The Continental Divide runs diagonally through Montana, and Missoula is on the other side. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it’s conveniently placed to experience some of the most spectacular nature in the Continental U.S.
Golden Eagles. Prairie Falcons. Four species of grouse, four species of hummingbird, and fourteen species of owl! Mountain Chickadees, Canyon Wrens, and American (ohmygodIamsopsychedaboutthis) Dippers. To say nothing of the mammals. And the reptiles (I found an ad for a rattlesnake wrangler on the Missoula Craigslist).
They have never, alas, had a Western M&*&*^$%^%^#%ing Reef-heron in Missoula. Which is a shame, because I believe I owe that illustrious bird an apology.
You win some, you lose some, of course. Pelagic birds tend to be in short supply in the Rocky Mountains, and they haven’t got the warblers that NYC’s got. But I think the thing I’ll miss most of all is the people: wacky characters like this, boon companions like this, and, perhaps most importantly, a certain Inimitable owl fan. Yes, sadly, tragically, yet inevitably, I’m going to have to learn how to take my own photos while I’m in Montana.
Still, it’ll be an adventure. And what is life without adventure?
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April 25, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Wow. Montana is the opposite of NYC.
Good luck, with both the move and the camera. I look forward to seeing what you turn up with either.
And from everything I’ve heard, Missoula is a really cool town.
April 27, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Apparently, when I decide it’s time for a change, it’s really time for a change.
Everyone I know who’s been to Missoula seems really fond of it. A bit like Ithaca that way, and I liked Ithaca a lot, so…
April 25, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Wow, that will be a huge change! Good luck with the move and with grad school. Maybe Montana will give you some new writing material, in addition to new birds.
April 27, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I certainly hope so! I’ve never been to the Rockies, or the plains, or really anywhere west of the Mississippi aside from California, so this should be an adventure.
April 27, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Apparently, “this is an adventure” is my new mantra, perhaps to drown out the “am I crazy to be doing this?” in the back of my head.
April 28, 2010 at 7:00 am
You are not crazy.
This is an adventure.
April 25, 2010 at 9:10 pm
So we’ll have to make sure you get your full warbler fix this spring.
New York City will be the poorer for having lost you but Montana will certainly be gaining big time!
April 27, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Well thank you. Somehow, I think that the Big Apple can absorb the loss – but just in case, I plan to be back to visit as often as I can.
April 26, 2010 at 10:04 am
Oh wow.
Montana is a DREAM!
You will provide pictures, yes?
As I said in my other comment: all the best, including the best of luck!
And how cunning to take in a few California lifers while specifically going to Oakland to mislead us and build suspense.
The North American prairies and true, dak and deep rainforest (any rainforest, preferably in the congo bassin) are the two biomes I most want to see.
You’re close to the prairies, and I therefore kindly ask you to say hello from me when you meet them.
April 27, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Ah, the prairies. You’ll be pleased to learn that the Inimitable Todd and I are planning an epic two-week road trip, straight through from Brooklyn to Missoula, and along the way MANY fine pictures of that interesting ecosystem will hopefully be obtained.
Personally, I’m pretty psyched about the prospect of renewing my acquaintance with the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
April 27, 2010 at 4:47 pm
You might be a tad disappointed, I think your route to Montana runs a little far north for ST Flys.
But I’m sure the Longspurs and Curlews will dull the pain a bit.
April 27, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Bah, you’re right. If I get there without seeing one, I’ll just have to console myself with a Golden Eagle or something.
April 28, 2010 at 7:05 am
You’ll probably be driving through the Toledo/Ohio area, not far at all from my former hunting grounds in SE Michigan.
If you need / want any information on certain speciality species, like amazing Henslow’s Sparrows, do let me know.