Join us for a fabulous trip to the splendor of Yellowstone National Park when its wonderful variety of resident birds will be in full song. An amazing range of mammals have young of the year in abundance and wildflowers abound!
We start our tour in the "Big Sky" state of Montana, where we will explore the great Rocky Mountain prairies, open farm country, local creeks and streams in search of special western species. From Billings we travel over the spectacular Beartooth Plateau before arriving at Yellowstone National Park itself.
In Yellowstone we visit Old Faithful and other spectacular geysers. Among the birds we should encounter are Barrow’s Goldeneyes, American Dippers, Townsend's Solitaires, Western Bluebirds, Clark's Nutcrackers, Red-naped and Williamson’s Sapsuckers, and Steller's Jays. Raptor enthusiasts should get their fill of Ospreys, Bald and Golden Eagles, while a range of ducks and waders may include Harlequin Ducks, Lesser Scaups and American Avocets.
We should also draw up a cracking list of large and small mammals, including Beavers, Moose and Bighorn Sheep; with luck, we may glimpse Grizzly or Black Bears, and a feeding pack of Gray Wolves. Judging by previous reports this is probably the best trip we run outside Africa for seeing large mammals!
We have arranged a superb raft trip on the Snake River where you can gaze at Common Nighthawks, Bald Eagles and hopefully River Otters under the shadow of the magnificent Grand Teton Mountains.
ITINERARY
Days 1 - 3 (Sat., June 12 – Mon., June 14)
Plan to arrive to Billings, Montana, by dinner on Sat. June 12. Billings is located at the edge of the vast prairie of Eastern Montana. Here the Yellowstone River is the largest wild river remaining undammed in the Rocky Mountain West. While a small city by national standards, Billings is the largest city in Montana, and, as a centre for an extended farming and ranching community, it retains distinctive western flair. We stay here for three nights.
At this time of year, the prairies are green and blooming; bird song is at its peak, and it is an excellent time to locate birds of the open country: American Pipits, Horned Larks, McCown's and Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Western Meadowlarks, Long-billed Curlews and possibly, Upland Plovers, a breeding species here. These are the legendary open spaces of "Big Sky" country; in a full day's drive you'll see only small communities and a few scattered ranch buildings. Cottonwood trees and a variety of shrubs line local creeks and streams and we will check these green oases for songbirds such as Brown Thrashers, Yellow-breasted Chats, American Redstarts, Western Kingbirds and the colourful Bullock’s Orioles. We also observe a colony of inquisitive, highly social Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, with a chance of seeing Burrowing Owls as well. We are joined by Helen Carlson, an incredibly knowledgeable (and fun!) local guide.
Three nights Billings (D first night, then B,L,D next two days)
Days 4 – 5 (Tues., June 15 and Wed., June 16)
Today, en route to Yellowstone National Park, we drive up and over scenic Beartooth Pass, a drive sometimes described as one of the most scenic in North America. In June snow will still line the road at higher elevations; the snowploughs just get through over Memorial Day! This high country is home to some of America's most special western bird species and today we hope to find Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles and flocks of Rosy Finches. In groves of conifers we will look for seed-eating specialities such as Pine Grosbeaks, Cassin's Finches and Pine Siskins. Groves of aspen invite Warbling Vireos and the beautiful Western Tanagers. Our base for the next two nights will be in Cooke City, a small town at the north-east entrance to Yellowstone.
In Yellowstone National Park (America's first, established in 1872) we have two days to explore the remote and beautiful Lamar Valley, core area of the recent reintroduction efforts of the Gray Wolves.
We get up early to reach Lamar Valley at dawn, with hopes of seeing activity in the wolf packs. Grizzly and Black Bears are also active at this time of year, because snows in the high country hold herds of their prey, particularly Elk, down on the valley floor. Herds number in the hundreds and there are young calves everywhere. Ravens, Coyotes, Foxes, and Black-billed Magpies follow the great predators and vie over carcass remains.
Lamar is haven to all sorts of wildlife. Smaller numbers of Bison, Mule Deer and Pronghorn may also be grazing and enjoying the spring flush of grass. Lamar Creek is home to Barrow's and Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads and other species of waterfowl. Golden Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks both nest in the valley.
Two nights Cooke City (B,L,D)
Days 6 – 7 (Thurs., June 17 and Fri., June 18)
Today we explore the vivid thermal features near Yellowstone’s North Entrance and then head into the interior reaches of Yellowstone. From great meadows dotted by sagebrush and aspen woodlands, we will climb through Lodgepole Pines up to spruce-fir forests. Here we hope to find Clark’s Nutcrackers, Gray Jays, Red-breasted Nuthatches and other birds in the lush, beautiful forest. En route we will stop to see the spectacular Tower Falls.
Our destination tonight is Yellowstone Lake, perhaps the most productive birding location in the park. At historic Fishing Bridge we enjoy the antics of White Pelicans and both Barrow’s and Common Goldeneyes, and keep our eyes peeled for Bald Eagles – often being harassed by Ospreys!
Next morning we venture out to Hayden Valley very early to scan for Grizzly Bears, Gray Wolves and herds of Bison. Here we often find Ferruginous Hawks and a number of shorebird and waterfowl species in the meanders of the Yellowstone River.
Entering Hayden Valley, we make leisurely stops at Mud Volcano, and at the fast-moving waters of LeHardy Rapids where we will check for beautiful but elusive Harlequin Ducks and American Dippers. Birdwatching can be great throughout the valley, both in the isolated groves of conifers and in the vast wetland areas that frame the lakeshore.
On our second day we explore Old Faithful Geyser Basin, crossing over Craig Pass and the Continental Divide. Our route parallels the shore of Yellowstone Lake, which, rimmed by mountains, is one of the most beautiful in the West. West Thumb geyser basin holds rainbow-coloured thermal pools and hissing steam vents called fumaroles.
Two nights in cabins at Lake Yellowstone, Yellowstone NP (B,L,D)
Day 8 - 10 (Sat., June 19, Sun., June 20 and Mon., June 21)
We spend the day heading for Grand Teton National Park, making several stops at some excellent birding spots en route. The first view of the magnificent Teton Mountains from Jackson Lake is just breathtaking. After checking into our comfortable accommodations in cabins near the lakeshore, we take a short walk in willow habitat before dinner and a relaxing evening.
We then have the next two days to explore Grand Teton National Park, considered to be amongst the top five US National Parks for birdwatching. Atop Signal Mountain we have a 360-degree view of magnificent mountains and a good chance of finding Dusky Grouse. One evening we sit back and enjoy the scenery and some great birdwatching on a scenic raft trip on the Snake River. We will take the last float of the day when wildlife species are more active. One night we have an option to visit Jackson Hole, known for its western flair. While there we look for Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Sora and Cinnamon Teal in ponds at the National Elk Refuge.
Three nights Grand Teton NP (B,L all days and D two nights)
Days 11 – 12 (Tues., June 22 and Wed., June 23)
Today we drive a scenic back-country road through the remote southern reaches of Yellowstone. With luck we may find fields of wildflowers and nesting Common Loons. In the afternoon, we visit another birdwatching hotspot at Harriman State Park along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Here ponds attract Western, Clark’s and Red-necked Grebes as well as Sandhill Cranes and a variety of waterfowl.
We spend the next day at one of the most pristine valleys remaining in all the Rockies. In a remote valley west of Yellowstone we will find Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, a birdwatching paradise. Large shallow lakes fill the valley, providing habitat for Franklin’s Gulls, Long-billed Curlews, White-faced Ibis and other species. Sandhill Cranes are common – their loud calls rivalling only that of the Trumpeter Swan, the signature species of this refuge.
In aspen groves and along the edges of conifer woodland we will listen and look for an excellent variety of birds. We may find Moose and Red Foxes or catch glimpses of Marmots or Ground Squirrels. A system of roads allows us access to the vast area of the refuge, and we will enjoy picnic lunches and short walks in various habitats.
Returning to our lovely lodge on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, we watch for Caspian Terns and Ospreys from our balconies, and enjoy a delightful final dinner.
Two nights Henry’s Fork (B,L,D)
Day 13 (Thurs., June 24)
We end our journey with a very scenic morning drive back to Bozeman, Montana. If we get an early start we can see a few birds along the way – hoping for Red Crossbills and possibly Pine Grosbeaks in feeders as we stop for coffee in the town of West Yellowstone. You may depart from Bozeman for flights out after NOON, or continue another 2 ½ hours with Greg to Billings for late-afternoon flights (3:30PM on).
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Cost of the Journey:
Cost of the journey is $3295.00 from Billings, departing Bozeman or Billings, based on double occupancy. This cost includes all accommodations, most MEALS as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to Billings, MT. or optional activities or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.
Single supplement is $750.00
Group Size: Maximum of 14, minimum of 4. Tour price is based on 8 persons,
with fewer than 8 a small group surcharge (typically $100-$300) may apply.
Pace of the tour: Moderate with some field days, with possible walks of up to 2-3 miles over undulating terrain.
Transportation:
Several major airlines serve Billings. Plan to arrive by dinner on June 12th. You may wish to arrive early to rest up from your travels and see a bit of the city. You may depart from Bozeman on flights from NOON on June 24th, or from Billings after 3:30 PM.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
All photos by Peg Abbott. |
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