120320 Birding On a Shoestring: The Wyoming Fall Story

           112520                                            Barrow's Goldeneye

                                                                American Tree Sparrow

                                                              Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

112720                                                      American Dipper

                                                                    Townsend's Solitaire

112820                                                       White Tailed Deer

                                                                       Bighorn Sheep 1

             

                                                                   Bighorn Sheep 2

          113020                                         Red-shafted Northern Flicker

120120                                                            Golden Eagle

Writer spent nine days for the Thanksgiving holiday in the wild arms of Wyoming to find beautiful examples of birds and mammals.  I believe that I took home some very exciting examples.

Mornings were very brisk, some reaching lows of 8 degrees Fahrenheit, but by the time late morning and the afternoon arrived, we were seeing some very comfortable temperatures.  We also saw The Lander Bake Shop a couple of times, which made any temperature feel pleasant.  One can get organic coffee that comes from Jackson Hole and some very fine breakfast and baked goods, some of which are gluten free.  Go there if you're in the area, as you'll not be disheartened by the offerings.

It was necessary to come here to locate some of the nemesis birds that escaped my shutter, and I also got some lovely memories of white tailed deer and bighorn sheep, which will not come down the mountain at will.

Much of the time was spent in Fremont County, though two Golden Eagles were viewed on fenceposts on Route 26 on the way to Casper.  It woke me up.  We also managed to see several Bald Eagles which are relatively common, whereas the goldens are not.

Species Profile: The American Dipper

One of the most remarkable birds that you will ever encounter or seek to locate is the water ouzel or the amazing American Dipper.

This is a bird that is most related to the thrush and other species can be found all over the world.

The remarkable and uncommon birds can be found along fast flowing mountain streams of the west with exposed rocks and logs.  Its modus operandi is to perch upon these rocks and logs in order to dive for aquatic insect larvae.

This stocky, dark gray bird has bright white eyelids that will draw your attention to it and tends to build moss covered nest along the water's edge from six to thirty feet over the water.  It is very streamlined with a short tail and actually swims underwater in order to capture prey.  Surprisingly, it can hold its breath for up to thirty seconds, and has excellent insulation for cold water weather hunting, including oil glands.  You will know it, as it bobs its body up and down while foraging along streams.  It has a nictitating membrane on its eyes, similar to goggles, which raptors are also equipped with in order to protect its eyes from dust articles.

The nest is globular with a side entrance incubated only by the female, with a clutch size of two to four white eggs

The dipper is a fabulous indicator of water health, for if there are no available insects and larvae it will move elsewhere until it is assured of a good food supply.

Included is a video, so that if you hear the bird, you'll know that you are near in order to observe its entertaining and redeeming qualities, as well as observe some of its hunting prowess.