Riverside Adult Female
Tonight, only the fledgling’s mother could be found. Nothing to worry about, it’s common to have troubles finding a fledgling in August.
Harlequin Duck
A new bird for my life list, was a Harlequin Duck found on a rock in the rapids of the Yellowstone River. The sex of this bird was a female. There was no sign of the much more richly colored male unfortunately.
American Dipper
I had spent an afternoon looking for an American Dipper (also known as the Water Ouzel) in Yosemite National Park, without success earlier this year. In Yellowstone, I saw one on my first hike, without even trying!
The bird, which fishes in mountain streams, was the subject of a chapter in John Meir’s The Mountains of California. John Heir’s writings helped create Yosemite National Park.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles were easy to find in the Lamar Valley and along the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park and in Grand Teton National Park along the Snake River.
For someone who is used to having to brave cold winter weather up in Croton-on-Hudson to see Eagles, viewing them in summer weather was a joy.
North Woods Eastern Screech-Owls
The North Woods Eastern Screech-Owl pair was briefly seen last night. Both owls look great.
While we were watching them a photographer with a flashlight and high-powered flash was also in the North Woods looking for owls. I must recommend to anyone who wants to study owls in the North Woods, that this is not an effective approach to finding them or photographing them.
To watch owls in Central Park and really get to know them, and you have to be as non-intrusive as possible. If you’re quiet, keep your distance, move slowly, photograph without flash and take the time to learn their habits, these owls will share their lives with you.
Yellowstone Bison
Yellowstone Bison were easy to find in the Hayden and Lamar Valleys. I had two close encounters with the Bison.
While driving back to the hotel after dark, a Bison walked out into the road, forcing me to swerve into the oncoming lane of the two lane road. Everyone was safe, but it was a close call. It was one of those events that you end up responding to using pure reflex, and end up going over and over again in your head as you fall asleep.
The other encounter was a fun one. While crossing the Yellowstone River bridge into Lamar Valley, a few Bison were blocking the road, so I stopped. While waiting, the few Bison became a herd, who then all crossed the bridge. The bridge shook from all the weight and the Bison herd surrounded my car. It was fantastic to be so up close to the herd from the safety of a car.
