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Field Guides Tour Report
Montana: Yellowstone to Glacier 2016
Jun 9, 2016 to Jun 19, 2016
Terry McEneaney

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.


Mountain Bluebird is definitely a good name for this species -- every time we saw one, there was a mountain in the background! Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

Traveling from Yellowstone to Glacier, including the off-the-beaten-track special places in between, is one of North America’s greatest wildlife experiences. We covered approximately 2,000 miles in the western third of the Big Sky state, and had a wonderful time on this 2016 tour. We had the opportunity to experience Montana’s unique mountains and isolated valleys, high-elevation alpine peaks and low-elevation shortgrass prairies, marshes and lakes, riparian zones and rivers, humidity and dryness, forests and grasslands, blue sky and cloudscapes, wind and rain, snowfields and glaciers, sunrise and sunsets, remoteness and wildness -- and, of course, stillness and silence.

The weather for this year’s tour was two to three weeks ahead of schedule and warmer than normal, leaving us with declining bird song activity. Regardless, we made the best of it. We ended up with 172 species (173 taxa) of birds and 26 species of mammals. These were numbers that were predicted and expected, and within the scope of expected wildlife (170+ birds, 25+mammals).

Highlight birds included: Harlequin Duck, Trumpeter Swan, Greater Scaup, Gray Partridge, Common Loon, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Clark’s Grebe, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Black and Caspian terns, Wilson’s Phalarope, Alder and Cordilleran flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Burrowing Owl, American Three-toed and Lewis’ woodpeckers, American Dipper, Chestnut-collared and McCown’s longspurs, Varied Thrush, Pygmy Nuthatch, Veery, Tennessee, Nashville and Townsend’s warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Clay-colored and Fox sparrows, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and one Black Swift. Our long mammal list was equally impressive. Highlight mammals included: 2 Grizzlies, 6 Black Bear, 8 Moose, 17 Mountain Goats, and a myriad Elk, American Bison, Bighorn Sheep, Mule and White-tailed deer, and Pronghorn. Our rarest mammal was an American Mink swimming an irrigation ditch.

We experienced many moments of discovery: the incredible flight maneuvers of a Peregrine in front of a cliff, a Gray Partridge defending its chicks from Black-billed Magpies, Ferruginous Hawks keeping a watchful eye on their vulnerable nesting young, a flying Black Swift accompanying Vaux’s Swifts at sunset, a Long-tailed Weasel hunting Columbian Ground Squirrels, and all types of newborn young. We also got to experience a very unique Montana cowboy bar. Terry showed off his skills in attracting Gray Jays and searching for rare sparrows. The tour's grand finale ended with the group finding Lewis’ Woodpeckers just two minutes before a major thunderstorm/rainstorm hit the area. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to show you this great state, its two wonderful national parks -- Yellowstone and Glacier -- and special points of interest in between, and (most importantly) the birds and mammals found underneath this wonderful Montana “Big Sky”. Please travel safely and take good care!

Your Montana friends,

-- Terry and Karen

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)


One of the breathtaking vistas in Glacier National Park. Photo by guide Terry McEneaney.

CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis) – Found 8 of the 9 days in the field.
TRUMPETER SWAN (Cygnus buccinator) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.
WOOD DUCK (Aix sponsa) – Found on day1.
GADWALL (Anas strepera) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field. In Ireland, it is called the "Grey duck".
AMERICAN WIGEON (Anas americana) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – Found every day but one.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
NORTHERN PINTAIL (Anas acuta) – Found on day 4 in Yellowstone NP-Alum Creek.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL (AMERICAN) (Anas crecca carolinensis) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
CANVASBACK (Aythya valisineria) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.
REDHEAD (Aythya americana) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
RING-NECKED DUCK (Aythya collaris) – Found on days 6 and 7 in potholes/ponds on the plains and in the foothills.
GREATER SCAUP (Aythya marila) – June 15, 2016. Found 2 individuals on Blackfeet potholes. Found 2 at Warm Springs June 10. Not easily seen this time of year in Montana. 2 drakes 2 hens--flat rounded heads, eye near top of head, large bodies, large bills.
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis) – Seen 8 of the 9 days in the field.
HARLEQUIN DUCK (Histrionicus histrionicus) – Found 4 drakes at LeHardy Rapids in YNP on June 13 and a brace (Pair: drake and hen) on McDonald Creek/Avalanche June 16.
BUFFLEHEAD (Bucephala albeola) – Found on days 6 and 7.


June may nearly count as summer, but snow is still definitely possible in Montana then -- particularly in Logan Pass. Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

COMMON GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula) – Found on day 9.
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE (Bucephala islandica) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.
HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) – Found on days 1 and 9. The coolest sighting was of a hen with 8 tiny merganserlings just north of Flathead Lake on June 18.
COMMON MERGANSER (Mergus merganser) – Seen day 7-most were secretly nesting in cavities/cliffs.
RUDDY DUCK (Oxyura jamaicensis) – Found at least 5 of the 9 days in the field.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field. [I]
GRAY PARTRIDGE (Perdix perdix) – Found near near the Comfort Inn in Dillon on June 10. The hen was defending the chicks from pirating magpies.
Gaviidae (Loons)
COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) – Found in wonderful breeding plumage, a bonus was witnessing an adult feeding a loonlet.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
HORNED GREBE (Podiceps auritus) – Found on day 6 in ornate colorful breeding plumage.
RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps grisegena) – Found on days 1 and 9.
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis) – Found on days 1,4-7,9.
WESTERN GREBE (Aechmophorus occidentalis) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field.
CLARK'S GREBE (Aechmophorus clarkii) – Found 2 on day 5.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)


A drake Harlequin Duck -- lord of the turbulent waters... Photo by guide Terry McEneaney.

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax auritus) – Found on 3 of 9 days in the field.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) – Found nearly every day but one.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – Found every day but one.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos) – Super looks at the "King of Birds" on days 1, 5 and 6.
NORTHERN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) – Found basically 2 of 9 days in the field. Harriers were nesting making them more difficult to find.
BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) – Found every day but one.
SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – Found every day but one.
FERRUGINOUS HAWK (Buteo regalis) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field. A bonus was finding young on two nests and the large iron-colored adult perched and flying.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SORA (Porzana carolina) – All were heard and none were seen. Found 5 of the 9 days in the field.


Here's some of the group looking for the "Grand Slam" -- bears, birds, and wolves -- in Yellowstone. And we accomplished it! Photo by guide Terry McEneaney.

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
Gruidae (Cranes)
SANDHILL CRANE (Grus canadensis) – Super looks on days 1-6 and day 9. Got to see the rusty-colored nesting adults and a bonus with young aka colts or cranelets.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus) – Found on day five-nice looks at this large black and white shorebird with bubble gum-colored legs.
AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra americana) – Found on days 5 and 9. Recurvirostra americana -the tall bay and white colored shorebird with gray legs and upturned bill. Got to see its unique method of sweeping for food.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – Found every day but one and many individuals. Also got to see wing-feigning or fake broken wing behavior.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – Found 2 individuals at Creston Wetlands south of Glacier NP.
WILLET (WESTERN) (Tringa semipalmata inornata) – Found on day 5.
LONG-BILLED CURLEW (Numenius americanus) – Found on days 1 and 6-great views.
WILSON'S SNIPE (Gallinago delicata) – Wonderful views- found every day but two.
WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor) – Found on days 5 and 9. Watched in awe the unique spinning feeding behavior which involves the legs and feet churning the water forcing diatoms away from the spinning bird and to the water's surface. The word phalarope is Latin for "lobed feet", which is so spot-on for these unique birds.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)


We had wonderful views of Wilson's Snipe on most days of the tour. Photo by guide Terry McEneaney.

FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) – Surprising one individual on day 5.
RING-BILLED GULL (Larus delawarensis) – Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field. It is safe to say thousands.
CALIFORNIA GULL (Larus californicus) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – Found at least 2 individuals on day 9.
BLACK TERN (Chlidonias niger) – Great looks this bird doing aerial sorties catching insects-Blackeet Potholes come to mind.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – Found a few on day 5.
FORSTER'S TERN (Sterna forsteri) – Found many on day 5.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field. [I]
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field. Your guide discovered the 1st E C-D in Montana(Chester, Montana to be exact) in the mid-1980's. Now this species is broadly distributed in Montana. Your guide has even found this bird in the boonies of Glacier and Yellowstone. [I]
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field.
Strigidae (Owls)
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – Great looks at this Horned Owl on day5.
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Outstanding views of an individual standing very tall near a burrow on day 1 with snowy peaks in the background. How cool is that?
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)


Everywhere we looked, there was a magnificent view. This one is the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Photo by guide Terry McEneaney.

COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field.
Apodidae (Swifts)
BLACK SWIFT (Cypseloides niger) – Our group was extremely lucky to get on a single individual aerial foraging for 2-3 minutes and mixed in with Vaux's Swifts.
VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi) – Found on days 7, 8, and 9.
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis) – Found on days 2 and 3.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) – Found an adult female on day 2.
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus calliope) – Found on three different days-including close looks on day 2.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – Detected on days 1,5, and 7.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LEWIS'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes lewis) – Found 2 individuals. We ended the tour with a Lewis' Woodpecker. On day 9 Terry drove in true Irish fashion to beat the thunderstorm with strong winds/rain and sure enough we got super looks for 2-3 minutes then the storm hit and we jumped in the van and ended the tour on a happy note. It doesn't get any better than this.
RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
DOWNY WOODPECKER (Picoides pubescens) – Found on days 1 and 2.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus) – Found on days 2, 8, and 9.
AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER (Picoides dorsalis) – Heard it drilling on day 9. Very distinct drumming and duration. [*]
NORTHERN FLICKER (RED-SHAFTED) (Colaptes auratus cafer) – Found every day except one.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)


Yellowstone's Old Faithful has been erupting every 60-110 minutes for centuries. Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Quite regular-found on 7 of 9 days in the field.
MERLIN (Falco columbarius) – Got a brief view of a Merlin (what is new)on day1 near Warm Springs.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Had three days of peregrines. One day we heard one quite clearly. Another we watched an adult flying fast in front of a cliff-truly stunning flying. In another case we saw an adult female sitting tight on eggs on a ledge.
PRAIRIE FALCON (Falco mexicanus) – We had three days of encounters with different Prairie Falcons. So cool!
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Quick Three Beers [*]
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – Found 6 of the 9 days in the field.
ALDER FLYCATCHER (Empidonax alnorum) – Found only one individual on day 6.
WILLOW FLYCATCHER (Empidonax traillii) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
LEAST FLYCATCHER (Empidonax minimus) – Day 5 only. [*]
HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field.
DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax oberholseri) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field. ID best by sound. [*]
CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax occidentalis) – Found on day 3 in Yellowstone.
WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis) – Seen 4 of the 9 days in the field.
EASTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus tyrannus) – Quite regular-found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
CASSIN'S VIREO (Vireo cassinii) – Found on 2 of the 9 days in the field. Got super looks at one individual.
WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus) – Found every day.
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) – Heard it calling loudly. [*]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
GRAY JAY (Perisoreus canadensis) – Found on day 4. Terry demonstrated his very unique technique of attracting Gray Jays without the use of verbal sound or food. Super looks at this bird.
BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE (Pica hudsonia) – Found on 8 of the 9 days in the field.
CLARK'S NUTCRACKER (Nucifraga columbiana) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field-good looks at this species as well.
AMERICAN CROW (Corvus brachyrhynchos) – Found on 8 of the 9 days in the field.
COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax) – Found every day.
Alaudidae (Larks)
HORNED LARK (Eremophila alpestris) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) – Found on 5 of 9 days in the field.
TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor) – Found every day.
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina) – Found every day.
BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field.
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – Found every day.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (Poecile atricapillus) – Found on day 2.
MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE (Poecile gambeli) – Found on days 7 and 9.


Running Eagle Falls is also known as “Trick” Falls, because during times of low water, the river emerges halfway down the cliff: hence a "trick". Photo by guide Terry McEnEaney.

CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE (Poecile rufescens) – Finally found this beautiful little darling chickadee on day 9.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsoletus) – Day 2.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – Found on 6 of the 9 days in the field.
MARSH WREN (Cistothorus palustris) – Found on 3 of the 9 days in the field.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
AMERICAN DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus) – Nice looks-days 6 and 7. Also saw newly fledged young.
Regulidae (Kinglets)
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus satrapa) – Finally found this bird on day 9.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus calendula) – A very loud singing bird for its size-Found it every day but one.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD (Sialia currucoides) – A bluebird the color of the sky in the case of our travels, always with mountains in the background. Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE (Myadestes townsendi) – Found on days 2 and 8.
VEERY (Catharus fuscescens) – Found on days 5 and 7. [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.
HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus) – Found on days 2 and 8.


Pronghorns rank among the world's fastest mammals, capable of speeds approaching 55 mph -- and they can maintain speeds of more than 35 mph for miles. These weren't going quite that fast. Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius) – Very common-found every day.
VARIED THRUSH (Ixoreus naevius) – Found on days 7 and 9.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) – Seen 6 of the 9 days in the field.
SAGE THRASHER (Oreoscoptes montanus) – Found on days 1 and 5.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – Found every day but one. [I]
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AMERICAN PIPIT (Anthus rubescens) – Found on day 8-Logan Pass.
Bombycillidae (Waxwings)
CEDAR WAXWING (Bombycilla cedrorum) – Seen 5 of the 9 days in the field.
Calcariidae (Longspurs and Snow Buntings)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR (Calcarius ornatus) – A hard-to-find longspur due to small numbers. Found on day 5.
MCCOWN'S LONGSPUR (Rhynchophanes mccownii) – Found on days 1, 5 and 6.
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) – Found on day 9 LMDL. [*]
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Oreothlypis celata) – Found 2 of the 9 days in the field.
NASHVILLE WARBLER (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) – Day 9 only.


The gang checks out Kicking Horse Reservoir in the Mission Valley. Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei) – Found on days 2 and 6-9.
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas) – Found on 7 of the 9 days in the field.
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – Day 9 only.
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – Found every day but one.
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (AUDUBON'S) (Setophaga coronata auduboni) – Found 7 of the 9 days in the field.
TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi) – Day 9 only.
WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla) – Day 3 in willow.
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (Icteria virens) – Day 2 only.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHIPPING SPARROW (Spizella passerina) – Found every day.
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (Spizella pallida) – Found on days 1 and 6.
BREWER'S SPARROW (BREWERI) (Spizella breweri breweri) – Found on 4 of the 9 days in the field.
LARK SPARROW (Chondestes grammacus grammacus) – Day 2 only.
DARK-EYED JUNCO (OREGON) (Junco hyemalis oreganus) – Found on days 8 and 9.
DARK-EYED JUNCO (PINK-SIDED) (Junco hyemalis mearnsi) – Found on day 3.
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (ORIANTHA) (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) – Days 3, 7, & 8.
VESPER SPARROW (Pooecetes gramineus) – Found on 7 of 9 days in the field.
SAVANNAH SPARROW (Passerculus sandwichensis) – Found 6 of 9 days in the field.
SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.


Western Meadowlark was another common species on this tour, seen every day but one. That's appropriate, since this is Montana's state bird! Photo by guide Terry McEneaney.

LINCOLN'S SPARROW (Melospiza lincolnii) – Days 3 and 9. [*]
GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus) – Super looks at this bird on day 2 and heard it day 3.
SPOTTED TOWHEE (Pipilo maculatus) – Days 1 and 2.
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana) – Found on 7 of 9 days in the field.
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) – Found on 4 of 9 days in field.
LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena) – Found on 5 of 9 days in the field.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus) – Found very day.
WESTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella neglecta) – Found every day but one.
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) – Found every day but two.
BREWER'S BLACKBIRD (Euphagus cyanocephalus) – Found every day but two.
COMMON GRACKLE (Quiscalus quiscula) – Found 4 of 9 days in the field.
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater) – Found every day "bison birds".
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Icterus bullockii) – Found at least 2 of 9 days in the field.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
CASSIN'S FINCH (Haemorhous cassinii) – Found on days 2,3,4.
PINE SISKIN (Spinus pinus) – Found every day but day 1.
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH (Spinus tristis) – Found on 5 of the 9 days in the field.


The Least Chipmunk is the smallest and most widespread of the continent's chipmunks. Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

EVENING GROSBEAK (Coccothraustes vespertinus) – Found on day 2 and seen very close.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Found on 6 of 9 days in the field.
MAMMALS
NUTTALL'S (MOUNTAIN) COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus nuttalli) – Saw a few.
LEAST CHIPMUNK (Tamias minimus) – A nice gray-colored chipmunk.
YELLOW-PINE CHIPMUNK (Tamias amoenus) – Found on days 2-5.
RED-TAILED CHIPMUNK (Tamias ruficaudus) – Found in Glacier on day 7.
YELLOW-BELLIED MARMOT (Marmota flaviventris) – Great views in Yellowstone.
COLUMBIAN GROUND SQUIRREL (Spermophilus columbianus) – Days 7-9.
RICHARDSON'S GROUND SQUIRREL (Spermophilus richardsonii) – Seen 4 of 9 days in the field and most numerous of any of the ground squirrels.
UINTA GROUND SQUIRREL (Spermophilus armatus) – Found in Yellowstone on days 3 and 4.
BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOG (Cynomys ludovicianus) – Observed several dozen on day 5.
RED SQUIRREL (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) – Found days 3 and 7-9.
MUSKRAT (Ondatra zibethica) – Found on days 1,6,9.
RED FOX (Vulpes vulpes) – Found on days 3 and 4-- total 3 individuals. One fox catching a vole.
COYOTE (Canis latrans) – Found on 4 of 9 days in the field.
GRAY WOLF (Canis lupus) – Found 5 individuals ( 1 adult and 4 very small pups) by a den in Yellowstone.
BLACK BEAR (Ursus americanus) – Found on days 3 and 7with a total of 6(4+2) individuals of varying color morphs.
BROWN (INCL. GRIZZLY) BEAR (Ursus arctos) – Found a total of 2 large grizzlies on 2 different days.


Just another day in paradise! Photo by participant Sheran Clark.

LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata) – Found one individual on Logan Pass.
AMERICAN MINK (Mustela vison) – Found on day 9. Briefly watched a mink swimming an irrigation ditch in the Mission Valley.
ELK (Cervus canadensis) – Many -mainly in and near Yellowstone. Found days 1-6.
MULE DEER (Odocoileus hemionus) – Found on days 2-9.
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) – Found just about every day but 2.
MOOSE (Alces alces) – Saw a whopping 8 moose. Hard to see these days. Found on days 1,2 and 6.
PRONGHORN (Antilocapra americana) – Dozens.
AMERICAN BISON (Bison bison) – Thousands (2-3,000) in Yellowstone.
MOUNTAIN GOAT (Oreamnos americanus) – Found 17 Mountain Goats total during 2 day period (days 3 and 7).
BIGHORN SHEEP (Ovis canadensis) – Found days 3 and 8.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 172 bird taxa and 26 mammal taxa