On June 7, 2008 before we began our journey through the Bighorn Mountains my wife was able to add Sage Thrasher to her life list. As we left the vast sage brush country behind, we were able to get our first views of the picturesque Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming.
These mountains originally got their name from the Lewis and Clark expeditions that passed through this area years and years ago. The explorers just could not believe the numbers of Bighorn Sheep that were living in this mountanous terrain. Nowadays, the numbers of sheep have declined, but we still managed to find a small herd of these impressive animals.
Moose, Mule Deer, Yellow-bellied Marmot and the miniscule Least Chipmunk were all seen on our morning drive. Birds seemed to be few and far between but several Golden Eagles soaring over the high peaks were certainly nice to look at.
A few other birds noted in the Bighorn Mountains were Bald Eagle, American Magpie, Mountain Bluebird, White-throated Swift, Violet-green Swallow, Western Tanager and lots of Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race).
After leaving this wonderful area, we drove east all the way back to Bismark, North Dakota. What a heck of a drive that is!
The next morning we visited the Cross Ranch State Park along the Missouri River.
A few other birds noted in the Bighorn Mountains were Bald Eagle, American Magpie, Mountain Bluebird, White-throated Swift, Violet-green Swallow, Western Tanager and lots of Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race).
After leaving this wonderful area, we drove east all the way back to Bismark, North Dakota. What a heck of a drive that is!
The next morning we visited the Cross Ranch State Park along the Missouri River.
Will Magdalena be able to see the sought after Least Tern? Due stay tuned...
Good Birding, STEVEN EASLEY
Good Birding, STEVEN EASLEY
No comments:
Post a Comment