Category Archives: Wildlife

The Goldens

Posted on May 28, 2015 by westerner54

I’m sitting on the side of a steep hill, scoping out a stunning Golden Eagle nest.  The eagle in the nest is doing the same thing she’s been doing for the past 6 weeks – laying in the nest.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Malheur Wildlife Refuge

Posted on May 14, 2015 by westerner54

I’m standing on the edge of the Blitzen River, watching – and being watched by – a pair of Northern Harriers.  I think they must have a nest nearby, since they don’t seem to like the fact that I’m hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Sneaky Critters

Posted on May 1, 2015 by westerner54

They’re out there. You know they are. The critters are all around us, watching…they know we’re there, that’s for sure. If we’re patient, we might find them. There’s someone on this snowy Yellowstone hillside.   Do you see him? No? … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Being Here, Being Now

Posted on April 19, 2015 by westerner54

I’m sitting in a meadow near Harrison Lake, watching a pair of Short-eared Owls courting high above me.  Their soft “wup-wup-wups” and the wing-clapping of the male is surprisingly loud, even when they’re hundreds of feet away.   A pair … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Spring in Yellowstone? How Can You Tell?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by westerner54

Blowing snow, blowing wind….freezing my tush off.  Springtime in Yellowstone. A ghostly coyote wanders through the blowing snow.   I don’t imagine he’s too impressed with the weather, either. The trade off, of course, is an empty park.   And … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , | 19 Comments

Sun, Sky and Snow: A Winter Day in Yellowstone

Posted on January 31, 2015 by westerner54

Breaking trail on a perfect winter day in Yellowstone.   See you in the Spring, Yellowstone!

Posted in Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Now You See Me…

Posted on January 19, 2015 by westerner54

Yesterday’s task was to try and find a Great Horned Owl that we knew was hanging around some old cottonwoods not too far from our house.    We tramped around the slushy woods, looking for that distinctive owl silhouette on … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Tracking the Toughest Critter Out There

Posted on January 16, 2015 by westerner54

Grizzly bears are some bad ass critters, no two ways about it.  But pound for pound, the wolverine wins the One Tough Critter contest, hands down.     And it’s not just because they’ll take on animals many times their … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

The Eyes Have It

Posted on January 9, 2015 by westerner54

We all know that you’re not supposed to make eye contact with wild animals.    Or even with the neighborhood dogs.  Or cats. Which must be why it is so disconcerting when a wild critter makes eye contact with us. … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Life, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

Winter Birds

Posted on December 29, 2014 by westerner54

It’s easy to think that there aren’t many birds left hanging around these cold northern woods by the end of December. But they’re there, huddled up in their little down coats, making an occasional foray to find some fermented berries … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments