12-21-15 Field Note

Allison M. Bernhisel documents snowy observations of muskrats, animal tracks, and a Northern Shrike.

Posted on 12/21/2015 by Anonymous

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MPG North Field Note Let it snow! Tracks, Muskrats, Bird Feeders and Northern Shrike (New Species) 18 December 2015, Allison M. Bernhisel Silent

Silent snow fell and blanketed the landscape. In the winter, time seems to freeze as recent visitors paint the blank canvas of snow with tracks and sign.

Snowshoe hares seem to spend their lives in hidden spots, but fresh snow exposes their high level of activity out in the open.

Diving in and out of a small hole in the ice, this muskrat collected vegetation from the bottom of Home Pond.

Winter’s palette tends towards shades of gray, so this limey lichen is a delightful sight!

Bears have settled back into their dens, so we’ve set up the feeders again.

This northern shrike (Lanius excubitor)—a new species on the MPG North list—stopped in the cottonwoods near Entrance Pond’s feeders.

A group of three gray jays dominated one of the feeders before I refilled them. One jay even rode the feeder all the way to the ground as I lowered it. The birds moved on before the feeders were back in place.

A female downy woodpecker helped herself to a fatty suet cake.

Mountain chickadees are common at feeders. Perhaps to reduce conflict, they appear to take turns and bounce between tree branches to consume their loot. This photo series captures the grace of one of these aeronautic masters as it waits for an opening to feed.

About MPG North

Established in 2005, the property boundary at MPG North encloses 200 undeveloped acres in Western Montana’s Swan Valley. Researchers and field staff manage the property to improve habitat quality for wildlife, discover new ways to restore damaged landscapes and study forest ecology. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. Through these education and outreach efforts, we seek to inspire others to work together and protect undeveloped landscapes.

MPG North

Protecting Open Space for Future Generations

12-21-15 Field Note

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About MPG North