Merle's adventures, flora and fauna

"Heads up everyone" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

"Heads up everyone" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Description:

A group of elk in January. Taken west of Victor, Montana USA at the base of the Bitterroot Mountains near Sweathouse Creek. There were a total of about thirty head in this group of cows, calves and a few spike bulls. Just a few miles south was another group, similar size and make up. In the fall when they gather together and our local herd becomes about 100 plus head. The big bulls are off in the higher country on their own this time of year.
See more photos in my SmugMug album Elk cows, calves and a few spike bulls
Canon EOS 7D, 1/500s, f/4.0, ISO: 200, 500mm, Manual setting
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens, handheld over my arm on tree (I didn't want to spook them by setting up the tripod)

"Sweetness in an mule" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

"Sweetness in an mule" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

This mule lives with a group of farm mules and horses west of Victor, Montana USA in a very large, grassy pasture. They all have such personality. I love visiting them whenever I pass by on this country road.

Canon EOS 7D, 1/500s, f/4.0, ISO:500, 500mm
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens

"Adjusting the perch on a Cottonwood branch" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

"Adjusting the perch on a Cottonwood branch" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Bald Eagle in winter. He saw me taking photos and wanted a better look at me. Lucky me, I love it when I can get a little action in a photo.

Taken west of Victor, Montana USA in the Bitterroot Valley.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/4000s, f/4.0, ISO: 320 Manual setting, 500mm, cropped slightly
Lens - Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM

"Timmy Tigger" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Timmy Tigger" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Timmy was on the deck railing spending time with me. Aspen in the background. He is my buddy.

"Morning light and dew on the willows" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-09T22:55:00.000-08:00

"Morning light and dew on the willows" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

This morning on our ten acres west of Victor, Montana USA. Taken near the north fork of Bear Creek in a beautiful, vibrant riparian area. The sun was coming up and streaming through the brush (leafless at this time of year) and refracting through the dew drops. Really interesting lighting.

See a few more photos from this morning at Morning light on dew in riparian woods

Canon EOS 7D, 1/400s, f5.6, ISO: 400, 275mm Manual setting
lens- Cannon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

"Elk in the Bitterroot Valley in January" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

"Elk in the Bitterroot Valley in January" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Two cows and two calves were moving from a pasture into timber here. This photo has only one of the calves. The day was overcast and snowing lightly in early January 2012. To me, the interesting behavior was how the two cows stayed so close together as they milled around while I snapped the photos. When I left, they continued to calmly move up into the timber.
See more photos at Two elk cows and calves in January

"Young bull moose in the woods" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

"Young bull moose in the woods" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

This guy was having breakfast on our land near a natural pond and in a wetlands. I had to take the photo through the aspen and cottonwoods. Here is is looking up just as the sun filtered through. What a cute little (actually big) guy. He has velvet on his antlers. If you look closely, you can see flies zooming around his antlers and face.
Photo taken in mid-July west of Victor, Montana, USA.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/320s, f/8.0, ISO: 3200, 500mm

"Timmy and Vesper " by amontanaview | RedBubble

2012-01-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

"Timmy and Vesper " by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"Pronghorn in Montana" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

"Pronghorn in Montana" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Small group of Pronghorn Antelope on a ridge. The mist is from the Flathead River. This photo was taken in late October in the early morning at the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana, USA.
They call this habitat Palouse Prairie grasslands. The native grasses are well adapted to the harsh, unsheltered environment of the open prairie which ranges from driving, icy blast of winter to the oppressive heat and searing wind of summer. They are well adapted to provide much needed nutrients to the animals that live in this habitat.
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
EOS 7D, 1/320/s, f/5.6, ISO: 320, 130mm

"Bringing dinner to the kids" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

"Bringing dinner to the kids" by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Red-naped Sapsucker – Sphyrapicus nuchalis in western Montana. Taken west of Victor, Montana, USA in early July. The chicks fledged (flew out of the nest) about a week later. The tree is a Quaking Aspen.

"Red-naped Sapsucker ready for take-off" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

"Red-naped Sapsucker ready for take-off" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Featured in RedBubble group, Woodpeckers Worldwide.

"Freda, a Chesapeake hunting for bass" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

"Freda, a Chesapeake hunting for bass" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Featured again on RedBubble. This time in the group "For the love of dogs."
At the time of this photo Freda is a 1 1/2 year old female Chessy. In this photo, she is hunting for bass on the Flathead River in western Montana a few miles south of Buffalo Bridge. I am not sure if you would call this a “point” but maybe…
Shot with Canon 7D, 1/400s, f/7.1, ISO 800

"Sparring match - training to be the big buck" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

"Sparring match - training to be the big buck" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Two white-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus) bucks are practicing their skills.
The photo was taken at the National Bison Range (Moise, Montana, USA) near Mission Creek. They could care less that I was there with my camera. I even changed lenses. See the whole series of photos on my White-tailed Bucks Sparring album at SmugMug.
In early December, they are beginning their second rut of the season. Rut is the mating season of ruminant animals such as deer.
These young bucks were jousting back and forth by engaging one another’s antlers. As usual with young bucks and early in the rut, the match did not escalate into a full blown fight. They were just trying to figure out how tough they were and which one would dominate. I heard them grunt quietly once in awhile, but mostly I could hear the antlers “clank” or “rattle” as they touched or “clanked” their antlers together and wrestled. They engaged for a while, then backed off and pretended to ignore one another. Then they would come back together for another go at it. The whole series went on for about half and hour. Then they both meandered over a small ridge into the thick juniper cover
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS, Canon EOS 7D, 1/400s, f/5.6, ISO: 250, 300mm, Manual setting
MCN :: C1XYE-Q7GLT-BPEXP

"Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Red-tailed hawk photo taken at the National Bison Range, Mission Creek, near Moise, Montana USA. MCN :: CAU4Y-VLMF4-B1MEW
Plumage is extremely variable, ranging from very light forms to very dark forms. The “typical” color phase is dark brown above and white below, with a band of dark speckling across the belly (belly band), and a rusty-red tail (paler underneath). Flying birds are white with brown barring underneath, dark brown edges around the wings, and dark brown shoulder patches.
The immature Red-tailed Hawks of all color phases and races look similar to the adults, except they have brown barred tails and more brown streaking over the rest of their bodies.
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
Canon EOS 7D, 1/6400s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500mm, Manual setting

"Mule deer fawn" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-12-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

"Mule deer fawn" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Featured in the "Montana" group of RedBubble.
Taken in the Bitterroot Mountains west of Victor, Montana, USA. I saw this when I was hiking down a ridge. If I had taken three more steps, I could have stepped on it. It was so well camouflaged and still. At first I wasn’t sure it was alive, but an eyelid blinked. The doe must have been further in the woods because I didn’t see her. I quickly moved down the slope but captured a few photos on the way.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/250s, f/6.3, ISO: 200, 75 mm
Here is a photo of a mule deer doe I saw on the way up the ridge. Could be the mother, but I don’t know that for sure.

"Young bull moose in the Bitterroot River" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

"Young bull moose in the Bitterroot River" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Bull moose on the middle Bitterroot River in Montana (USA) just before sunrise.
Featured in my 2012 Montana Nature Calendar
I have often thought I should see a moose at my friend John’s river bank because there is a marsh near by. September 26, I was walking south on the bank taking photos when a kingfisher (bird) called from behind me. I love kingfishers so I turned around to try to get a photo. I was surprised to see this reasonably sized bull moose wading across the river on John’s property! I was afraid to get any closer so this photo isn’t bad considering the distance and low light. In full size, his eye is very visible. There is a little bit of a mist coming off the water and around his legs. Some might not think a moose is beautiful, but I do.
He grunted all the way across the river and off into the brush on the other side. I could hear him grunting with every step even when I couldn’t see him. I laughed quietly. It didn’t seem like he even knew I was there. After the fact, I wish I would have tried to get closer – probably a good decision that I didn’t. I don’t run very fast any more.

"got an itch" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

"got an itch" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Visit Montana all year long with your Montana Nature Calendar "Montana Nature Calendar" Calendars

"Virga over the Clark Fork River" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

"Virga over the Clark Fork River" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

This was taken April 9, 2011 west of Missoula, Montana USA on the Clark Fork River. The camera is looking north and east at Montana Snowbowl Ski Area and the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area. It was a gorgeous spring day and the fishing was good.

Virga is precipitation that falls from a cloud but evaporates before reaching the ground.

Canon EOS 7D, 1/500s, f/10.0, ISO:200, 39mm
SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens

This photo is featured in:

"Montana Nature Calendar" Calendars by amontanaview | RedBubble

"North Fork, Idaho steelhead hen" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

"North Fork, Idaho steelhead hen" by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Late fall is a great time to fish for Steelhead in Idaho.
A beautiful female steelhead from North Fork River in Idaho. My first steelhead photo.
Cannon EOS 7D, 1/200s, f/7.1, ISO: 200

"Two-tailed Swallowtail Butterfly" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

"Two-tailed Swallowtail Butterfly" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata) on a ninebark shrub in the Bitterroot Mountains west of Victor, MT, USA. These visit my lilac bushes, too.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/640s, f/5.6, ISO:200, 300mm
Mallow Ninebark (Physocarpus, Rose Family)

"Gold Creek" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

"Gold Creek" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

What a great name for this place. This photo was taken up Gold Creek east and north of Missoula, Montana USA. The meadow is gold and I am pretty sure there are pots of gold at both ends of this rainbow. Gold Creek is to the left just yards from this meadow and the photo is looking north east. What a dynamic day in October 2011.
Canon EOS 7D 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO:200 56mm. Taken with SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens.

"Montana Nature Calendar" Calendars by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Visit Montana all year long with your Montana Nature Calendar "Montana Nature Calendar" Calendars by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"Vesper basking in lamp light" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-11-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

"Vesper basking in lamp light" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Vesper, my daughter's Maine Coon cat, is right at home on our Norwegian sweaters draped over a chair. As if he isn't warm enough, he snuggles in the luscious warm wool. It makes me want to take a nap...

I love the sepia tones (naturally from Vesper, the couch and evening lamplight) in contrast with the colorful Freesia flowers in the background.

Taken on a cold, fall evening west of Victor, Montana USA in our home. We had a roaring fire going in our wood stove as we were getting out winter clothes and doing the seasonal closet switch and cleaning. Of course Vesper was keeping a close eye on us and his favorite garments.

"Wheeee, I am a Chessie" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-10-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

"Wheeee, I am a Chessie" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"Steller's Jay in winter" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-10-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

"Steller's Jay in winter" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

This photo and four more of mine are in the Montana calendar. See the link below.

Best selling NBC Montana weather calendar for 2012 is on sale

The 2012 Montana Weather Calendar, sponsored by NBC Montana stations, is filled with beautiful and weather-related Montana photographs along with fascinating weather information.Two weather calendars are available for 2012:Weekly 6" x 9" engagement calendar, weekly...

"Me or the trout..." by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Freda is fishing with us on the Bitterroot River north of Florence, Montana USA. She is actually very polite to the trout that we catch and release, but you can see how interested she is in the fish.

"Me or the trout..." by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"Swallowtail Butterfly on Syringa " by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-10-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

"Swallowtail Butterfly on Syringa " by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Featured photo on RedBubble 10-8-2011 The Group - Homepage Click Here

"Red-naped Sapsucker ready for take-off" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-10-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

"Red-naped Sapsucker ready for take-off" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"No more sunday drives for this one" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-10-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

"No more sunday drives for this one" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"Bison browsing in the afternoon" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

"Bison browsing in the afternoon" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

"Lunching on timothy grass at Mud Lake Flats" by amontanaview | RedBubble

2011-08-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

"Lunching on timothy grass at Mud Lake Flats" by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Taken on an early August trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We entered the Bob at Spotted Bear.

Fall is in the air

2010-09-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Taking photos is what this blog is about. It is a bit of a slow time, flowers are going to seed, the elk and deer are higher in the mountains, birds are staging for migration to winter range. Here are a couple of photos that make me think of fall.

See more of my photos at Merle's RedBubble site.

About elk in western Montana

2009-10-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Small elk herd in December 2008 (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

This is a photo journal of a particular group of elk in the Bitterroot Valley. The photos document movements in almost every month of the year and were collected over a period of 3 years. This group moves about on private and adjacent public land. It has been seen as one big group, or herd, of up to a few hundred, in smaller groups of around 50, and sometimes as individuals alone. The bigger bulls are the most elusive so these photos are of cows, calves and some young bulls.

"See slideshow here"

The photo journal begins in November at the end of breeding and general hunting season. For the winter months the elk have stayed mostly on private land that is very near Forest Service land. They seem to know that these private landowners don’t allow hunting and they are relatively safe there. They adapt well and their simple needs of food, water, space, shelter and a degree of safety are met.

Lone elk in April (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Toward the end of March, the photos show them moving with the snow line up in elevation and towards Forest Service land. The newly exposed vegetation is tender and full of nutrition. The older bulls go first, then the younger bulls, cows and calves. The pregnant cows begin migrating towards higher elevations looking for thicker brush and timber. They need secure areas to give birth.

When ready to give birth, usually during mid-May through late-June, a cow will move to an area that elk seldom visit to avoid predators and protect her calf. The calf will weigh about 35 pounds and has no odor. In a couple of weeks the calf is stronger and they will reunite with other cows and calves – safety in numbers.

The bull elk shed their antlers in the winter and by May they begin growing again. In some of the photos you will see little "buttons" on their heads between their ears. In the beginning as the antlers grow, the bone will be covered by skin with numerous blood vessels (velvet). By fall the velvet dries and the bulls use rub trees to scrape it off. See a photo of a rub tree in the slideshow.

Elk nursery group with a few "button bulls" (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

During the summer elk form nursery groups where the cows take turns “tending” the calves allowing the other cows graze and rest. Calves nurse up to nine months and by fall can weigh up to 225 pounds or more.

The hottest month in the Bitterroot is August. The elk stay at higher elevations deep in the timber and draws trying to stay cool. Their movements are often at night. In September the rut (mating) begins and the bulls gather their harems, or groups of cows. The quiet of the morning or evening will be pierce with the distinct bugle of a bull as he tries to impress his cows or warn other bulls to stay away. And the cycle begins again.

For more info:

Play audio (wav format) – hear the sound of a bull bugling.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Elk through the seasons

Kings Outdoor World – All about Antlers

Merle’s SmugMug photo site – Elk photos through the seasons

About mule deer in western Montana

2009-10-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mule deer doe and fawn (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Mule Deer - Odocoileus hemionus

Mule deer in western Montana are an interesting lot. They differ from Montana's other native deer, the white-tailed deer, in their behavior and looks.

"See slideshow on Examiner.com here"

They are much more curious and will turn to look at you. Then if alarmed, tuck in their tail and bound off, basically leaping with all four feet together. This is called stotting. They can cover a lot of ground very quickly that way. They range more widely than white-tailed deer, especially in elevational movement, roaming higher into the mountains.

Their coats are grayish in the winter and brown in the summer. They have white rumps, chin and throat, and their tails are short with a black tip. The ears; they are called mule deer for this reason. The ears are very large and prominent, resembling the ears of a mule. On the lower outside of the hind leg, there is a slit-like scent gland up to seven inches long.

Button buck (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Their antlers are unique; they fork, and then fork again with the short brow tines tipping forward if they are present at all. The antlers fall off in the winter and begin growing again in the spring. See the photo on the right and the slideshow for more photos of a "button buck" in the early stage of antler development.

Standing from 3 to 3.5 feet tall, mule deer are large deer. Mature bucks weigh about 250-275 pounds, some trophy bucks weigh even more. Mature does weigh from 160 to 180 pounds. They breed in late November and the fawns are born in late June. As with white-tailed deer, the fawns have white spots but their base coat is a dark chocolate brown. The fawns stay with their mother through the summer and are weaned in the fall before rut (breeding season) begins again.

Mule deer does, fawns, and young bucks are frequently seen as they move about the mountains and forage together in groups.

Wintertime (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Mature mule deer bucks are another story. During the rut, they will stay with a group of females tending and breeding them, but most of the year they travel alone or in small groups and are very elusive.

During hunting season, mule deer bucks quickly respond to the pressure of hunters in their area and move deep into timber, heavy brush and steep canyons. The big ones get big with good nutrition and because they are smart and crafty. Sometimes they even crawl to evade the aspiring trophy hunter or predator. They will come back out of the thickets again in late November when the does come into estrus, but that doesn't leave much time for the hunter to bag one.

It might take years of research and scouting, but finding that monster mule deer buck is a thrill of a lifetime - even if a photo is what you are after.

For more info:

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – Field guide for mule deer
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – Hunting guide
Mule Deer Foundation – Western Montana Chapter Spotlight
Kings Outdoor World – All About Antlers
Merle’s SmugMug photo site – see the mule deer photos in their original format

Ruffed Grouse

2009-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ruffed Grouse - Bonasa umbellus

Ruffed Grouse (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Lewis called this bird, "the small brown pheasant" and he said it was "booted" or feathered to the foot. Actually, the feathers don't quite reach the foot. Click the link to the slideshow for photos that illustrate these points.

A very popular game bird, the Ruffed Grouse can actually benefit from fire and even logging. Ruffed grouse inhabit dense cover of mixed conifer and deciduous trees and shrubs and are often found along stream bottoms. The mosaic of vegetation that grows in under the burned tree canopy or more open, logged area is beneficial to the grouse providing them secure cover.

If you have been in the woods and heard a drumming sound in the spring, you may have heard a male Ruffed Grouse performing his mating ritual. To identify the Ruffed Grouse, look for the fan-shaped, banded tail and black ruff. No other grouse has these attributes.

The female builds a nest on the ground and usually hatches her eggs in June or sometimes early July. They will remain in the area and within a smaller home range and more densly covered habitat than the farther-ranging dusky or spruce grouse. Adult ruffed grouse may spend most of their lives in less than two square miles of habitat.

The young move from the area where they were brooded, especially when subject to moderate hunting pressure or heavy predation, but most importantly for food. The young grouse switch from a diet rich in insects, berries and greens to the foods that sustain them over the winter, including alder and aspen buds. During the early season, ruffed grouse usually feed on the ground, but once the snow flies, you will see them feeding among the branches of the trees. So if you are hunting for Ruffed Grouse in the fall, look for dense mixed woods with lots of alder or aspen.

For more info:

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks -- Ruffed Grouse
Discovering Lewis & Clark – Ruffed Grouse
Montana State University Extension Office – Ruffed Grouse
Merle's SmugMug photo site – Ruffed Grouse

Fall colors, fall fishing and more on the Bitterroot River in Montana

2009-09-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

Reflections of the sky and fall leaves. Photo: Merle Ann Loman

Click Fall colors, fall fishing and more on the Bitterroot River in Montana for the article on Examiner.com

Fall is a great time to fish the Bitterroot River with the pleasant daytime temperatures cooling from hot summer days of August to the pleasant 70 degree range. The nights drop to 30 or 40 degrees and bring on the gorgeous colors of fall.

Seasonal changes from summer to fall also bring explosions of mayfly hatches such as trico, blue-winged olive, fall drake, and mahogany dun as well as the October caddis.You can expect to see surface feeding fish that will test the resolve of even the most accomplished anglers.

Erosion from spring run-off, or high water events, is a process where new habitat is created or perhaps eliminated. Logs that have been eroded from the banks and deposited somewhere along the channel form the classic Bitterroot holding water. They provide the necessary cover for daily survival and the shade to stay hidden in the heat of a summer day. The Bitterroot is home to a thriving beaver population which can aid in the creation of more new log buckets for the fish. In September, the leaves are on the trees and dropping on the water providing cover but the colors are changing from green to yellows, coppers, reds, and more.

A beautiful brown trout from the Bitterroot River. Photo: Merle Ann Loman

Many tributaries of the Bitterroot River headwaters originate in wilderness areas giving the main river a supply of pristine water up until late July. The West Fork, its main tributary has a dam which releases cold, clean water during the critical times of summer and early fall. The fisheries are a beneficiary of these enhanced flows as is the rancher who can grow his hay crop. Finding a balance between the needs of a fishery and human activities has been an ongoing contentious issue as demands for these cold water releases are increasing. Fortunately, the Bitterroot River fish have an in-stream flow reservation of water. The trout have been given a little consideration.

Deer crossing the Bitterroot. Photo: Merle Ann Loman

Despite increased recreational pressure which not only includes fishing but also boating, tubing, and swimming, the Bitterroot River seems to be thriving and still produces good numbers of westslope cutthroat, some brown and rainbow trout as well as the cuttbow, a hybrid between cutthroat and rainbow trout. Catch and release sections have been a big help as is the in-stream flow reservations. The Bitterroot River in Montana is a favorite fall fishing choice for beauty and a variety of fishing.

For more info:

Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Bitterroot webpage

Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Seasonal hatch information

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks - Bitterroot webpage

West Fly Entomology

Related Articles:

Fall colors are coming to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana

More photos:

Merle's SmugMug photo site: Bitterroot River in the fall

As fall comes to the Bitterroot, see colors in plant and animals - Sept 2009

2009-09-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

September 21 is the first day of fall and though this month has been warmer than usual, the nights are cooling off. As a result, Mother Nature begins to paint her fall canvas. The angle of the sun and the clouds make the light dance across the valley, often creating rainbows.

The yellows, rusts and tans are seen in the fields, grasses, cottonwoods and aspen; the green is still there in evergreen trees and foliage near streams and wetter draws; and the reds are beginning to show in the ninebark, currants, and chokecherry leaves and fruit. There is even blue in the elderberry fruit.

Color is displayed in plants and in animals as you will see in the slideshow below. See the lush green ferns that provide cover for the white-tailed deer. Later the ferns will turn a copper color and do an even better job of hiding the deer. Various dragonflies perch on golden grasses and vibrant pine trees. Deciduous trees show a variety of colors as the leaves change and fruits ripen in presentation as food for critters such as Ruffed Grouse and bear looking to fatten up for hibernation.

Exotic species – not native to Montana - contribute, too. The pheasant hen’s feathers match the color of the drying fields. A turkey hen’s throat glows as a beam of sunlight lights it up.

This is September 2009 and its own unique year and weather pattern. Visits again as more photos and descriptions throughout this Montana fall are posted.

Take a virtual walk through the Bitterroot Valley through these slideshows and watch the colors change even more in October and November.

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug photos - Bitterroot Fall Sept 2009

References:
Montana Field Guide by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana Plant Life.org

The Kootenai Creek Fire in the Bitteroot Valley

2009-09-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Kootenai Fire started west of Stevensville, Montana on July 12, 2009. Lightning struck in the Kootenai Canyon on a steep rock face about 2 miles into the wilderness. The Bitterroot Valley has had few fires compared to years past, yet this is the one that wouldn't go away.

On August 5, it was about 2000 acres. On August 31 it grew to near 2685 acres still burning mostly in a rocky avalanche shoot with some brush and timber including Lodgepole Pine, Sub-Alpine Fir and Whitebark Pine.

On Saturday, September 19, the strong winds caused it to "blow up" to over 4400 acres and send embers to drainages north and south. Spot fires resulted and now that there was more timber for fuel, smoke began to tumble out and into the valley. Highway 93 near Stevensville had very low visibility for a few days but is better now.

On Sunday, September 20, it was significantly less active. Modest growth occured around much of the fire's perimeter, and fire managers estimate Sunday's growth to be 100 acres, for a total of 4535 acres.

Until Sunday, Forest officials had used helicopter water drops and only a few ground firefighters because the fire was burning on steep slopes in conditions that were too risky and private property was not immediately threatened. Those conditions changed and more resources were ordered.

Firefighting resources arrived at the fire throughout the day on Sunday. Dozers working with Hotshot and Initial Attack crews established 7 miles of dozer and hand-dug indirect fire lines from Bass Creek across and through Kootenai, Larson, and Sharrott drainages connecting to the Forest Service Road #739 in St. Mary's drainage.

Mike Fritsen's Type III Incident Command Team was briefed by Forest officials late Sunday afternoon and has taken over management of the fire as of Monday.

The Bass Creek, Kootenai Creek and Sharrott Creek drainages and the road and trail system in the St. Mary's drainage remain closed to public use to protect public safety and to reduce traffic on the road systems while firefighters are active in the area. The Stage 1 Pre-evacuation Alert & Warning remains in effect for homeowners west of the Sharrott Hill Loop at the west end of the South and Middle Kootenai Creek Roads. No evacuations have been ordered at this time.

Sunday was much cooler but dryer, warmer and less windy weather is predicted for the remainder of the week.

Residents in the possible evacuation zones have had an outpouring of help from the community especially to help transport and board horses and other animals. A resource for dogs, cats and barnyard livestock as space allows is the Bitterroot Humane Society. For horses, the Willing Servants which saw its start with a high-profile equine abuse case, is there to help.

Many people have voiced dismay at not "putting it out" especially at town meetings, yet residents affected feel that the Forest Service is doing a good job and, with the new resources, will get control of the fire soon. Most have moved livestock, are packed and ready to go yet hoping they won't have to.

Log on to RavalliRepublic.com to read other stories and comment if you choose.

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Kootenai Fire Photos.

Cutthroat Trout

2009-09-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with other work. Here is a nice fish, just for fun

The Moon over the Bitterroot Mountains

2009-09-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I couldn't believe the sky over the Bitterroots. See how blue it was and how the moon looked so delicate and white.

Red-naped Sapsucker near Sweathouse Creek

2009-09-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

I took these photos in late June and early July. They were in a medium sized Aspen snag in a fairly open, hot and dry area on the way up a ridge. They were really fun to watch as both the male and female fed their brood. The call is very distinct and is how I found them. Click this Red-naped Sapsucker link to hear the call.

At first I was confused about what kind of Woodpecker it was, but then I saw that the Red-naped Sapsucker has "messy barring" on the back. That is definitely how I would describe the barring on the birds in these photos. They are described as Bark Foragers - Forages for insects by gleaning, probing, prying, tapping, and flycatching. Drills series of shallow holes in bark of tree, licks up sap. The photos support this description.

By July 4, they had vacated the nest.

Click here to see all Merle's SmugMug Red-Naped Sapsucker photos in a new window.

Osprey with a fish near Bear Creek

2009-08-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

I am working on a slideshow of this Osprey. It flew over my chicken coop and landed in a snag next to it. At first I thought it was a hawk after my chickens. Then I saw the fish. I was able to photograph it out of my upstairs window. Pretty cool!

Some facts:

One of the largest birds of prey in North America, it is one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica.
The Osprey eat mostly fish. Barbed pads on the soles of its feet help it grip slippery fish. It dives feet first into the water and when an Osprey takes a large fish to its nest, it carries the fish headfirst to make it as aerodynamic as possible.
Osprey mate for life.

To see the slideshow (all photos) in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Osprey near Bear Creek Album.

Pileated Woodpeckers near Sweathouse Creek

2009-08-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Pileated Woodpecker lives throughout North America and as the third largest woodpecker, it is slightly smaller than the American Crow. The feathers appear to be black, has a long tail used as a brace when chiseling and sports the characteristic red crest.

This bird is found in both coniferous and decidous forests living year round (they don't migrate) in large, dead trees called snags. Pileated Woodpeckers are monogamous, staying with the same mate for life.

For more interesting facts visit my source of information Pileated Woodpecker Central.com.

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Pileated Woodpecker Photos.

I first saw these birds about 18 months ago and I have been photographing them for about 6 months. I will be adding photos as I take them throughout the seasons.

Fly Fishing the Blackfoot River in an August Rain Storm

2009-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Nick Stipich is a talented Missoula area guide and Jack loves working with him. We all had an open day so we fished the lower Blackfoot River on Friday. Fishing with guides is the best way to really know their strengths and match them up well with clients.

Our day started out nice, but we got a big rain and wind storm about noon and had some rain, wind and clouds through out the rest of the day. We caught fish on dry flies and streamers. Our faithful companions Freda and Flicka came along. We used Nick's RO Drift boat, had plenty of room and skimmed over most of the rocks.

The slideshow below shows the trip and some of the features of the lower Blackfoot. It is beautiful!

See all the photos in a new window, click on Merle's SmugMug Blackfoot River in August

Quail in Montana

2009-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

I tried to find this quail on the internet, but it looks like either a Gambel's Quail or a California Quail and neither of them are supposed to range here in western Montana. If anyone has better information, comment or send me an email. They are really cute and I see quite a few on the roads and in the pastures near our Bitterroot Mountains. They move too fast for me to get a better photo so far and usually are in coveys or groups.

Click here to view all in a new window

A Photo Journal of Eastern and Central Idaho

2009-08-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken July 7, 2009 as we traveled through the Snake River Plain and include Gilmore, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Arco and Twin Falls, Idaho.

Excerpt from wikipedia.org: The Snake River Plain is a geologic feature located primarily within the state of Idaho in the United States of America. It stretches about 400 miles (640 km) westward from northwest of the state of Wyoming to the Idaho-Oregon border. The plain is a wide flat bow-shaped depression, and covers about a quarter of Idaho. Three major buttes dot the plain east of Arco, the largest being Big Southern Butte.

Many of Idaho's major cities are in the Snake River Plain as is much of its agricultural land. Also located within Snake River Plain is the Idaho National Laboratory.

Click Merle's SmugMug Idaho Roadtrip Album to see all the photos in a new window.

Hike up Sweathouse in late July

2009-07-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

It was a hot day. The creeks and river waterflows are diminishing. It rained heavily the day before and even though the seasonal streams are drying up, there were a few new "puddles" in some of the draws where everyone and everything took advantage of the water.

To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Hike up Sweathouse in late July.

Road Bike, Kayak, Camping Gear - all you need

2009-07-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was pulling out on the highway when I saw this guy. I loved his get-up. I asked if he minded if I photographed him. He smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Click here to view all 3 photos in a new window

Whitetail Buck in Velvet

2009-07-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

This buck was moving through a field and into riparian cover. He did me the favor of stopping for a photo shoot though he was fidgeting from bugs biting him.

Click here to see my SmugMug gallery of Whitetail Buck in Velvet in a new window.

Sierra Footsteps of the Me-Wuk Tribe - Northern California

2009-07-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

On July 9-12 my friend, Nancy, and I participated in a workshop with the Me-Wuk tribe in northern California. On my Picasa photo site are photos of workshop members making baskets, digging sticks, acorn processing, soaproot brush making and more.

On the last morning of the workshop, Gladys McKinney, Jennifer Bates, Kimberly Stevenot, Arvada Fisher, and Kathy Wallace talked with us about customs, materials, tools, designs, processes and much more. There are a lot of photos, but these baskets, etc are the real deal. So, enjoy!

Click here to see Merle's SmugMug photo site for the Me-Wuk Footsteps in the Sierra's

North Fork of the Stanislaus River in northern CA

2009-07-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Nancy and I traveled from the Bitterroot Valley to the Stanislaus National Forest for a workshop in northern California Native American Arts, Crafts, and Plant Use. I haven't posted for a few weeks because of the trip and the work load when I returned. This post, and many more will show photos of the trip through Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and California, and the workshop itself. To see photos as I post them online, click this link for Merle's Picasa Photo Site.

These photos were taken just after dawn - about 6:20 am - at the Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo (Wild River) Campground, California.

3900 foot elevation.

49 campsites near the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.

Good fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. Late season deer hunting. Nearby fishing, picnic/day use area, river shore trails, and whitewater boating launch.

Campground is located on the site of an ancient Me-Wuk Indian village, within the Sourgrass Recreation Complex.

Significant Native American artifacts such as grinding stones and middens have been preserved.

Location: From Altaville, go northeast on CA 4 to Dorrington, then northeast on Boards Crossing Road across the river.
Address: Calaveras Ranger DistrictStanislaus National ForestP.O. Box 500Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
Phone: (209) 795-1381
Season: June - October
Fee: yes
Reservations: NO

See my SmugMug slideshow below for more photos of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River at Dawn.

4th of July Party at the Rattlesnake Gardens

2009-07-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been, you need to go to the 4th of July BBQ put on by the Rattlesnake Gardens - (406) 543-9962
2501 Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802 Get directions Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Rattlesnake Dr and Powell St.

Located near the Historic Lower Rattlesnake District

Jack's band, Pinegrass, played the music there this year. I had never been and had no idea this was their 10th annual party! I can see why they have been so popular. The family picnic atmosphere was amplified with the great food, beverages, and ice cream. There was plenty of seating in the shade and some in the sun. Music was both the feature and the background.

So many people of all ages seemed to grin, visit, eat, dance and be merry from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. When it was over, the crowd left by bike, foot, and car and with in minutes, the place was quiet and clean. Amazing!

If you want to see for yourself, see the slideshow below. There are lots of photos so you might want to open it in a new window and buzz through it. Or, you can come for yourself next year!

Click here to view all in a new window - feel free to download copies

Get your own

Jack will be doing a benefit float on the Clark Fork River this Tuesday and Thursday for the Clark Fork Coalition 320 Float. They will be doing 320 miles in 20 days! Whew. He has decided to use the Rattlesnake Gardens for his lunches. That will be tasty! Lucky floaters.

Dusky Grouse Hen (Blue Grouse)

2009-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken fairly high up on the south side of Sweathouse Creek. My puppy and I walked through thick beargrass on our way up a ridge and flushed this hen and her clutch of at least 10 chicks. They flew into the trees before she did. She waited for the last one to fly before she flew into this burned tree where she "froze." She sure is camoflauged.

The Dusky Grouse, Dendragapus obscurus, is a species of forest-dwelling grouse native to North America's Rocky Mountains. It was formerly known (until 2006) as the blue grouse and is the second largest grouse on our continent, measuring 12 to 15 inches in length. Only the Sage Grouse is bigger.

Montana Field Guide for Dusky Grouse by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Dusky Grouse link.

Whitetail Male Fawn

2009-06-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

This little guy was walking through a mowed area in a field bleating for his mom. It isn't often I can tell the sex of a new fawn, but he proceeded to squat and urinate. It was then obvious he was a male. He was so intent on his "job" he hardly knew I was there. I hope Mom stays closer to him in the future.

To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Whitetail Male Fawn link.

Cow Elk on my hike today - where is her calf?

2009-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

My chesapeake puppy, Freda, and I hiked up a ridge south of Sweathouse Creek and crossed over to another ridge just north of Gash Creek. Coming down, Freda found a deer shed (antler) and I am running after her trying to see how big it is and scoop it up to take it home.

As I look up, a cow elk is standing nervously in the draw and she doesn't bolt. I had actually seen her in almost the same place on the way up, but now I am very curious why she didn't move on and why she isn't bolting from me.

I sat down trying to hide myself under a shrub while taking photos of her. As she moved, I "snuck" around more shrubs and watched/photographed her as she circled from down in the draw to the right up the draw, across a hillside above me, down again on my left, and back to where I first saw her. Finally, she retreated behind some grass and, I think, crouched down. Now this really didn't take long and I realized she probably had a calf and I should move on and leave them alone. All the time, my puppy was taking a nap in the shade. That was a good thing. I called her and we continued down the mountain.

That wasn't all, near the bottom of the hike I saw a downey woodpecker grabbing a large bug from a dead cottonwood snag. It flew about 3 feet to the next snag and disappeared in a neat hole to feed it's young. I think I will try to go back tomorrow to get photos. They are so darn quick, you have to be really patient to get a decent photo. For today, I was out of time.

To see all the cow elk photos click on Merle's SmugMug Cow Elk photo link.

Whitetail doe and her fawn

2009-06-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

This Whitetail Doe actually had twin fawns but only one of them presented itself for the photos. They look so sweet and healthy.

See the slideshow below for more photos. To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Whitetail Doe and Fawn photo link.

Turkey Hen and her last Chick

2009-06-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on my hike, as I was walking over the top of a gentle ridge, I came around a bush and just about stepped on this wild turkey hen. She didn't move for a second, then she flew over a pile of dead wood.

As I looked down, there was this lone chick. They usually hatch lots of chicks, so I assume she lost all the others to predators.

Our puppy didn't see them and was out ahead of me. I hurried to catch up with her and leave this sweet little chick to its mother.

To see the three photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Turkey Hen and Chick link.

Whitetail Bucks near Bell Crossing on the Bitterroot River

2009-06-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

As I drove by this field that is adjacent to the Bitterroot River, these bucks were frolicking in the grass. Beautiful.

2009-06-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

More photos from our Bison Range field trip include Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) . Both my sister, Linda, and I took photos using my Canon. Linda took the close-ups you will see here.

The specie is a favorite around here. In fact, it has the honor of being the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wyoming. Sheez...

They are a member of the blackbird family. Males often use fence posts as perches while singing - actually staking out their breeding territory which can be up to 15 acres. The males have more than one mate, up to three females, nesting in their territory.

Meadowlarks are ground nesters and ground feeders eating both insects/invertebrates and some seeds.

While foraging, if they feel threatened they freeze close to the ground "disappearing" (yellow chest down and their brown and white back feathers blending) in the vegetation while casting a wary eye towards the danger.

To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Western Meadowlark - take 2

Bullock's Oriole on the Bison Range

2009-06-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

The Bullock's Oriole is fairly common according to Kenn Kaufman, but I haven't seen many. This one was near a creek bottom on the Bison Range, Moise, MT.

This one is a male. It resembles the Baltimore Oriole but has an orange face, more white in the wing and different tail pattern. The female is usually orange as a female Baltimore Oriole, with grayer back, whiter belly, and darker eyeline. This bird is often less musical than the Baltimore Oriole. You will hear whistles, chatters and creaks.

See the slideshow below or click on Merle's SmugMug Bullock's Oriole link to see the photos in a new window.

Indian Blanketflower or Firewheel

2009-06-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Gaillardia pulchella (Asteraceae) The common name of this annual is Indian Blanketflower, Firewheel, or Sundance. It has volunteered near a mountain road I use to access one of my hikes. As I took a short cut through a meadow/field, I saw one other site with this flower - also in full sun. It really stands out because it is the only flower on this hike that has bright orange or maroon in it.

The branching stem is hairy and upright, growing to about 1 1/2 or 2 feet tall. The 1-2 inch long leaves are alternate and mostly basal (low on the stem) with edges smooth to coarsely toothed or lobed. The pinwheel, daisy-like flower clusters are 1-2 inches in diameter and vividly colored with red, orange and yellow. The central disc florets of the flowerhead tend to be more red-violet, with the outer ray florets being yellow.

A hardy, drought tolerant annual native to the central United States, it seems to thrive in hot, dry sites. One of my sources says it is an excellent cut flower with a vase life from six to ten days. I haven't picked it because I enjoy it so much in the wild and there are only a few at this site. Maybe I will order seeds and give it a try at home.

For more photos, see my SmugMug Indian Blanketflower/Firewheel slideshow.

Elk Cows, Calves and a few young bulls

2009-06-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have been hiking a closed road area where I have seen elk cows and calves in years past. It is quite a steep, long hike which is good for me, but takes a while. For days now, I have been quietly walking through the woods looking for the new calves. I see plenty of birds and deer, but so far no elk.

Well, today, when I get down to the valley floor, and to my surprise I saw a group of about 14 cows, 7 calves, and maybe 5 young bulls. They were milling around in a grassy meadow and stayed long enough for me to get quite a few photos. I will post one today and add a slideshow later.

Click on the photo to see it in a new, larger window. It is worth it!

Whitetail doe on a gravel bar in the Bitterroot River

2009-06-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

We floated and fished the Bitterroot River yesterday. The water was high, but clear. That meant we had debris to dodge - new trees and wood lodged in the river - but lots of wildlife and bugs to see and fish to be caught. This slideshow focuses on the whitetail doe we saw. To see a blog about the fishing visit our Montana Fly Fishing Blog entry for this day.

To see the SmugMug slideshow in a new window click Merle's Whitetail Doe on the Bitterroot photos.

Palomino Horses

2009-06-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

It seems I am on a horse theme for now. I was driving back from a photo shoot on the Bitterroot River and these horses caught my eye. Their manes and tails are incredible and they really liked me and the camera. See the slideshow below for more photos or click the link Palomino Horses to see the album in a new window.

Petey the Appy Rascal - Renee's new filly (Appaloosa)

2009-05-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

I visited my sister a few days ago in Ronan. Her neighbor and our friend has a new foal (baby horse). This little Appaloosa filly was born May 26th (I think) and was only a day old when the photos were taken. What a sweet little foal! She was learning to stand and eat and just the cutest little hairy being you ever saw!

To see the album at SmugMug click Renee's Appaloosa Foal.

May Wildflower Favorites

2009-05-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken yesterday in the Bitterroot Mountains. They are some of my May wildflower favorites. My SmugMug site will have folders featuring each particular flower shown here and more.

See the slideshow below. To see all the wildflower photos, click Merle's SmugMug Wildflowers. I will be posting more later today.

April Showers Bring May Wildflowers

2009-05-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

In May we are seeing more and more spring flowers come into bloom. The slideshow from my SmugMug site has arnica, arrowleaf balsamroot, shooting stars, serviceberry, indian paintbrush, oregon grape, and more.

It has been a cool spring with only a little moisture until recently. The aspen and cottonwood and shrubs are finally getting their leaves and it is looking green again!

To see the slideshow with captions in a new window click May Wildflowers

Anna Lacroix is IN DC. Read on...

2009-05-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Click link below for:
More photos on Flickr uploaded by Childrens Defense Fund

CDF President Marian Wright Edelman (center) and Keri Russell (right) talk with Anna (in red chair) in DC. Marian Wright Edelman said that CDF and it's coalition share a history for standing up for the voiceless. They "are the voice" for children's health in American and will be heard loud and clear in 2009.

Anna had been deaf from birth. She and her family are learning sign language. They NEED the CDF voice, they need health care, they need us to care, to follow these issues and speak to our congressional representatives in support of their needs.

"On Mother’s Day, a group of prominent Hollywood women––including Jessica Alba, Regina King, Keri Russell, Jurnee Smollett, Ali Wentworth and others―joined Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman and Michelle Fenty, attorney and Washington, DC, First Lady, on a children’s health reform Child Watch day in Washington, DC.

They were joined by families from Texas, Virginia and Montana who spoke about the struggles they’ve faced trying to get their children the health coverage they need.

The group conducted a CDF Child Watch visit to the Unity Health Care Upper Cardozo Clinic in Columbia Heights, where they met children at the clinic and held a roundtable discussion with health care providers and working families from across the country about the difficulties in accessing quality affordable health care for their children. The women shared these experiences when they met administration officials and Congressional leaders later in the day to ask for guaranteed quality affordable health care for all children as part of the health reform legislation being drafted this month." Quoted from May 2009 Mother's Day Child Watch, one photo set including pictures of Anna.

Below is my slideshow with four photos including Anna. I saved them from the CDF Flickr site. Amy Sage is on the far left, Anna is in the red chair, Marian Wright Edleman is right of Anna, then Keri Russell in yellow and Jessica Alba on the far right.

Click here to view 4 photos of Anna in a new window.

Here is another Flickr photo set with Anna - Jess Alba / Keri Russell
Jessica Alba / Keri Russell Health Center For a slideshow visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/wumpiewoo/sets/72157617757917749/show/

Text from Flickr:
A group of female Hollywood celebrities and other prominent women came to Unity Health Care in Columbia Heights to speak with mothers of pediatric patients who have faced serious difficulties receiving health care. After an open discussion with three mothers from Texas, Montana, and Virginia, these celebrities travelled to Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of expanding healthcare benefits for children including the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The following women that attended are members of the Children's Defense Fund...Jessica Alba, Keri Russell, Regina King, Marian Wright-Edelman (Founder of Children's Defense Fund), Jurnee Smollett, Malaak Compton-Rock (Chris Rock's wife), Ali Wentworth (Actress, Wife of George Stephanolpoulos), Michelle Fenty.

I thank all of these remarkable women and I thank you for your support, too.

Anna is going to Washington, DC

2009-05-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Anna LaCroix
The real title of this post should be "The Faces of Children Affected by Unjust Budget and Policy Choices."

Anna is the daughter of our neighbors Amy Sage and Bill LaCroix. Anna was born deaf and has gone through two surgeries for cochlear implants. She is what we call a Bright Light. To see the first blog talking about Anna and her cochlear implant click
Anna LaCroix and her chicks, hearing is believing.
To see more blogs about Anna and her community click Anna LaCroix and more.

This week Anna, Amy and Bill are in Washington, DC on a trip to a DC health clinic, in meetings with administration officials and congressional leaders and will join others in talking about the struggles they face in accessing quality affordable health care.

Amy was invited to go to Washington,. D.C. by the Children's Defense Fund to tell their story of Anna's health care needs and the difficulty they face with insurance and limited income. She will make brief presentations to the group of celebrities listed below and then the three groups of senators on Thursday.
See the agenda and information below. Do you care? I hope so, I sure do. Anna is a face to put on the problem.

Jessica Alba, Regina King, Keri Russell, Jurnee Smollett, Ali Wentworth
and Other Prominent Hollywood Women Visit Washington May 7th
to Promote Quality Affordable Health Care for All Children
Group to Join Children’s Defense Fund on Trip to DC Health Clinic, Meetings with Administration Officials and Congressional Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC— On Thursday, May 7, as our nation prepares to celebrate Mother’s Day, a group of prominent Hollywood women––including Jessica Alba, Regina King, Keri Russell, Jurnee Smollett, Ali Wentworth and others―will join Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman and attorney and Washington, DC, First Lady Michelle Fenty on a children’s health reform Child Watch day in Washington, DC.

The group will conduct a CDF Child Watch visit to the Unity Health Care Upper Cardozo Clinic in Columbia Heights, where they will meet children at the clinic and hold a roundtable discussion with health care providers and working families from across the country about the struggles they face in accessing quality affordable health care for their children. The women will share these experiences when they meet with administration officials and Congressional leaders later that day to ask that they ensure all children quality affordable health care as part of the health reform legislation being drafted this month.

WHAT: Mother’s Day Visit to Washington to Promote Children’s Health Reform

WHO:
Jessica Alba, actress
Malaak Compton-Rock, founder and director, The Angelrock Project
Marian Wright Edelman, president, The Children’s Defense Fund
Michelle Fenty, attorney and First Lady of Washington, DC
Ruth-Ann Huvane, child advocate
Regina King, actress
Michelle Kydd Lee, executive director, Creative Artists Agency Foundation
Katie McGrath, child advocate
Shannon Rotenberg, executive director, just keep livin foundation
Keri Russell, actress
Krista Smith, senior West Coast editor, Vanity Fair
Jurnee Smollett, actress
Laura Wasserman, film music supervisor
Ali Wentworth, actress and comedienne

EVENTS: Roundtable Discussion at Unity Health Care Upper Cardozo Clinic
3020 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC
12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
This event will be open to the media but please RSVP to Ed Shelleby at 202-701-7806 or Eshelleby@childrensdefense.org

Meetings with Congressional Leaders
2:00 p.m. ET: Women Senators hosted by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
3:00 p.m. ET: Senate Finance Committee hosted by Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT)
3:30 p.m. ET: Senate Health, Education, Pensions and Labor Committee hosted by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT)
For Congressional meeting photo-ops, contact Ed Shelleby at 202-701-7806 or Eshelleby@childrensdefense.org

About the Children’s Defense Fund

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority.

The CDF Leave No Child Behind's mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

About the CDF Child Watch Program

The CDF Child Watch program seeks to educate the heart and the mind; tie the faces of children to unjust budget and policy choices; help influential decision makers see child needs in their own communities; show them positive alternatives; engage them in seeking solutions; and build bridges across race, faith and income. CDF’s goal is to get the movers and shakers to move and shake our policy, media and political leaders to action for children and create a new powerful cadre of leaders for children. The Child Watch program’s roots can be traced back to 1967 when a young civil rights lawyer named Marian Wright took Senator Robert F. Kennedy away from the marble corridors of Washington to the clapboard shacks of the Mississippi Delta to see what was happening to America’s children.

About Unity Health Care

Unity Health Care, Inc. (Unity), Washington, DC’s largest nonprofit health and social services organization, serves individuals and families in all eight wards of the District of Columbia through its network of 14 Community Health Centers, nine sites serving homeless individuals and a mobile medical outreach unit. In 2008, Unity served more than 81,000 of the most vulnerable residents of the District including the uninsured, working poor, homeless and the formerly incarcerated. For more information about Unity Health Care, Inc., visit our website at http://www.unityhealthcare.org/.

Mountain Lions - A Montana View

2009-05-04T10:38:00.001-07:00

For those who might not have guessed, I am an outdoor enthusiast, a hunter, wildlife advocate, naturalist and environmentalist. To the left is a stock photo I found on the internet of a mountain lion. I don't have any photos of a live mountain lion. The photos in the slideshow below are of a dead one.

Jack and I hike the Bitterroots, mostly Bear Creek, Gash, and Sweathouse ridges and draws. I have been seeing mountain lion tracks frequently for about 6 months and have never seen a lion (except when I worked for the Forest Service at Seeley Lake, MT) or a lion kill. On May 2, Jack and I went up one of our usual haunts, but instead of directly climbing a ridge, we decided to take the farm road to see the level of Sweathouse Creek. We found the dead mountain lion on the road a few feet from the creek.

We couldn't see any blood or trauma. Was it poisoned? Was it a natural death? She looked very fit and healthy (besides being dead). We called Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP)Warden, Joe Jaquith. He picked her up Sunday and was going to take her to a vet for an autopsy. Joe emailed us today. His conclusion is that she took a blow from another lion, probably a male.

Joes words: I have come to the conclusion that this lion was killed by another lion. It has injuries that are consistant with the bite of a large tom. There was no trace of lead in the skull.

He mentioned that a male lion will sometimes kill an unreceptive female. This female was about 65 pounds and maybe two years old. She was a beauty.

Keep checking this blog, I may get photos of a mountain lion yet!

As a naturalist, I love to hunt and I love to shoot...legally. Our Fish, Wildlife and Parks department is full of professionals and they do a great job of providing recreation regulations. I also have great respect for natural ecosystems, flora and fauna. Some might disagree with me, but I hope you will still visit my blog. I love bears, lions, wolves, coyotes, deer, elk, eagles, osprey, snakes and my list goes on and on. All of these creatures were here before I was, before you were. We are in their territory. They have a right to live and thrive. That is "my Montana view."

Below are links to the MT FWP site and the slideshow of my photos.

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Click here for Mountain Lion Hunting Guide at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website.

Hunting News
Check FWP news for important updates throughout the hunting season.
Montana Animal Field Guide my personal favorite (ml)
How much can a mountain lion weigh? The animal field guide contains interesting information about Montana's species.

2009 Season Dates
Fall Mountain Lion Season (without hounds)
October 25–November 29, 2009
Winter Mountain Lion Season (with hounds)
December 1, 2009–April 14, 2010
Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations. ~

Joseph A. Jaquith or for a warden in your area see Staff Directory
FWP Warden Sergeant
MT FWP Region 2
363-7110
E-Mail

Swisher The Goose Returns?

2009-05-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

Last year we raised an orphaned gosling from May until he flew away in August. This goose landed on a snag right behind the chicken coop in our yard one morning. I took photos for about an hour and talked with it while it looked at me. The mate (it seemed) flew around us, landed in about 3 different snags and finally convinced this goose to fly up the creek. I wonder, is this Swisher? It brought tears to my eyes.
See more photos below in my SmugMug slideshow.

To see the post about the gosling when it lived with us, see My Goose Friend Swisher.

Is this Erigeron compactus (Fern-leaf Fleabane)?

2009-04-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

I photographed this flower on a dry ridge south of Sweathouse Creek at mid-elevation. I haven't been able to find a good photo of Erigeron compactus (Fern-leaf Fleabane) but the description sounds like this flower. Anyone out there know?

Osprey - nice dive but no fish - Slideshow

2009-04-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

The osprey were very active. They recently returned to the area and are working on their nests and looking for food. We saw at least 4 pair on the float today. The photos begin with the osprey hunting for fish, hovering, then diving in the water, emerging, and finally flying down river.

This osprey did not emerge with a fish, not even after a few tries. But the dive was amazing and it was close enough to get some pretty good shots.

The Osprey that caught the fish - Slideshow

2009-04-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

A Few More Wildflowers in April

2009-04-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this Yellowbell on April 8th. There are more, now, you will see them with the Shooting Stars in the photo below. To quote the Montana Plant Life.org site,

"...usually solitary, occasionally 2, and rarely 3, nodding, rather narrowly
bell-shaped, yellow, often purplish-or brownish-streaked near the base, fading
to red or purple."

The next two photos were taken on April 20.

Shooting Stars are so pretty! I found these next to a second order stream on the south side of Sweathouse Creek.

To the left is one of the most popular spring flowers, the Glacier Lily, or some people call them the Dogtooth Violet. They come into bloom in our area in April just after the Buttercups, Yellowbells, and Shooting Stars. These were in a shaded montane forest also south of Sweathouse Creek.

Spring has sprung Flowers - Pasqueflower

2009-04-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have been busy editing a large amount of photos so I haven't posted recently. I am putting a Pasque Flower on for now and will come back with a slideshow soon of all the wildflowers I am seeing. They are beautiful and certainly lift one's spirits.

I see these Pasque Flowers on lower elevation shady slopes that have good drainage. Montana Plant Life.org has an interesting write-up on medicinal uses for this plant.

Click here for Montana Plant Life.org's Pasqueflower page or Yahoo search for Pasque Flower.

View Album - click here to see in a new window

Bluebirds - a zillion along the Bitterroot River

2009-04-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

We floated the Bitterroot on a warm day in April. One of the amazing sights was this large flock of Western Bluebirds along the bank.

I hope you enjoy the slideshow below.

Click View Album to see photos in a new, larger browser.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Freda

2009-04-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Jack and I found our puppy. We bought her from Florence Wells and family in Belgrade, MT. She was 7 weeks old on April 11.

This puppy is the sweetest thing you have ever seen. She is smart, loving and fiesty all in one furry package.

See the slideshow for a few more photos. If you visit this blog often, you will be seeing a lot more of her as she explores the outdoors with me!

Click View Album to see in a new window. Choose to view a slideshow.

The Elk that thinks it's a Whitetail Deer

2009-04-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

This elk calf has been observed living all winter with a herd of whitetail deer. Today I saw them. There were about 15 deer and this one elk. Pretty funny site! I wonder when it will hook up with the resident elk herd.

"Neigh"borhood Horses

2009-04-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Some one get the curry comb and brushes out! These horses need to get some of their winter coat removed. Aren't they sweet?

I love these guys. They live in the field next to our property and I see them everyday.

The photo to the left was taken yesterday, the one below was taken earlier this winter.

Goshawk again, back for dinner

2009-04-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

This Goshawk has found a good dining spot at my chicken coop and run. I actually am keeping the chickens in and have too many roosters. My large Rhode Island Red rooster died of old age and I put it out in the aspens to see if the Goshawk ate carrion chickens as well as fresh chickens. IT DID.

It spent about 3 days working on the carcass. It would drag it under cover to eat and then revisited until it finished the chicken. Very interesting, defeathering the chicken is what took the longest. I don't know why, but it took all the feathers off before it got into the entrails. What a mess. My scent didn't bother the hawk at all. It came back even after I moved the chicken, but it wouldn't eat while I was watching.

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Choose Slideshow for full screen view.

Robins

2009-04-05T11:31:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year. We need to pay homage to the Robin.

Belted Kingfisher on the Bitterroot River, Montana

2009-04-03T13:16:00.001-07:00

Belted Kingfisher we saw while floating the mainstem of the Bitterroot River.

Feathered Visitors

2009-03-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is nesting time for many of us including this Red-breasted Nuthatch that is creating a home in a river birch on our property. I thought the sound I was hearing was a woodpecker. No, it was this nuthatch making a nest hole.

It is time to raise a few more laying hens. I just bought some chicks. Laying hens are only productive for a few years, but because I let mine free range during the day, I also loose some to predators. The most prevalent here is the Northern Goshawk. The Goshawk in this photo is in the Aspen grove next to my chicken coop/run. He is waiting for dinner.

One last note: This morning we woke up to snow again. Here is the view out the bedroom window. It was so beautiful I had to take a picture! But, I hope warmer weather comes soon.

Montana in March - Slideshow

2009-03-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a group of cow elk. I zoomed in on this group, the whole herd counted about 50 head. They are losing their winter coats so they look a bit scruffy. See more photos in the slideshow below.

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Seattle Area in March 2009

2009-03-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

We were in the Seattle area this weekend. Of course I couldn't help but take outdoor photos. See the slideshow below.

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Choose Slideshow to view in full screen mode.

Winter Finch (Red Crossbill) and a Moose, again

2009-03-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken on our property west of Victor, Montana. Life is good when you are surrounded by nature.

To the left is a winter finch called a Red Crossbill. It is nice to see little color.

Below is a female moose. She is standing behind my chicken coop. I had seen her tracks, but not her. Today she decided to come out and show herself.

A Town History Fair, Montana in the Eyes of Our Youth

2009-03-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 5th, I was invited to a "Town History Fair" at Two Creeks School in Victor, Montana. I only had a half-hour to see all the boards at the fair and there was a great turnout of parents and friends making crowds at each board. I wish I could have taken photos of them all, but in the slideshow below you will see a few of the boards. These kids worked REALLY hard! More importantly, they had fun learning.

Each child picked a town, maybe they were born there, maybe visited it, maybe had family in the town. For the town, they researched, wrote a large paper, and made a reader board. Each child I photographed, except one, provided an oral presentation as well. I could tell they were very familiar with their subject - even had personalities pegged for some of the key residents. I was quite impressed with their knowledge and delivery. They found a connection and conveyed it to me in a personal and interesting manner. The child that didn't give an oral presentation was a first year student at the age of 5! Camas is her name and her project about Victor was fantastic. See the photos below.

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If you want to download any photos, view the album, right click the photo and choose "Save Picture As." Then save to your computer in the location of your choice. To see in full screen mode, View Album and choose "Slideshow."

A Fort for Learning Just About Everything - Come and see it March 5, 2009

2009-03-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

Another update at Two Creeks School. Thursday, March 5, from 5:00 - 6:00 is their Town History Fair. If you aren't busy, come check it out. The students will be showing off their cabin, but also each one has done a report with visual display on the history of a town in Montana. Ruby Sage did Bozeman, Levi Sage did Hamilton...their poster boards are really colorful and cool. Every kid picked a different town. It will be very interesting. Come by if you can.

Two Creeks School located at the Sweet Sage Guest House
838 Sweathouse Creek Rd
Victor, MT 59875
(406) 642-6400
Get directions More information »

To get to the trailhead and ridges of my hike up the Sweathouse drainage, I drive by the Two Creeks Community School. It is attended by my friends Levi and Ruby Sage. During the last week or so they have been busy as beavers creating a "log" fort.

Yesterday the roof fell in.

Last night, Levi and his step-dad, Bill LaCroix, braced the walls.

Today I am told there is a new rule; only two kids on top at a time.

See -- they are learning about structural integrity, consequences for instability and structural overload, and hopefully teamwork.

I can hardly imagine what else they will learn in this process! Maybe Levi will write me a paper.

February 20: This last photo is an update sent to me by Ruby and Levi's Mom, Amy Sage. She said the roof has been reinforced. You see all of the kids in the school in this photo taken by their teacher. They are great kids, smart kids, and are learning amazing things. How lucky they are to have this school in this environment in this beautiful state of Montana.

Anna LaCroix, our Bright Light

2009-03-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

Anna is what we call a "Bright Light." She takes after her sister, Ruby, and brother, Levi! There is one difference, though. Anna was born deaf and has gone through two surgeries for cochlear implants. She is now learning to "hear" amoung so many other things.

See a blog about Anna titled Hearing is Believing at at Wapiti Waters Blogspot.

Here are a few photos of Anna in a slideshow.

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Buttercups, an early sign of spring

2009-03-03T20:10:00.001-08:00

Today's hike was inbetween rain showers. We didn't see any game, but did see new life "springing" up. Buttercups are one of the firsts signs of spring!
The palmated leaves to the right of the yellow flowers are lupine.

On the way home, we passed Amy Sage, Bill LaCroix and their daughter, Anna. They were out for an afternoon bike ride. Anna is one of my favorite photo subjects. I am sure you can see why.

Is it Winter or Spring or Inbetween?

2009-02-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we hiked and it was about 48 degrees and blue sky. Today, we are in a snow storm, warm, but huge wet flakes falling down.

These photos show moss greening up on the slopes we hike. The warmer weather is releasing water from the high mountains, too. This stream bed is dry most of the year.

Another Moose Sighting Today!

2009-02-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

This seems to be the year of the Moose. We have Moose tracks in on our property (no actual sighting yet), we have seen a bull Moose regularly up in the Gash Point area, and Jack has seen a Moose in the Sweathouse drainage. Today, on our hike up a ridge south of Sweathouse Creek, I got to capture a few photos of this Moose.

Click on the photo for a larger view. The photo isn't the greatest, the Moose was nervous and didn't want to stand still very long. I like to try to lean on a tree to steady the camera, but I didn't have time.

It was a beautiful day and we were lucky to see this wonderful animal. It doesn't get much better than this.

On my hike today...the snow is melting, the sun was out.

2009-02-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

A beautiful day. It is still cool in the trees and the lichen on the branches was a lively green.

The Chicken and the Egg

2009-02-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

I love birds and that goes for chickens, too. They are good companions and not to difficult to keep once you set up a coop and pen. I designed my coop so I have an entry room. In that room, I can open a piece of the wall to gather eggs from the egg boxes with out going inside the actual chicken house. There is a built in, self-loading feed compartment that holds one 40 pound sack of layer pellets. Just make sure they have plenty of water and you and the chickens are all set.

Clean the straw out of the coop 2 to 4 times a year, depending on how much mess they make. Use the soiled straw in your compost. Once aged, it makes a great soil conditioner and fertilizer.

I like to let them free range during the day, but when they return to roost in the chicken house at night, I close the pen to keep predators out.

The eggs are wonderful. The yolks area a dark yellow, almost orange and the whites are firm, not runny like store bought eggs. They are well worth the effort.

In the slideshow are some of my chickens and some of my neighbor's, Amy Sage, chickens. She has quite a setup, too. Currently, she has goats. She is interested in giving the goats away. Any takers???

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Woman and Man's Best Friend...has passed away

2009-02-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

I always wondered exactly what "a heavy heart" meant. I now know what it means for me in a poignant, piercing manner. Last night our beloved dog, Bela, passed away in her sleep. Finding her on her bed and realizing that she was "gone" was almost unbearable. I think my heart fell from my chest and shattered on the deck. Somehow, it is back in my chest, but is a heavy lump, sitting there, in the way...aching for Bela.

Yesterday we had taken a hike up one of our favorite ridges. Yes, she was almost 13 years old and her hips were getting stiff, but on the hike she was spry and as happy as usual to be out with us in the mountains. We were enjoying her golden years. She was alway a good dog but lately even better. She stayed in close proximitiy and always looked at us with adoring eyes as if to say, "Are you having as good a time as I am?" Tears flow, hearts ache, but that doesn't bring her back.

Thank you Bela for all you gave us, even in your passing. You will always be in my heart. You adored Jack (he spoiled you) and you loved me (after all, I fed you). I hope you know how much we loved you and will always miss you. They often say, "she was one of a kind." You were. There will never be another spirit as wonderful as you.

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Mule Deer and that Moose again!

2009-02-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Today on our ski, we went back up Bear Creek and Gash Creek early in the morning. The snow is better when it is cool and of course, the Super Bowl is on this afternoon.

I saw the moose again and this time, Jack was with me. He was on the next ridge over (from where I saw him two days ago) and as we skied by, he saw us, but was so uninterested he bedded down. The photos of the moose are with the Pentax Optio. I can ski with it and not worry about hurting the camera, but it isn't much for zoom or focus.

As we skied on, it is funny. The moose tracks were all over the snow covered road. They reminded me of a drunken sailor. I am sure it was easy traveling and he was looking for browse, but he zigged and zagged!

On the way down, we saw a young mule deer doe and her fawn. It was the "furriest" fawn I have ever seen. I hope you can see the curley fur in it's ears. I took the deer photos with my Canon EOS 40D.

Click on the photo to see a larger view. They will open in a new window.

Gash Creek Ski Day

2009-01-31T10:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we tried to find snow, it was limited. On a climb up a ridge, I managed to run into a moose. He had a very blond rack but I couldn't get much of a photo. As I edged closer to him, he charged me. I think I annoyed him. After that, I sheepishly retreated back down the ridge. I would rather be safe than sorry.

These two photos were taken with a Pentax Optio camera. Not the best when you want to focus in on a moose through the trees, but you get the idea of how big he is.

In December, we had about a week of really good snow. This slideshow shows one of those days. We saw a pair of Mule deer, too.

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Horses Feeding in the Winter

2009-01-25T20:19:00.000-08:00

On my way back from a hike today, I saw these horses. I had to chuckle at their feeding station. The owner is tired of loosing the hay to all the deer and elk that hang around here. He took deer and elk hides and placed them all around the hay cradle. I wonder if it works!

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My Goose Friend Swisher

2009-01-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

In early May, Jack was floating the Big Hole river with clients when he noticed this lone gosling had been following his boat for miles. At the end of the day he thought of it's fate if he didn't rescue it. He scooped it up in his net and brought it home. We put it under a light until it could survive being in the coop with out it. It stayed with us in our yard until mid August. One day I came home from work and he was gone. I have to believe he flew away with other geese as he should. Maybe one day Swisher will come back to our ponds with a mate and nest.
Here is a slide show of Swisher from May through mid-August. I hope you enjoy it.

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If you click "View Album", then "Slide Show" it will show in full screen mode. If the photos don't quite focus, slow down the speed to 5 or 6 seconds per photo.

Note: I don't know if Swisher was male or female. I just found myself calling Swisher "he."

Canada Goose - Montana Field Guide