CKST Bison Range Field Trip
@ Join field trip leader Darcy Thomas on this exciting September trip at the peak of the elk rut. In the afternoon, we will see bison grazing in the wide-open, arid grasslands throughout the range. There is a good chance of seeing black bears as they forage and bulk up in preparation for winter hibernation. Late afternoon will be an excellent time for spotting raptors, and we will look for Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, and American Kestrels. Western Meadowlarks are likely to delight us with their flutelike, bubbling, or melodic calls. Belted Kingfishers and various waterfowl are also possible as evening approaches. With declining temperatures at dusk, the bull elk will become highly active. We will hear their high-pitched, echoing bugles across the canyons and look for them in the timbered ravines along the upper switchbacks of Red Sleep Mountain and wading near the water along lower Prairie Drive. Short-eared Owls may be seen hunting low over the open grasslands along Prairie Drive, and Great Horned Owls may be seen in the cottonwoods along Mission Creek. If we are lucky, we may see the nocturnal Common Poorwill at the tail end of its summer residency in Montana. Plan to carpool and contribute $15 to the driver to help cover the cost of admission to the range and gasoline. Bring your dinner to eat in the car as we drive, binoculars, and a spotting scope, if you have one. The Bison Range front gate closes at 8pm, so that is when we will head home. Limited to 10 participants. Register by email at darcy@flatheadaudubon.org or call Darcy at 406-407 -8263. Darcy Thomas 406-407-8263 darcy@flatheadaudubon.org Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live
@
Join field trip leader Darcy Thomas on this exciting September trip at the peak of the elk rut. In the afternoon, we will
see bison grazing in the wide-open, arid grasslands throughout the range. There is a good chance of seeing black
bears as they forage and bulk up in preparation for winter hibernation. Late afternoon will be an excellent time for
spotting raptors, and we will look for Red-tailed Hawks, Golden Eagles, and American Kestrels. Western Meadowlarks
are likely to delight us with their flutelike, bubbling, or melodic calls. Belted Kingfishers and various waterfowl are also
possible as evening approaches. With declining temperatures at dusk, the bull elk will become highly active. We will hear their high-pitched, echoing bugles across the canyons and look for them in the timbered ravines along the upper switchbacks of Red Sleep Mountain and wading near the water along lower Prairie Drive. Short-eared Owls may be seen hunting low over the open grasslands along Prairie Drive, and Great Horned Owls may be seen in the cottonwoods along Mission Creek. If
we are lucky, we may see the nocturnal Common Poorwill at the tail end of its summer residency in Montana. Plan to carpool and contribute $15 to the driver to help cover the cost of admission to the range and gasoline. Bring your dinner to eat in the car as we drive, binoculars, and a spotting scope, if you have one. The Bison Range front gate closes at 8pm, so that is when we will head home. Limited to 10 participants. Register by email at darcy@flatheadaudubon.org or call Darcy at 406-407 -8263.
406-407-8263
darcy@flatheadaudubon.org
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