is the 1,672 acre lake in the middle of the refuge surrounded by many smaller ponds.

Entrance to Ninepipes is right across the road from the Lodge. You can see a bit of light above the grass line which is the lobby/restaurant entrance. Let’s explore a while before breakfast. It is a bit before 6am and the birds are calling as the sky brightens. Let’s see what surprises we find at sunrise!

Mission Mnts sunrise

So much to see . . .

SNAP*Shot: Eared Grebes

eard grebe2-7504

What a surprise! On my morning walk around Cattail Lake there were six pair of Eared Grebes. I have only ever seen them in Yellowstone but here they are. I know they nest in colonies, so maybe six pair could be a colony? I’m so excited that we may have baby Grebes close to home this year! The young ride on their parent’s back for the first two weeks of their lives. What a sight that would be! Let’s see what a little research turns up.

Continue . . .