Welcome to the first installment of my Montana Tour 2016! It's been a long time since I blogged, and even longer since I blogged while still on a trip, but here I am with free wi-fi and nothing better to do. Yesterday I left the fireworks party of Portland and drove to the National Bison Range, about one hour north of Missoula.
This pile of antlers had a sign next to it that I did not read.
The scenic loop here is enjoyable.
There are a couple of short trails off the road that most people don't bother with, but since they allowed dogs I decided to check them out.
Birding was not exactly premium but a Grasshopper Sparrow was a nice bonus. I'll spare you the bad photo. Look at this fawn instead:
The last mile of the loop was the most active, with birds and bison and all that.
Vesper Sparrow
Western Grasshopper-slayer
Bird-bison combo
The bison were entertaining, especially this one large fellow who spent the whole time grunting dinosaur sounds, scratching his back, sticking his tongue out, and pooping.
More to come from Montana! Good times!!
This pile of antlers had a sign next to it that I did not read.
The scenic loop here is enjoyable.
There are a couple of short trails off the road that most people don't bother with, but since they allowed dogs I decided to check them out.
Birding was not exactly premium but a Grasshopper Sparrow was a nice bonus. I'll spare you the bad photo. Look at this fawn instead:
The last mile of the loop was the most active, with birds and bison and all that.
Vesper Sparrow
Western Grasshopper-slayer
Bird-bison combo
The bison were entertaining, especially this one large fellow who spent the whole time grunting dinosaur sounds, scratching his back, sticking his tongue out, and pooping.
More to come from Montana! Good times!!
That bison's pooping face is, I think, the best thing I've ever seen on the internet! Nice work, Jen!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Montana--it's such a cool state. Looking forward to your posts.
The face was pretty amazing. I forgot to add a video for the excellent sound accompanying it!
DeleteI have to give you Dos' Kudos, you always bring your boys along they are 2 lucky pups! MONTANA!!!! how wonderful. Lovely scenery, and a great look at a Vesper Sparrow....would be a lifer for me. And the Bison Poop Photo...just perfect, it displays life in a "Montana Minute"...lol I can't wait to hear and see more!
ReplyDeleteHaha a Montana Minute, I like it!
DeleteIf that last photo doesn't end up as a meme all over the internet, I will be disappointed. Do these bison count as "wild?"
ReplyDeleteI don't think they would count as wild since they are contained and managed, but once upon a time...
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ReplyDeletewonderful photos! looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteOh shit, you're going to live blog the trip? Please feature grassland specialties and keep a running yankee bravo tally.
ReplyDelete506 Bobolink.
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