Category: Uncategorized

Despite the fact that it’s still 15°F below zero, I’m feeling reasonably positive about February. For the first time since we’ve kept track, we have ID’ed double digit year-birds in February. I realize part of it is that we have been recording species in two separate areas of Montana this year. Regardless, it feels good…

The daytime highs are currently slipping- tiptoeing -into the upper 40’s. Today we reached 48f (9c) degrees by about 4pm. Since winter in Helena really took hold on November 4th, and we have spent so many days and nights waaay sub-zero, this felt amazing. Blue skies – snow is disappearing – icy trails are terrible…

Most ancient cultures have a site associated with the solstice or the equinox. From Stonehenge in England and Machu Picchu in Peru to Chichen Itza Mexico and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, they span the world. The Parowan Gap in Southern Utah is the only major archeoastronomical site I’ve had the good fortune to visit,…

Not the worst start to a year, but certainly not the best. I suspect the cold weather has a lot to do with it- both from the standpoint of my not going out and about as much, and the birds visibility and behavior. Regardless of the reason, here’s the list.

I don’t tend to take very many pictures and made items out in nature. But, I came across an abandoned homestead site today that seemed to be just the right light. I can’t imagine trying to eke out in living in such a desolate location- wind swept and cold in the winter, wind swept and…

Today was quite a nice day. Aside from the flat tire, of course. I’m ending my day with a bit over 20,000 steps and about 9.5 miles of walking. The Labrador and I did several small hikes around the valley. The McMaster Hills east of town are going to be very interesting to explore when…

Today started cold. it was -10f when I woke up and came out to start my day at 5:30am. The temperature stayed below zero until about 2pm and it peaked at a balmy 4 above at 3:30. I made it out 5 times over the course of the day. Four of the outings were simply…

This is a pretty shot of the Montana sky- yes. Nothing wrong with that. Also nothing too surprising about it. The sky here is magical- probably 250 days a year. Maybe more. What really makes this skyscape so special to me is simply that the sun is setting nearly 25 minutes later now than it…

Today started with a bit of hope. I hoped to see a Great Horned Owl in an old, familiar place. I left early-ish, walked the Lab for a bit… and got distracted by a deep-winged, long-tailed hawk that flew over fairly high and was out of sight before I had my binoculars out of the…

Walking in nature has been shown to have positive effects on both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that even taking a leisurely walk in a natural environment can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood and overall wellbeing. Just a few minutes of walking in nature can help to clear the…