June 8, 2011

Wildlife In The West Through The Eyes Of Our Students
by Andrea Stephens

"Wildlife in the West" student Eric Locker captured this photo of a drumming Ruffed Grouse
on a weekend excursion to East Glacier. Photo credit - Eric Locker

We have spent the last three weeks with a group of eleven college students studying wildlife in the Swan, Clearwater and Blackfoot Valleys; currently we're exploring the Salmon Valley in Idaho before wrapping up on June 17th. Our program, “Wildlife in the West,” focuses on ecology, policies, and approaches to living with and managing endangered species in rural communities. We asked our students to contribute their favorite natural history observations to date. Here's what we heard:

I saw my first Barred Owl one afternoon a few weeks ago, in a remnant stand of big Ponderosas south of Dog Creek. We first saw the owl when we were nearly underneath where it sat perched on a branch about fifty feet overhead. It flew quietly to another nearby Ponderosa as the group gathered round. It took several of us quite a while to spot the owl again because its brown, grey and white feather patterns camouflaged it perfectly against the Ponderosa's rusty puzzle bark. What struck me most was how dark its eyes were – most owls I've seen have yellow or orange eyes.
Rebekah, Humboldt State University

The day we went out to Holland Lake was amazing. It was sunny out and while we were walking towards the waterfall, our instructors stopped periodically - to point out a series of birds calling in the distance or to describe the scars a fire had left on the forest. We also were able to catch a glimpse of a pair of Common Loons dabbling in the lake. When we finally got to the waterfall, the view was absolutely beautiful. It looked as if the waterfall was coming straight out of the mountain.
Kaytlan, Iowa State University

I came to Montana prepared to learn about wildlife that once roamed all over North America, but I never thought I would have so many first-hand encounters while exploring the woods. While conducting howling surveys, we were approached by three Wolves. Seeing these legendary carnivores fifteen yards away is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
Sara, University of Vermont

I liked the Osprey because not only have I never seen one before, but the group was able to get so close to the raptor. It made the experience even better to see its curved beak, long claws and the details in its feathers. It was just perched on a wooden post and we were able to observe it for at least ten minutes before it flew off.
Michael, Iowa State University

A few of us were poking around in a little cattail marsh in Salmon. Above us a male Red-Winged Blackbird cried out and hovered anxiously. Before long, a much plainer bird landed on the tall reeds a bit away with food gripped in its beak. Even with its mouth full, it managed to cheep, shaking its whole body. I figured there must be a nest nearby and began to investigate the taller stands where dried stalks and leaves from the last year remained. Almost immediately I uncovered a nest the size of my hand, and observed small, fluffy, newborn hatchlings wiggling around. After taking a look, we stepped back and watched the dull-colored female with her mouth still packed with food tend to her newborn babes.
Brenna, University of Montana

While staying at Mike Stevenson's cabin outside East Glacier, we came upon a Great Horned Owl and its baby in the woods. The mother, perched in a tree in the distance, watched, seemingly unconcerned, as we slowly approached the baby. The baby stared at us with a curious look as our shutters clicked non-stop. As I slowly circled around the baby, which was perched on a branch only ten feet high, its eyes followed me. I'll never know what that baby owl and its mother were thinking of us, but it was a treat to be able to get so close to these magnificent creatures that share our world.
Jed, University of Massachusetts

On the first day out in the field, I heard my first Ruffed Grouse drumming in the woods. It sounded like a helicopter about ready to take off. It was a sign to me that spring was in full swing. The remainder of the time I spent in Montana, my mind revolved around hearing and seeing this amazing creature on a fallen log in a shady stand of aspens.
Eric, Iowa State University

On a ranch in the Blackfoot Valley, I noticed a Grizzly cub sitting in a field about thirty yards away. Its shoulder hump was prominent with the hairs curving upward to look like a Mohawk haircut. We immediately stopped the van and watched it stroll over to a timbered area and forage in low shrubs. Its cinnamon coat looked slightly unhealthy. It became apparent there was no mother bear around so we got out and watched from the fence line as it foraged and laid in the field. It was wonderful to watch a bear in the wild from such a close distance but I hope the young grizzly survived.
Erin, Iowa State University

I have enjoyed seeing the colors of nature. There are so many flowers in bloom in the Blackfoot right now. Fields of pink Shooting Stars, purple Lupine, and yellow Arrow-Leaf Balsamroot have popped up in every direction. Darting from tree to tree among bright greens I saw awesome hues in the unexpected tips of bird wings. The brilliant red of the Red-Winged Blackbird, loud yellow of the Yellow-Headed Blackbird, the brilliant blue of the Mountain Bluebird and the rainbow colors of the Western Tanager. I had never seen so many colors flying through the sky before. No wonder artists have developed so many beautiful colors to paint with; we have such wonderful inspiration in the creativity of nature.
Hanna, Willamette University

One of my favorite things was seeing the Beaver dam on the Beck Homestead. It was interesting to see how beavers affect the landscape and how important a role they play in creating habitat for wetland species. It’s also interesting to compare a human's attempt at damming/reserving water compared to the beaver. They always seem to do it better than we do!
Kinsey, Virginia Tech

While hiking in the Blackfoot Valley, our instructor showed us how to find Gall Fly larvae in Knapweed seed heads. The Gall Fly was introduced to Montana to combat the non-native Knapweed population. Although Gall Flies were successful in reducing the Knapweed populations, their larvae provide food for small rodents which have experienced a dramatic increase in numbers.
McKenna, Iowa State University