We visited the?National Bison Range?near?Missoula?this weekend, and sighted the following on Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7:
Lazuli Buntings: ?4 males altogether, along the Red Sleep Drive, at?mile markers?0.6, 2.9, 4.1, and 8.1
Spotted Towhee: ?1 male, on the Red Sleep Drive at?mile marker?3.3
Lewis' Woodpecker: ?1 male,?on the Red Sleep Drive approximately 1/10th of a mile before the bathrooms at the top of the slope.
Bullock's Oriole: ?1 male,?on the Red Sleep Drive at approximately mile marker 4
Ringneck Pheasants: ?Several males along both the Red Sleep Drive and the loser portion of the road down along?Mission Creek. ?We both saw and heard many males.
Yellow Headed Blackbirds were numerous and very, very approachable down at the marsh near the last picnic site, which is well beyond the main picnic area. ?It is on the other side of the farmstead and sets way back off the road. ? They allowed me to approach so close that I actually had to back up in order to fit a whole bird in my viewfinder. ?For photographing this species it is a wonderful opportunity.
Many other birds are numerous, including male Harriers and Kestrels. ?Also numerous are Pronghorn Antelope, Whitetail and Mule Deer, Elk, and, of course, Bison. ? The Bison calves are out and about, but the Elk are keeping their young in heavy cover, as are the deer. Several doe Pronghorn looked very heavy - it is possible that they haven't dropped yet.