December 15, 2022 The Swan River slips gently under the snowy bridge where the Cold Creek Road crosses it. A pileated woodpecker flies past, its […]
The Fort Missoula Ponds: a hotspot for biodiversity
December 7, 2022 When it comes to birds around Missoula, Montana, the Fort Missoula Ponds have a reputation. “When you fly over Missoula, you can […]
Missoula’s winter ducks in the teeth of the Hellgate wind
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 […]