Close out of the sage grouse project has left an empty spot in the spring schedule. Got the call to tag along on a trip to check out some sharptail leks for a potential upcoming study. Had just enough time to do a couple loads of laundry, get some groceries, gas up the truck, reload the trailer and head back across the divide. Driving the Deuce
Flathead still looking good but warmer weather ahead will change that
Glacier’s Southern exposure
Bob’s Eastern flank
Touchdown
Base camp established
Campground crapper; this could be a problem. I donate a few rolls to the cause
Poking around a bit until the rest of the crew arrives
Duck central; ended up counting 11 varieties, plus various and sundry grebe, merganser, etc. Hard to get any close ups; all the spent shotgun shells may provide a clue
Next morning, on to another site. Pay dirt; a prairie pick-up bar. Birds are vocal and active; 23 total, including 3 hens. Apologies for pic quality; terrain and land ownership preclude any more favorable camera angles, they’re in that stubble just beyond the puddle
A curious curlew seems more interested in the dance moves than the hen standing to the right
Last night out
Closing up camp the next morning. Mushroom season; proximity to ICBM sites always increases pucker factor but it’s just the last few days of open burn.
Good grub
Pronghorns
Heading back to the trees; cue the Immigrant Song
The last few warm days have added a good bit of color; 5 rafts were putting in at Moccasin Creek for an adrenaline rush
Dropping in to Stumptown; I already miss the snipe winnowing
Thanks for the pictures, Scott.
Fished the Flathead once. Brother in law bought a house out there some time ago. Just sold it this year. Probably couldn’t make that drive again. Enjoyed every minute of it though.
