December 10, 2022 The forecast called for an easterly wind this morning, and it’s impossible to ignore here along the pedestrian trail that follows the […]
Groundwater: seeing into the underground river
November 22, 2022 Since last week’s bitter cold, it’s warmed up gradually. This afternoon at Missoula’s Greenough Park, it’s actually a few degrees above freezing. […]
Ducks, raptors, and more at Lee Metcalf NWR
November 20, 2022 It’s -3°F this morning at the Bitterroot Valley’s Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Frost coats the tan cattail stems in thick, furry […]
Finding winter fruits, birds, and more in Greenough Park
November 17, 2022 It’s a cold, sunny morning in the parking lot of Missoula’s Greenough Park. There are eight of us gathered here, carrying binoculars […]
A hidden community: mayflies and more in Rattlesnake Creek
November 6, 2022 A light snowfall blanketed Missoula overnight, and this morning my feet are feeling the approach of winter. They’re screaming gradually louder at […]
Hope for a dammed stream: watching Rattlesnake Creek change
November 1, 2022 It’s probably the last mild day before winter hits. Among the golden cottonwoods, Rattlesnake Creek is the very image of an idyllic […]
Attacked by pygmy nuthatches: unusual behavior in the ponderosas
October 26, 2022 It was one of the more curious things I’ve observed in the ponderosa pine forest. At first the interaction seemed peaceful. A […]
Atacado por bajopalos enanos: una sorpresa en los pinos
26 de octubre de 2022 Fue una de las cosas más curiosas que nunca he observado en el bosque de pinos ponderosas (Pinus ponderosa). Al […]
Kochia: what this despised weed does for fall sparrows
Kochia (Kochia scoparia): the mention of this weed conjures consternation in the minds of many. But when I think of kochia, I think of sparrows. […]
Finding nature near Missoula: walking through fall at Kelly Island
Note: I updated this story slightly in May 2024, and completely redid the accompanying podcast. In part, this was inspired by Lynda Saul, one of […]