December weekends I spent following ebird reports. Where are birds found in the Winter here ? One successful trip was to Willow Creek, a small community to the northwest on the Jefferson River. One house had several feeders in the yard. I was excited to find American Tree Sparrows, Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Oregon Juncos, Evening Grosbeaks, and 2 species of Chickadees. I am still not used to hearing Blue Jays in this country. They are having a big range expansion.Photo to the right of an American Tree Sparrow.
The 2nd week in December is Bozeman Ice Festival. During the day many "clinics" are held in the canyons south of town to teach people how to ice climb. In the evenings movies or other presentations are held at different venues. I attended a few talks on X-C Skiing across Yellowstone in Winter, climbing 27 peaks in southern Montana in 4 days, making backpacks, and other topics. Many young strong people. I think I will not be trying ice climbing in this lifetime.
Sunrises and sunsets can be brilliant and colorful from the house.
Fire in the Sky
Bridger Range, Alpine Glow
Bozeman's Audubon group is Sacajawea Audubon, it is quite large. The December meeting filled to capacity a beautifully restored theater in downtown, even tho the talk was on Wolves and not on Birds. Sacajawea Audubon supports 7 Christmas Bird Counts in the region. Bozeman count, Ennis (one hour to the west), Livingston (to the east, a very windy area), north Yellowstone, West Yellowstone (2 hours drive), Three Forks (30 mins to the west), and Ruby Valley (only a few people birding this area).
I joined a CBC group on the 14th, and was assigned to the southwest corner of the count circle. My team of 3 people found 34 species, only because the section leader knew the area well. Who would know to look for Wood Ducks in the mostly frozen pond in a mobile home park ? I was told that some years Bozeman leads the nation in high count of Magpies. !!! Temperature started at 16 F and peaked at 27 F.
Christmas at the Museum office was fun. The store's manager saves all the samples he receives during the year. Monday (16th) he spread all those items out on tables in a classroom, added items that were not selling well, or were leftover from other events. Employees drew names for our "Secret Christmas person" and we each went "shopping" in the classroom. There was no money involved.
The Christmas Camel made a brief appearance mid-week. Picture a (plush toy) Bactrian camel about 3 feet tall wearing Reindeer antlers on its head, a red bow on its nose, and a brightly wrapped gift between its 2 humps. A very good looking camel.This photo taken south of town.
and a Song Sparrow at Story Mill Park.
