The wind and the clouds, with the continuing freezing temperatures at night, are making the emergence of springtime in Western Montana a little tough. However, Bob Danley of the Bitterroot Outdoor Journal has seen more signs that the season is truly upon us.
Birds - Bob has seen some songbirds in the past few days, including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, American White Pelican (photo below), a Yellow-rumped Warbler and a Long-billed Curlew. So far, 125 bird species have been recorded in Ravalli County.
Butterflies - Bob has been patient as he looks for butterflies. Sunshine has been nice, but the temperatures are not cooperating. Still, he's seen Boisduval's Blue (photo Below), which is small, with an inch-and-a-half wingspan. You can find it near its favorite plant, the Lupine wildflower.