Category Archives: Wildlife

Time to Tidy Up: Eagles Getting Busy

Posted on January 28, 2014 by westerner54

There’s a job for every season, and the eagles know that better than anyone. They can tell that the days are getting longer (so can I!) and they are suddenly busy with some important nest renovations. I’ve checked out two … Continue reading →

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

Slough Creek Sonata: The Yellowstone Wolves’ Choir

Posted on January 21, 2014 by westerner54

Slough Creek, Yellowstone National Park, January 17, 2014 We’re standing on a ridge overlooking the valley, scoping the hillsides and hoping to see a wolf.    The day is sunny and calm, and not too cold, so we’re just pleased to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , , | 28 Comments

I Resolve

Posted on December 31, 2013 by westerner54

to be more like the wonderful human being who posted this warning at a local trailhead: Happy New Year everyone!

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Humor, Life, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Silence and Solitude Once Again: December in Yellowstone

Posted on December 18, 2013 by westerner54

Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone National Park.  December, 2013.  Once again we’re all alone for two cold nights in Mammoth Campground.   Yellowstone in winter – especially before the Mammoth Hotel is open – can be harsh and cold, but there’s a stark beauty that’s worth a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Camping, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , | 28 Comments

One Good Thing About December….

Posted on December 13, 2013 by westerner54

I seem to have more than my share of Bah Humbug genes, so December is not one of my favorite months. Really, all this dark and cold? Bah. Humbug. But I am rather fond of making lists, and the end … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Humor, Life, Montana, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | 16 Comments

Nature Abides

Posted on November 16, 2013 by westerner54

There’s little to love about November.     I mean really, what’s to like about dark, gray, cold days that will only get colder and darker?   And not even any snow to make things pretty to look at.  Jeez. However. Nature abides.   Like … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Wild Goose Chasing

Posted on November 8, 2013 by westerner54

The snow geese are on the move.  35,000 of them landed at Freezout Lake over the past few days, and last night I heard them calling to each other as they flew over Helena, heading southwest.   Just think:  the birds … Continue reading →

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

#yellowstonebeforetheshutdown

Posted on October 9, 2013 by westerner54

#really??!!!?? #getagrip #areyoukiddingme? OK.  Just had to vent a little.  Believe me, my lone Republican Congressman is hearing  from me.  Every day.  And no, I’m not just mad because I can’t go to the national parks. But I’ll spare you the … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Fall Beauties: Sandhill Cranes

Posted on September 30, 2013 by westerner54

I’ve been a bit obsessed with Sandhill Cranes this month.  They arrive in Montana early each fall, and hang out in the wheat fields until they decide that the time has come to head south.    Watching and listening as the … Continue reading →

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

What Do You Get When you Cross a Cantaloupe and a Chokecherry?

Posted on September 18, 2013 by westerner54

Well, you get a bear.   This bear, actually. If you’re from western Montana you know that August and September is Dixon melon time, and if you’re smart you head to the farmers’ market each Saturday to pick up your cantaloupes … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 20 Comments