10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 22, 2017

In addition to the hundred or so species of birds I regularly find here, there are Desert Foxes, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Desert Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer. Despite the eyesore that is this mine, the wildlife continues to thrive in this harsh environment. Here are a few of the birds we spotted last weekend.

Mountain Lions 100

Mountain Lions Mules Sheep Lions 100

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

The other remarkable success story of Hart Mountain is the return of the Desert Bighorn Sheep. In 1954, with stringent controls on the grazing of domestic animals, a herd of 20 Desert Bighorn Sheep were re-introduced and have flourished. As you can see, this time of year, the mature rams are all off by themselves.

Sheep 126

Sheep Oregon Mules Livestock 126

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. To my disappointment the biggest and most visible species I saw was the introduced Common (Ring-necked) Pheasant , and my first lifer was the equally introduced Gray Partridge.

Rattlesnake 165

Rattlesnake Bald Eagle Mules Mammals 165