When I lived in Sacramento I knew one of the trip leaders had lived in Montana. He often raved about the diversity of birds he had found in MT. It's true, I discovered. May was spectacular. Birders reading this post may check out Ebird postings for the counties of Gallatin, Yellowstone, Madison, Cascade, Jefferson, Broadwater and Lewis + Clark. Yes, it was alot of driving, there is alot to see in this state. Its not flat like so much of Wyoming.Spring was so green. Aspens that had been winter dormant for many months, popped their buds and grew little leaves.
This trail north of Bozeman had a good mix of habitats for birds. Meadows, riparian, roadside brush, and leafing out Aspen trees. Flowers will come soon.
Birds I did not expect: both Eastern and Western Kingbirds along the same road. Catbirds ! Mimicking, and singing of all their friends they spent the winter with. American Redstarts totally surprised me. They are not lost, other birders were reporting them as well.
These Blue-winged Teal males spent a month in the same pond. I wonder if the females are sitting on eggs nearby.
a view across Gallatin Valley, north of town.
The other good news is I have finally been accepted for a job. I am now the Administrative person at the Bozeman branch of Youth Dynamics. Look at their website, they are doing good things for kids.
I could not resist taking a photo of this young colt with the mare in a field.
I was watching a group of Lark Sparrows in a gravel parking lot when 3 Lazuli Bunting males flew in to join them.
Avocets have returned from wintering in Mexico and California.
an early morning photo, sunbeams thru the branches of a coniferous forest. It was a beautiful morning, with few birds.
