10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 7, 2012

I couldn’t help but notice these Lark Sparrows when a flock of nearly a dozen birds flew from some scrub oaks to the ground just off the pathway across from Mule Pond, but it wasn’t easy to spot them on the ground unless they were moving. I caught this one as it perched briefly on the fence.

Sparrows 126

Sparrows Mules Jordan California 126

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

In addition to the birds, we saw Mule Deer, Beaver, Muskrat , and Mink. This is an interesting group, with a Black-necked Stilt, Northern Shovelers, Long-billed Dowitchers, and a couple of Least Sandpipers. All around our little campsite, we keep getting amazed but the diversity of the wildlife.

Blackbirds 120

Blackbirds Mules Beavers Wildlife 120

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

Mule Deer have always been pretty common in this area, but I got quite a surprise when I cleared a small hill in the road, and nearly ran over a male Pronghorn Antelope , right in the middle of the road. In a 3 mile stretch of grassland, with sprinklers flowing, I counted well over 100 of these dark birds.

Dogs 103

Dogs Mules Deer Oregon 103

10,000 Birds

JUNE 28, 2013

Along this journey from pass to valley and back again, we spotted Wild Turkey and Western Wood Pee-wee , Ravens and Red-tailed Hawks , mule deer and elk, even the white-striped tail of a Dark-eyed Junco disappearing into the shadow of the trees. But the highlight, of course, was the camas fields.

Idaho 157

Idaho Mules Buffalo Wolves 157

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

I had the antelope greet me on my way in, and this Mule Deer doe, was there to say goodbye on my way out. This Hermit thrush was almost missed, in all the smoke, but I did manage to get a couple of decent shots. On my way into the park, I spotted this Western Grebe , feeding along the shore. ” I always feel sad leaving Hart Mountain.

Sheep 114

Sheep Oregon Mules Livestock 114

10,000 Birds

JUNE 3, 2011

Things were quiet at first as I headed upwards, until I startled two Mule Deer. Dodgy weather had always kept me from climbing all the way over, before, but this time I felt like my luck was in. It’s not actually this steep. It just feels this steep. They didn’t run, but watched me with wary eyes as I passed them.

Landlord 168

Landlord Bald Eagle Mules Nashville 168

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 4, 2016

Oh well, the trail was nice and the kids liked the nice looks at Mule Deer. Desi and Audrey with their Uncle Matt walking the Pa’rus Trail at Zion National Park. We walked and chatted and oohed-and-aahed at the scenery and tried to keep the kids somewhat in line.

Birds 101

Birds Mules Utah Deer 101

10,000 Birds

APRIL 13, 2024

We also saw Prairie Dogs , Bison , Mule Deer , Abert’s Squirrel and Coyote. Although careful preparation, sophisticated intel from real ornithologists and a lot of planning had been derailed by half a meter of snow, we ended up scoring 63 species over the weekend. I ticked off 9 lifers. All bird and animal pictures are Brad’s.

Denver 147

Denver Colorado Ducks Mules 147

10,000 Birds

APRIL 22, 2011

Mammals were mostly represented by Mule Deer and a handful of debatable Elk. Sometimes a little too confiding, like the Wild Turkey that wandered out into the road in front of us and brought us to a stop for nearly a minute. We also spotted Raven , Bald Eagle , Black-billed Magpie , and the inevitable Canada Goose.

ALA 160

ALA Bald Eagle Mules Turkey 160

10,000 Birds

JUNE 17, 2011

Besides the American bison that the refuge was founded to protect, there are pronghorns, elk, bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, and black bears. As the name suggests, the National Bison Range is mostly known for its large mammals. Are the bison the stars of the show, or is the real star the range itself?

Rattlesnake 164

Rattlesnake Bald Eagle Mules Mammals 164