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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

Cowboy State of Wyoming in the USA (July 2000),

Jan Vermuelen

CONTENTS

General Information
References
Itinerary (summary)
Sites
*  Yellowstone National Park
*  Jackson Hole
      -  Grand Teton National Park
      -  National Elk Refuge
      -  Jackson Hole south of Grand Teton
*  Rock Springs
*  Laramie Plains
*  Story / Sheridan area

Daily Log

Systematic List of Birds
Systematic List of Mammals

GENERAL INFORMATION

This trip report records the birds seen on a 10 days trip in July 2000 to the “Cowboy State” of Wyoming in the USA. I was accompanied by Vital & Riet van Gorp and Eric Wille.

Having visited North America already six times (Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Michigan, Canada) I had seen most of the birds. However I missed a few birds and it was always my plan to visit Yellowstone sometime in the near future.

A bit tired of always birding in the tropical rainforest I checked the birdlist of Wyoming and decided to travel to this state to clean up my ABA birdlist.

Wyoming is a state of spectacular mountains, vast evergreen forests, prairie country, expansive sagebrush and lots of lakes, streams and rivers. In Wyoming there is almost always a mountain range in the distance and many people have mountain images of Wyoming, with visions of the great parks –Yellowstone and Grand Teton – conjured up whenever the state’s name is mentioned.

Wyoming (Yellowstone) is renowned for its animals, rather than its birds, but Wyoming is definitely worth a visit for a birdwatcher.

Amongst the birds which can be seen in Wyoming are:

Trumpeter Swan, Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Blue Grouse, White‑tailed Ptarmigan, Sage Grouse, Sharp‑tailed Grouse, Sandhill Crane, Mountain Plover, Great Gray Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Red‑naped Sapsucker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, Sage Thrasher, MacGillavry’s Warbler, Sage Sparrow, McCown’s Longspur, Chestnut‑collared Longspur, Black Rosy‑Finch.

FLIGHT AND VISA

United Airlines offered the cheapest fare at the time of our trip: $ 675. We travelled to Wyoming (actually Montana) via Brussels, Washington and Denver. The flying time was roughly eleven and a half-hours to Billings.

The time difference with the Netherlands is eight hours. You do not need a visa for the USA.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodations can be found almost everywhere. Motels abound and all towns of any size have campgrounds and these campgrounds are often places to see birds. We did not make any reservations and had no problems finding accommodation at Yellowstone NP and Jackson Hole.

Most people visit Wyoming in summer and some popular areas (Yellowstone & Grand Teton) can be uncomfortably packed.

PESTS AND HEALTH

Wyoming has some ticks, especially in spring and mosquitoes and biting deerflies can be bothersome. Spray yourself and always check your clothing and body after being out in the field during this season. Prairie Rattlesnakes can be found in rocky areas, but they are small and are rarely a problem.

At high altitude be conscious of possible acute mountain sickness, though it is not likely below an elevation of 2,500 metres.

Wyoming is big game country and it is wise to keep a safe distance away from large mammals like Bears, Buffalo and Moose. It is also wise to remember that many more people have been killed by Buffalo than by the Grizzly, although most Grizzly horror stories are true.

WHEN TO COME

Almost anytime will do, but the best birding time in Yellowstone NP and Jackson Hole is surely in the late spring and early summer. In winter lots of the mountain roads are closed along with most of Yellowstone.

WEATHER

In the summer there is plenty of sunshine, but it doesn’t get too hot. Summer nights can be cool, though. Practically the only rainfall in summer comes from thunderstorms.

At Yellowstone adequate warm clothing is a must and it is prudent to bring along raingear as the weather in the mountains can change radically from day to day. When we were at Yellowstone we had beautiful weather, but the nights were cold.

EQUIPMENT

A small tape recorder and the bird call sets of North American Birds can be useful for drawing in birds. A good torch is a must. A telescope is useful at lakes and very useful for viewing canopy species especially from roadsides. Photography is NOT difficult, as birds are easy to approach and light conditions are good.

TRANSPORT AND ROADS

For car rental, you will need a major credit card and a valid driver's license. Many rentals are situated at the airport. During our trip we had a brand-new Ford Mercury from Hertz to our disposal. We paid $800 for the car for the whole trip. The price of the gas was about $ 0,50 for a litre.

The roads in Wyoming are in good state of maintenance and also the roads in the wildlife refuges and the parks.

NOMENCLATURE & TAXONOMY

I have decided to follow the English names of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Check List, Fifth Edition 2000).

COMMONBIRDSPECIES

The following list of birds we saw frequently and if you spend any sort of time in the right habitats you will too:

American White Pelican, Double‑crested Cormorant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Spotted Sandpiper, California Gull, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Violet‑green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Mountain Bluebird, American Robin, Black‑capped Chickadee, Black‑billed Magpie, Common Raven, European Starling, Pine Siskin, Yellow‑rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Bunting, Song Sparrow, Dark‑eyed Junco, Red‑winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle.

For a detailed report of species and numbers please refer to the systematic list at the end of this report.

REFERENCES

BOOKS

-    James F. Clements. Birds of the World. A Check List, Fifth Edition 2000.

-    National Geographic Society. Field Guide to the Birds of North America.

-    Bert Raynes and Darwin Wile. Finding the Birds of Jackson Hole.

-    Oliver K. Scott. A Birder’s Guide to Wyoming.

-    Michael Walters. Complete Checklist. Vogels van de Wereld.

-    John O. Whitaker, Jr. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals.

LISTS

-  Wyoming Game & Fish Department. Wyoming Bird Checklist.

-  Field Checklist of the Birds of Yellowstone National Park.

SOFTWARE

BIRDBASE& BIRDAREA

I use this software to keep track of the birds I have seen and to make lists of any country, labelling endemics and birds previously seen in that country, outside it, or both. BirdArea can produce checklists of the birds of any country of Clements’ world birds.

ITINERARY

July 1               Chaam * Brussels * Washington * Denver * Billings (Montana)
July 2               Billings * Cody * Yellowstone National Park
July 3               Yellowstone National Park
July 4               Yellowstone National Park
July 5               Yellowstone National Park * Grand Teton National Park
July 6               Grand Teton National Park * National Elk Refuge * Jackson
July 7               Jackson * National Elk Refuge * Wilson * Palisades Reserve * Kemmerer
July 8               Kemmerer * Warfield Springs* Rock Springs* Rawlins
July 9               Rawlins * Laramie * Laramie Plains * Sheridan
July 10             Sheridan * Story * Billings (Montana)
July 11/12        Billings * Denver * New York * London * Brussels * Chaam

“A Birder’s Guide to Wyoming” is an excellent and essential guide to all the bird sites. So the notes on the sites are only an update.

THE SITES

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone NP is a treasure that inspires awe in travellers from around the world. Iceland and New Zealand are known for geysers, but nowhere are there as many as in Yellowstone. Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872.

It is primarily in the north-western corner of Wyoming and extends into portions of Montana and Idaho. 99% of the park remains undeveloped, it is true wilderness!

Yellowstone is renowned for its animals, rather than its birds, but Yellowstone is definitely worth a visit for a birdwatcher.

The best area to us was the Blacktail Scenic Drive Trail.

Birds seen here during our trip:

Western Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Trumpeter Swan, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Green‑winged Teal, Mallard, Blue‑winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, California Gull, Common Loon, Mourning Dove, White‑throated Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red‑naped Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Three‑toed Woodpecker, Black‑backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood‑Pewee, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Violet‑green Swallow, Northern Rough‑winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Pipit, Golden‑crowned Kinglet, Ruby‑crowned Kinglet, American Dipper, Mountain Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Black­‑capped Chickadee, Red‑breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Gray Jay, Black‑billed Magpie, Clark’s Nutcracker, Common Raven, Cassin’s Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Yellow‑rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Green‑tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White‑crowned Sparrow, Dark‑eyed Junco, Lazuli Bunting, Red‑winged Blackbird, Yellow‑headed Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle.

Other birds that can be seen:

Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Steller’s Jay, White‑breasted Nuthatch, Pine Grosbeak, Black Rosy‑Finch.

JACKSON HOLE

Jackson Hole is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in America and the birder arriving in Jackson Hole will surely be struck by the valley’s scenic beauty.

Jackson Hole covers all of the Grand Teton NP, the National Elk Refuge, the entire valley south of the Yellowstone NP, the corridor between Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks and a significant portion of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

“Hole-” is an old fur trapper’s designation for a valley surrounded by mountains.

Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929.

The National Elk Refuge provides critical winter range for an elk herd of approx. 8,500. Elk are supplemently fed about 75 days most winters when natural forage is not available.

All information about birding Jackson Hole can be found in “Finding the Birds of Jackson Hole” by Bert Raynes and Darwin Wile.

-        GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Birds seen here during our trip:

Western Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Blue Grouse, Sora, Common Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, California Gull, Mourning Dove, Calliope Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Red‑naped Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Violet‑green Swallow, Northern Rough‑winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Ruby‑crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, House Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, American Robin, Black­‑capped Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Red‑breasted Nuthatch, Black‑billed Magpie, Clark’s Nutcracker, American Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Pine Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Siskin, Yellow Warbler, Yellow‑rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White‑crowned Sparrow, Dark‑eyed Junco, Black‑headed Grosbeak, Red‑winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow‑headed Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown‑headed Cowbird.

-        NATIONAL ELK REFUGE

Birds seen here during our trip:

Double-Crested Cormorant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring‑necked Duck, Great Blue Heron, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Sandhill Crane, Sage Grouse, Killdeer, California Gull, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, Violet‑green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, Rock Wren, Mountain Bluebird, American Robin, Sage Thrasher, Black‑billed Magpie, Common Raven, European Starling, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Red‑winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird, Brown‑headed Cowbird.

-        JACKSON HOLE SOUTH OF GRAND TETON

Birds seen here during our trip:

Western Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, California Gull, Mourning Dove, Broad‑tailed Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red‑naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Olive‑sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Violet‑green Swallow, Northern Rough‑winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Ruby‑crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, Rock Wren, House Wren, Gray Catbird, American Robin, Black‑capped Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Red‑breasted Nuthatch, Black‑billed Magpie, Clark’s Nutcracker, American Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Orange‑crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow‑rumped Warbler, MacGillavry’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White‑crowned Sparrow, Dark‑eyed Junco, Black‑headed Grosbeak, Red‑winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow‑headed Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Brown‑headed Cowbird, Bullock’s Oriole.

Other birds that can be seen in Jackson Hole:

Harlequin Duck, Northern Goshawk, Prairie Falcon, Ruffed Grouse, Black‑billed Cuckoo, Great Gray Owl, Northern Saw‑whet Owl, Steller’s Jay, White‑breasted Nuthatch, Townsend’s Solitaire, Townsend’s Warbler, Black Rosy‑Finch, Evening Grosbeak.

ROCK SPRINGS

Juniper Country is situated approximately 12 kilometres south of Rock Springs near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. A habitat of Juniper‑covered hills can be explored here.

All information about this area can be found in “A Birders Guide to Wyoming” by Oliver K. Scott.

Birds seen here during our trip:

Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Gray Flycatcher, Violet‑green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Canyon Wren, Mountain Bluebird, Blue‑gray Gnatcatcher, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Black‑billed Magpie, Raven, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Dark‑eyed Junco.

Other birds that can be seen:

Chukar, Common Poorwill, Rock Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Ash‑throated Flycatcher, Scrub Jay, Plumbeous Vireo, Virginia’s Warbler, Black‑throated Gray Warbler.
LARAMIE PLAINS

The Old Laramie River Road (Howell Road) is situated 15 – 30 kilometres north of Laramie and is THE place to find Mountain Plover and McCown’s & Chestnut‑collared Longspur.

All information about this area can be found in “A Birders Guide to Wyoming” by Oliver K. Scott.

Birds seen here during our trip:

Double-Crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Mallard, Redhead, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Greater Yellowlegs, Solitary, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Wilson’s Phalarope, American Avocet, Killdeer, Mountain Plover, California Gull, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Sage Thrasher, Black‑billed Magpie, Common Raven, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Lark Bunting, McCown’s Longspur, Chestnut‑collared Longspur, Red‑winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Yellow‑headed Blackbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown‑headed Cowbird.

STORY / SHERIDAN AREA

An excellent area to clock up an impressive list of birds.

All information about this area can be found in “A Birders Guide to Wyoming” by Oliver K. Scott.

Birds seen here during our trip:

Pied‑billed Grebe, Double-Crested Cormorant, Blue‑winged Teal, Great Blue Heron, Swainson’s Hawk, Red‑tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Ring‑necked Pheasant, Sharp‑tailed Grouse, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Common Nighthawk, Common Poorwill, Calliope Hummingbird, Broad‑tailed Hummingbird, Red‑naped Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood‑Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Veery, American Robin, Black‑‑capped Chickadee, Red‑breasted Nuthatch, Black‑billed Magpie, American Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, Warbling Vireo, House Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Yellow Warbler, Yellow‑rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, MacGillavry’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Green‑tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Red‑winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown‑headed Cowbird, Bullock’s Oriole.

Other birds that can be seen:

Cooper’s Hawk, Wild Turkey, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Rufous Hummingbird, Mountain Chickadee, Red‑eyed Vireo, Lazuli Bunting.

DAILY LOG

Saturday 1st July

Our trip started with a United Airlines flight from Brussels via Washington and Denver to Billings in Montana.

We landed in very bad weather at Billings airport around 9.30 p.m. local time (8 hours time difference with the Netherlands). We collected a brand-new Ford Mercury from Hertz and then headed to the centre of the town and checked into the Cherry Tree Inn Motel.

Sunday 2nd July

We left Billings on a sunny summer day heading south-west to Wyoming, after a short while suddenly stopping to view a Common Snipe posing uncharacteristically on a fence. Hereafter numerous stops were made as we discovered the large numbers of bird en route to Wyoming. A male Canvasback, breeding Yellow‑headed Blackbirds, Wilson’s Phalarope, colonies of Cliff Swallows, Common Yellowthroat, Sandhill Cranes, gorgeous Cedar Waxwings and a Ferruginous Hawk were all worthwhile delays. On the prairie we were also able to see Pronghorn, North America’s fastest land mammal. At midday we arrived at Yellowstone and booked a room at Goff Creek Lodge only ten kilometres from the east gate of the park.

Then we headed to Yellowstone. Clark’s Nutcracker was soon in the scope as we entered the boreal forests here.

We spent most of the afternoon checking every pond we encountered. Amongst the birds we saw were Western Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Gadwall, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, many Barrow Goldeneyes and Great Blue Heron. Lake Yellowstone was very birdy with California Gull, Common Merganser, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead and breeding plumaged Common Loon amongst the highlights.

At the information centre we had good views of our only Gray Jays of the trip along with Least Chipmunks, one of the smallest squirrels in the continent.

After a late lunch we headed to the famed Hayden Valley. This wide panorama was Yellowstone at its best. There were a number of wide pull-outs for viewing wildlife and here we had our first encounter with a large herd of Bizons. Other mammals we encountered in the valley were Elk, Mule Deer and the ubitiqous Black‑tailed Prairiedog.

On our way back to Goff Creek we noted our only Hermit Thrush of the trip near the east gate.

Monday 3rd July

White‑throated Swift, Lazuli Bunting and Western Tanager before breakfast on our second day was a good start but we were soon on our way to the east gate of Yellowstone, calling in at various sites to add White‑crowned Sparrow and Hammond’s Flycatcher to our list. We again stopped at Hayden Valley and found several bull Elk in their entire macho splendour as well as three Coyotes. We were ‘mobbed‘ by tourists who were thrilled at the sight of three Coyotes and a pair of Sandhill Cranes in our scope. Near Canyon Village we were able to see our first Red‑naped Sapsucker and three American Dippers, a most wanted lifer for Eric and en route to Tower Junction we were also treated to roadside looks at a Black Bear eating berries and a very obliging Moose.

At the bridge just across the Yellowstone River east of Tower Junction we searched in vain for Harlequin Duck, but we added Black‑backed Woodpecker and Green‑tailed Towhee to our fast growing birdlist.

Mammoth Springs was impressive, but loaded with tourists. We then headed to Madison and were witness of the “let it burn policy”of the park authorities. The 1988 fires have destroyed nearly all the forest here and the new forest is virtually all lodgepole pine. At the Madison River to find Trumpeter Swan was quite easily, and gave us just a wonderful photo opportunity.

Our next stop was of course Old Faithful. Hereafter we drove back to the Fishing River Bridge where we had good views of a Grizzly Bear swimming in the creek. The day was not yet done and as the light started to fade driving to the east gate we saw another large Grizzly Bear by the roadside.

Tuesday 4th July

Independence Day. At 5.45 we were on a trail in the forest at Goff Creek. We spent a few hours here and amongst the birds we saw were Golden‑crowned Kinglet, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Black‑capped Chickadee, Dark‑eyed Junco, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill.

Hereafter we headed to the Blacktail Scenic Drive Trail in the vicinity of Tower Junction. We spent a few hours along this road and although the birding was hard work, perseverance as always, paid off and amongst the many species here found were Three‑toed Woodpecker at the nest, Red‑breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Brewer’s Sparrow and Lazuli Bunting.

During this scenic drive we met our only birder of the entire trip. On our way back to Goff Creek we made a stop at Mount Washburn and added American Pipit to the list.

Near Goff Creek we enjoyed Common Nighthawks flying overhead along with several Song Sparrows and White‑crowned Sparrows at close range.

Wednesday 5th July

We set off very early the following morning to Grand Teton. En route we stopped to see a pair of Hairy Woodpeckers. At Colbert Bay Village we were lucky and were able to rent a cabin for one night.

Hereafter we drove to Two Ocean Lake to avoid the hordes of tourists. En route we began with a fine view of a singing Warbling Vireo and our first looks of a Black‑headed Grosbeak high up in the trees.

At the lake we made a walk in the forest and amongst the birds we saw were Bald Eagle, Calliope Hummingbird, Red‑naped Sapsucker at the nest, Downy Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Warbler. Our visit would also turn up a few Pine Grosbeaks, a bird Vital and I had dipped so many years ago in Finland.

At the forest 0,5 mile north of Christian Road we spotted a male Williamson’s Sapsucker excavating a hole, while an amazingly co‑operative female Blue Grouse gave Eric ample opportunity to film it. Before heading to Colbert Bay Village we decided to devote the last hour for another try at the elusive Great Gray Owl. An hour of searching failed to produce, so we reluctantly returned to the car for the five‑minute drive to our cabin.

Thursday 6th July

A very early start the following day ensured that we were by dawn at Lupine Meadows Road in Grand Teton. A small wetland yielded Sora and a Fox Sparrow and a few displaying Common Snipes showed well.

Hereafter we spent a short time at the already very busy Amphitheater Lake Trail. The Ospreys on the nest at the start of the trail did not seem to be disturbed by all the climbers. Other birds we did see were Northern Flicker and Mountain Chickadee.

After a short visit to the information centre we headed to Moose Wilson Road and spent a few hours on the Death Canyon Trail. Amongst many good birds here were Western Wood‑Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Swainson’s Thrush, Ruby‑crowned Kinglet, Pine Siskin and Western Tanager.

Then we headed to nearby Jackson and booked a room at the Gables motel. We ended our day with a visit to the nearby National Elk Refuge. Some of the more notable species here included Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Sage Grouse, Sandhill Crane, Sage Sparrow, Sage Thrasher, Rock Wren, hordes of Horned Larks and Western Meadowlark.

Friday 7th July

The break of dawn found the four of us standing in the sagebrush at the National Elk Refuge with a tape trying to lure in a Sage Thrasher, to get better views, but we were not very successful.

Hereafter we headed to Fish Creek Road near Wilson (South Valley Loop in “Finding the Birds of Jackson Hole”) and spent a few hours along this road. The habitat was excellent and amongst the birds we saw were Broad‑tailed Hummingbird, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Gray Catbird, American Goldfinch, Orange‑crowned Warbler, MacGillavry’s Warbler and Bullock’s Oriole.

Then we drove southwards via Fall Creek Road to highway #89 en route adding Olive‑sided Flycatcher to our list.

We made a stop at the Palisades Reserve and counted no less than five Osprey nests within 300 metres from another.

Other notable species here were a pair of Trumpeter Swans, a few Ring‑billed Gulls and a single Franklin’s Gull.

In the late afternoon we visited the beautiful Swift Creek Canyon near Afton. It was very hot in the canyon and we did not see many species, but amongst them were Dusky Flycatcher, American Dipper and Townsend’s Solitaire

We spent the night in the Energy Motel at Kemmerer, the ‘fossil capital’ of the world.

Saturday 8th July

Eric Wille is not only a birdwatcher, but he is also a fossil collector and to do him a favour Vital and I agreed to make a visit at the Warfield Fossil Quarry near Kemmerer. While Eric spent a few hours in the quarry, trying to collect some fossils in the rock layer known as the Green River Formation, Vital and I made a stroll in the sagebrush near Warfield Springs. We did not regret our decision to visit Kemmerer, because the area was very birdy and amongst the birds we encountered were Sage Grouse, Mountain Bluebird, Sage Thrasher, Bewick’s Wren, Brewer’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Sage Sparrow and Green‑tailed Towhee.

Hereafter we visited Fossil Butte National Monument admiring the fossils of Ancient Fossil Lake.

Then we drove westwards and at mid-afternoon we arrived at Rock Springs, where we made a visit to Juniper Country near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

It was blisteringly hot when we climbed the juniper covered hills and it took quite a while to locate a group of Juniper Titmouse. Other birds we encountered here were Gray Flycatcher and Blue‑gray Gnatcatcher.

A nearby gully provided us with our only Pinyon Jay and Canyon Wren of the trip. Hereafter we headed to Rawlins and checked into the Super 8 Motel.

Sunday 9th July

The Laramie Plains were our destination the following morning. A first exploration of the grassy plains along the Old Laramie River Road revealed McCown’s Longspur, Lark Sparrow and Lark Bunting and several other more common inhabitants. It took us quite some time to locate our target bird here, but at last I discovered a pair of Mountain Plovers in my telescope.

We spent the whole morning in this centre of the best Mountain Plover nesting‑grounds and had excellent views of Chestnut‑collared Longspurs foraging along the roadside. Some other birds we saw en route were Snowy Egret, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet and American Avocet.

After leaving the plains behind we headed northwards. Travelling to Casper we spotted a group of Turkey Vultures and a Sage thrasher in the top of sagebrush. In Casper we made a stop for lunch and to visit the Edness K. Wilkins State Park on the North Platte River, where we added Western Kingbird to our birdlist. In the late afternoon we drove to Sheridan, where we checked into the Days Inn.

Monday 10th July

Our final destination was the small village of Story. We spent all day near Story, visiting most areas mentioned in the “Birder’s Guide to Wyoming” including a visit to a fish hatchery. We spent much of the day searching unsuccessfully for Sharp‑tailed Grouse but saw many other interesting birds in the attempt amongst them Common Poorwill, Dusky Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Veery, MacGillavry’s Warbler, American Redstart, Grasshopper Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Bullock’s Oriole and Bobolink.

We left Story in the late afternoon and luck was with us as we spotted a Sharp-tailed Grouse by the roadside near Sheridan, one last addition to our birding tally.

At 20.00 hours we arrived at Billings, where we again checked into the Cherry Tree Inn Motel.

Tuesday/Wednesday 12th/13th July

In the early morning we drove to the airport only to find our flight to Denver seriously delayed. Eventually our flight was cancelled altogether and we were booked on another flight to Brussels via Denver, New York and London.

At 11.00 o’clock next morning we arrived in Brussels, four hours delayed and our luggage still in London.

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We had a fairly successful trip, but all-in-all we saw most of our target species, although we dipped a few species (Great Gray Owl, Harlequin Duck and Black Rosy‑Finch). The final total for the 10 days trip was 159 species and I finished the trip with 15 lifers.

My five best birds of the trip? Trumpeter Swan, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Sage Thrasher and Pine Grosbeak, lifers all of course.

Chaam, 25 July 2000,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

If you need any help or further information, contact me at the following address and I'll try and help if I can!

Jan Vermeulen
Bredaseweg 14
4861 AH Chaam
The Netherlands
Telephone: (031) – 161 – 491327

E-mail: jem.vermeulen@wxs.nl

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF BIRDS

This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Check List, Fifth Edition, 2000). This fifth edition follows the higher taxonomic sequence outlined in the “Handbook of the Birds of the World” series published by Lynx Edicions.

The Dutch names follow the translated "Complete Checklist of Birds of the World" (Complete Checklist van Vogels van de Wereld) of Michael Walters.

Numbers quoted are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.

Grand Teton National Park is situated in Jackson Hole, however Jackson Hole mentioned in the list is the part of this valley south of Grand Teton.

The following abbreviations are used:

NP             =  National Park

SP              =  State Park

25+            =  at least 25 birds

1.     PIED-BILLED GREBE, Podilymbus podiceps, Dikbekfuut
6 in a pond near Story.

2.     WESTERN GREBE, Aechmophorus occidentalis, Zwanenhalsfuut
10+ at Yellowstone NP, 1 at Grand Teton NP and 4 at Palisades Reserve.

3.     DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax auritus, Geoorde Aalscholver
Seen in small numbers nearly every day.

4.     AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, Witte Pelikaan
Up to 25 a day in western Wyoming, 4 at the Laramie Plains.

5.     RUDDY DUCK, Oxyura jamaicensis, Rosse Stekelstaart
2 en route in Montana and 2 at Yellowstone NP.

6.     TRUMPETER SWAN, Cygnus buccinator, Trompetzwaan
1 at Yellowstone NP (Madison River), 2 at National Elk Refuge, 2 at Jackson Hole and 2 at Palisades Reserve.

7.     CANADA GOOSE, Branta canadensis, Canadese Gans
A common and widespread species.

8.     AMERICAN WIGEON, Anas americana, Amerikaanse Smient
9 at Yellowstone NP and 2 at Grand Teton NP.

9.     GADWALL, Anas strepera, Krakeend
A common and widespread species.

10.  GREEN-WINGED TEAL, Anas crecca, Wintertaling
2 en route in Montana and 8 at Yellowstone NP.

11.  MALLARD, Anas platyrhynchos, Wilde Eend
A fairly common and widespread species.

12.  BLUE-WINGED TEAL, Anas discors, Blauwvleugeltaling
8 at Yellowstone NP, 1 at Jackson Hole and 1 in the Story area.

13.  CINNAMON TEAL, Anas cyanoptera, Kaneeltaling
A female at Grand Teton NP and 2 drakes and a female at the Laramie Plains.

14.  NORTHERN SHOVELER, Anas clypeata, Slobeend
3 en route in Montana and small numbers at Yellowstone NP.

15.  CANVASBACK, Aythya valisineria, Grote Tafeleend
A single drake en route in Montana.

16.  REDHEAD, Aythya americana, Amerikaanse Tafeleend
Single ones at Yellowstone NP and Jackson Hole, 2 at the Laramie Plains.

17.  RING-NECKED DUCK, Aythya collaris, Ringsnaveleend
A single bird at National Elk Refuge.

18.  LESSER SCAUP, Aythya affinis, Kleine Topper
Very common at Yellowstone NP, a few at Grand Teton NP.

19.  BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, Bucephala islandica, IJslandse Brilduiker
Fairly common at Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP and Jackson Hole.

20.  BUFFLEHEAD, Bucephala albeola, Buffelkopeend
25+ at Yellowstone Lake (Yellowstone NP) and small numbers at Grand Teton NP.

21.  COMMON MERGANSER, Mergus merganser, Grote Zaagbek
Common at Yellowstone NP and Grand Teton NP, a few at Jackson Hole and Palisades Reserve.

22.  SNOWY EGRET, Egretta thula, Amerikaanse Kleine Zilverreiger
2 at the Laramie Plains.

23.  GREAT BLUE HERON, Ardea herodias, Amerikaanse Blauwe Reiger
Seen most days with up to 5 a day.

24.  TURKEY VULTURE, Cathartes aura, Roodkopgier
1 near Rock Springs and 6 near Casper.

25.  OSPREY, Pandion haliaetus, Visarend
A few at Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP and Jackson Hole, 5 at the Palisades Reserve.

26.  BALD EAGLE, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Amerikaanse Zeearend
1 at Yellowstone NP and 2 at Grand Teton NP.

27.  NORTHERN HARRIER, Circus cyaneus, Blauwe Kiekendief
A single one en route from Billings to Wyoming in Montana.

28.  SWAINSON'S HAWK, Buteo swainsonii, Prairiebuizerd
Seen all days in small numbers with up to 6 a day.

29.  RED-TAILED HAWK, Buteo jamaicensis, Roodstaartbuizerd
Seen all days in small numbers with up to 7 a day.

30.  FERRUGINOUS HAWK, Buteo regalis, Rosse Ruigpootbuizerd
1 en route in Montana, 1 at the National Elk Refuge, 1 at Green River and 4 at the Laramie Plains.

31.  GOLDEN EAGLE, Aquila chrysaetos, Steenarend
1 en route in Montana, 1 at the National Elk Refuge and 1 at the Laramie Plains.

32.  AMERICAN KESTREL, Falco sparverius, Amerikaanse Torenvalk
Seen in small numbers with up to 8 a day.

33.  PRAIRIE FALCON, Falco mexicanus, Prairievalk
A single one seen north of Sheridan.

34.  RING-NECKED PHEASANT, Phasianus colchicus, Fazant
10+ seen en route in Montana, 2 in the Story area.

35.  BLUE GROUSE, Dendragapus obscurus, Blauw Sneeuwhoen
A female near Christian Pond at Grand Teton NP.

36.  SAGE GROUSE, Centrocercus urophasianus, Waaierhoen
1 at the National Elk Refuge and 6 at Warfield Springs.

37.  SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, Tympanuchus phasianellus, Stekelstaarthoen
A single observation near Sheridan.

38.  SORA, Porzana carolina, Soraral
3 along Lupine Meadows Road (Grand Teton NP).

39.  AMERICAN COOT, Fulica americana, Amerikaanse Meerkoet
5 en route in Montana and 2 at Yellowstone NP.

40.  SANDHILL CRANE, Grus canadensis, Prairiekraanvogel
5 at Yellowstone NP, 15 at the National Elk Refuge, 50+ en route from Cokeville – Kemmerer.

41.  COMMON SNIPE, Gallinago gallinago, Watersnip
3 en route in Montana, 5 along Lupine Meadows Road (Grand Teton NP).

42.  GREATER YELLOWLEGS, Tringa melanoleuca, Grote Geelpootruiter
A single one at the Laramie Plains.

43.  SOLITARY SANDPIPER, Tringa solitaria, Amerikaanse Bosruiter
A single one at the Laramie Plains.

44.  SPOTTED SANDPIPER, Actites macularia, Amerikaanse Oeverloper
Seen in small numbers with up to 6 a day.

45.  WILLET, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, Willet
A single one at the Laramie Plains.

46.  WILSON'S PHALAROPE, Phalaropus tricolor, Grote Franjepoot
1 en route in Montana and 2 in the Story area.

47.  AMERICAN AVOCET, Recurvirostra americana, Amerikaanse Kluut
6 at the Laramie Plains.

48.  KILLDEER, Charadrius vociferus, Killdeerplevier
Seen most days with up to 6 a day.

49.  MOUNTAIN PLOVER, Charadrius montanus, Prairieplevier
2 at the Laramie Plains.

50.  RING-BILLED GULL, Larus delawarensis, Ringsnavelmeeuw
4 at the Palisades Reserve.

51.  CALIFORNIA GULL, Larus californicus, Prairiemeeuw
A rather common appearance in Wyoming.

52.  FRANKLIN'S GULL, Larus pipixcan, Franklins Meeuw
A single one at the Palisades Reserve.

53.  COMMON LOON, Gavia immer, IJsduiker
A single observation at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone NP.

54.  ROCK DOVE, Columba livia, Stadsduif
Common in villages and cities.

55.  MOURNING DOVE, Zenaida macroura, Treurduif
Rather common in non-forested areas.

56.  GREAT HORNED OWL, Bubo virginianus, Amerikaanse Oehoe
2 south of Sheridan.

57.  COMMON NIGHTHAWK, Chordeiles minor, Amerikaanse Nachtzwaluw
5 near Goff Creek, 1 at Jackson Hole and 3 at Sheridan.

58.  COMMON POORWILL, Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, Poorwill
A single one in the Story area.

59.  WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, Aeronautes saxatalis, Bonte Gierzwaluw
2 at Goff Creek.

60.  CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD, Stellula calliope, Calliopekolibrie
Singles at Two Ocean Lake (Grand Teton NP) and in the Story area.

61.  BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, Selasphorus platycercus, Breedstaartkolibrie
2 at Fish Creek Road (Jackson Hole) and 2 in the Story area.

62.  BELTED KINGFISHER, Ceryle alcyon, Bandijsvogel
4 at Yellowstone NP, 1 at Grand Teton NP and 1 at Jackson Hole.

63.  WILLIAMSON’S SAPSUCKER, Sphyrapicus thyroideus, Bergsapspecht
3 near Christian Pond in Grand Teton NP.

64.  RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, Sphyrapicus nuchalis, Roodneksapspecht
1 at Yellowstone NP, 7 at Grand Teton NP, 5 at Jackson Hole and 4 in the Story area.

65.  DOWNY WOODPECKER, Picoides pubescens, Donsspecht
2 at Grand Teton NP and also 2 in the Story area.

66.  HAIRY WOODPECKER, Picoides villosus, Haarspecht
2 at Yellowstone NP, 1 at Grand Teton NP, 4 at Jackson Hole and 3 in the Story area.

67.  THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, Picoides tridactylus, Drieteenspecht
2 at Yellowstone NP (Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive).

68.  BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, Picoides arcticus, Zwartrugspecht
2 at Yellowstone NP.

69.  NORTHERN FLICKER, Colaptes auratus, Noordelijke Grondspecht
Seen every day with up to 10+ a day.

70.  OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, Contopus cooperi, Sparrenpiewie
A single observation at Jackson Hole.

71.  WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, Contopus sordidulus, Westelijke Bospiewie
Seen in small numbers at Yellowstone NP, Jackson Hole, Edness Kimball Wilkins SP and in the Story area.

72.  WILLOW FLYCATCHER, Empidonax traillii, Wilgenfeetiran
A few at Jackson Hole (including Grand Teton NP).

73.  LEAST FLYCATCHER, Empidonax minimus, Kleine Feetiran
2 in the Story area.

74.  HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, Empidonax hammondii, Sparrenfeetiran
2 at Yellowstone NP.

75.  GRAY FLYCATCHER, Empidonax wrightii, Alsemfeetiran
6 in Juniper country south of Rock Springs.

76.  DUSKY FLYCATCHER, Empidonax oberholseri, Struikfeetiran
Small numbers at Grand Teton NP, Swift Creek and in the Story area.

77.  CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, Empidonax occidentalis, Cordillerafeetiran
2 at Jackson Hole and 2 near Story.

78.  WESTERN KINGBIRD, Tyrannus verticalis, Arkansaskoningstiran
3 at Edness Kimball Wilkins SP and in the Story area.

79.  EASTERN KINGBIRD, Tyrannus tyrannus, Koningstiran
5 en route in Montana, 1 near Casper and 1 in the Story area.

80.  HORNED LARK, Eremophila alpestris, Strandleeuwerik
50+ at the National Elk Refuge, common near Kemmerer and very common at the Laramie Plains.

81.  TREE SWALLOW, Tachycineta bicolor, Boomzwaluw
Seen in good numbers in Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP and Jackson Hole.

82.  VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, Tachycineta thalassina, Groene Zwaluw
They are plentiful throughout the mountain ranges.

83.  NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, Stelgidopteryx serripennis, Noord-Amerikaanse Ruwvleugelzwaluw
Seen in small numbers in western Wyoming.

84.  BANK SWALLOW, Riparia riparia, Oeverzwaluw
Seen in small numbers in Montana and Wyoming near streams and ponds.

85.  CLIFF SWALLOW, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, Amerikaanse Klifzwaluw
Abundant in Wyoming.

86.  BARN SWALLOW, Hirundo rustica, Boerenzwaluw
A rather common and widespread species.

87.  AMERICAN PIPIT, Anthus rubescens, Amerikaanse Waterpieper
A single one at Yellowstone NP (Mount Washburn).

88.  GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, Regulus satrapa, Amerikaanse Goudhaan
2 at Goff Creek and 2 at Yellowstone NP.

89.  RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, Regulus calendula, Roodkroonhaan
4 at Yellowstone NP, 6 at Grand Teton NP and 4 at Jackson Hole.

90.  CEDAR WAXWING, Bombycilla cedrorum, Cederpestvogel
Small numbers en route in Montana, 15+ at Jackson Hole and a few in the Story area.

91.  AMERICAN DIPPER, Cinclus mexicanus, Noord-Amerikaanse Waterspreeuw
3 at Yellowstone NP, 1 at Swift Creek and 2 in the Story area.

92.  ROCK WREN, Salpinctes obsoletus, Amerikaanse Rotswinterkoning
2 at National Elk Refuge and 1 at Jackson Hole.

93.  CANYON WREN, Catherpes mexicanus, Kloofwinterkoning
A single observation in Juniper country south of Rock Springs.

94.  BEWICK'S WREN, Thryomanes bewickii, Bewicks Winterkoning
2 at Warfield Springs.

95.  HOUSE WREN, Troglodytes aedon, Huiswinterkoning
2 at Grand Teton NP, 2 at Jackson Hole, 4 at Edness Kimball Wilkins SP and 3 in the Story area.

96.  GRAY CATBIRD, Dumetella carolinensis, Katvogel
3 at Jackson Hole and 2 in the Story area.

97.  SAGE THRASHER, Oreoscoptes montanus, Bergspotlijster
Single ones at National Elk Refuge, Warfield Springs and near Casper.

98.  MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, Sialia currucoides, Bergsialia
A fairly common appearance in Wyoming.

99.  TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, Myadestes townsendi, Bergsolitaire
1 at Swift Creek and 2 in the Story area.

100.    VEERY, Catharus fuscescens, Veery
4 in the Story area.

101.    SWAINSON'S THRUSH, Catharus ustulatus, Dwerglijster
2 at Grand Teton NP and 4 at Swift Creek.

102.    HERMIT THRUSH, Catharus guttatus, Heremietlijster
A single bird at Yellowstone NP.

103.    AMERICAN ROBIN, Turdus migratorius, Roodborstlijster
A common and widespread species.

104.    BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, Polioptila caerulea, Blauwgrijze Muggenvanger
4 in Juniper country south of Rock Springs.

105.    BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, Poecile atricapillus, Amerikaanse Matkop
Up to 15 a day in western Wyoming, a few in eastern Wyoming.

106.    MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, Poecile gambeli, Gambels Mees
4 at Grand Teton NP and 4 at Jackson Hole.

107.    JUNIPER TITMOUSE, Baeolophus ridgwayi, Grijze Mees
5 at Juniper Country near Rock Springs.

108.    RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, Sitta canadensis, Canadese Boomklever
A few at Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, Jackson Hole and in the Story area.

109.    BROWN CREEPER, Certhia americana, Amerikaanse Boomkruiper
A single one at Yellowstone NP (Blacktail Plateau Scenic Drive)

110.    GRAY JAY, Perisoreus canadensis, Canadese Taigagaai
3 at Yellowstone NP (Fishing Bridge Information Centre).

111.    PINYON JAY, Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus, Pinyongaai
A single bird south of Rock Springs.

112.    BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, Pica pica, Ekster
A common and widespread species in Wyoming.

113.    CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, Nucifraga columbiana, Grijze Notenkraker
Rather common at Yellowstone NP and Jackson Hole (including Grand Teton NP).

114.    AMERICAN CROW, Corvus brachyrhynchos, Amerikaanse Kraai
A few at Jackson Hole, common in the Sheridan area.

115.    COMMON RAVEN, Corvus corax, Raaf
A common appearance in Wyoming.

116.    EUROPEAN STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris, Spreeuw
A rather common and widespread species.

117.    HOUSE SPARROW, Passer domesticus, Huismus
Very common in cities and towns.

118.    WARBLING VIREO, Vireo gilvus, Orpheusvireo
Small numbers at Grand Teton NP, Jackson Hole, Edness Kimball Wilkins SP and near Story.

119.    PINE GROSBEAK, Pinicola enucleator, Haakbek
4 at Two Ocean Lake (Grand Teton NP).

120.    CASSIN'S FINCH, Carpodacus cassinii, Cassins Roodmus
Small numbers in Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP and Jackson Hole.

121.    HOUSE FINCH, Carpodacus mexicanus, Mexicaanse Roodmus
A few en route in Montana and in the Story area.

122.    RED CROSSBILL, Loxia curvirostra, Kruisbek
20+ at Goff Creek, 10+ in the Story area.

123.    PINE SISKIN, Carduelis pinus, Dennensijs
Common in western Wyoming.

124.    AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, Carduelis tristis, Goudsijs
2 at Jackson Hole (Fish Creek Road), 1 at Laramie and common in the Story area.

125.    ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, Vermivora celata, Groene Zanger
2 at Jackson Hole (Fish Creek Road).

126.    YELLOW WARBLER, Dendroica petechia, Gele Zanger
Small numbers in Grand Teton NP and Jackson Hole, singles at the Laramie Plains and in the Story area.

127.    YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, Dendroica coronata, Geelstuitzange
The most common warbler of Wyoming with up to 15 a day.

128.    AMERICAN REDSTART, Setophaga ruticilla, Amerikaanse Roodstaart
A single observation in the Story area.

129.    OVENBIRD, Seiurus aurocapillus, Ovenvogel
A single bird in the Story area.

130.    MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, Oporornis tolmiei, Rouwkopzanger
2 at Jackson Hole (Fish Creek Road) and 1 in the Story area.

131.    COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, Geothlypis trichas, Gewone Maskerzanger
Only 1 en route in Montana.

132.    WESTERN TANAGER, Piranga ludoviciana, Louisianatangare
10+ at Yellowstone NP, 7 at Grand Teton NP, 6 at Jackson Hole and 2 in the Story area.

133.    GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, Pipilo chlorurus, Groenstaarttowie
1 at Yellowstone NP, 2 at Warfield Springs and 3 in the Story area.

134.    SPOTTED TOWHEE, Pipilo maculatus, Gevlekte Towie
2 in the Story area.

135.    CHIPPING SPARROW, Spizella passerina, Musgors
Seen most days with up to 10 a day.

136.    BREWER'S SPARROW, Spizella breweri, Brewers Gors
Fairly common in the sagebrush at Yellowstone NP and Grand Teton NP and in the rest of the state.

137.    VESPER SPARROW, Pooecetes gramineus, Avondgors
Fairly common in the lower sagebrush througout the state and in Montana.

138.    LARK SPARROW, Chondestes grammacus, Roodoorgors
2 at the Laramie Plains and in the Story area.

139.    SAGE SPARROW, Amphispiza belli, Bells Gors
Small numbers at the National Elk Refuge, Warfield Springs and at Rock Springs.

140.    LARK BUNTING, Calamospiza melanocorys, Prairiegors
Very common en route in Montana and en route in eastern Wyoming.

141.    SAVANNAH SPARROW, Passerculus sandwichensis, Savannegors
A few en route in Montana, Grand Teton NP and in the Story area.

142.    GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, Ammodramus savannarum, Sprinkhaangors
2 in the Story area.

143.    FOX SPARROW, Passerella iliaca, Roodstaartgors
2 at Grand Teton NP.

144.    SONG SPARROW, Melospiza melodia, Zanggors
5 at Goff Creek, a few at Yellowstone NP and small numbers at Grand Teton NP.

145.    LINCOLN'S SPARROW, Melospiza lincolnii, Lincolns Gors
2 at Yellowstone NP, 6 at Grand Teton NP and 10+ at Jackson Hole.

146.    WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, Zonotrichia leucophrys, Witkruingors
1 at Yellowstone NP, 3 at Two Ocean Lake (Grand Teton NP) and 3 at Jackson Hole.

147.    DARK-EYED JUNCO, Junco hyemalis, Grijze Junco
A very common and widespread bird.

148.    MCCOWN'S LONGSPUR, Calcarius mccownii, McCowns IJsgors
25+ at the Laramie Plains.

149.    CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR, Calcarius ornatus, Roodhalsgors
5 at the Laramie Plains.

150.    BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, Pheucticus melanocephalus, Zwartkopkardinaal
1 at Two Ocean Lake (Grand Teton NP), 4 at Jackson Hole and 1 at Edness Kimball Wilkins SP.

151.    LAZULI BUNTING, Passerina amoena, Lazuligors
4 at Yellowstone NP.

152.    BOBOLINK, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Bobolink
2 seen in the Story area.

153.    RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, Agelaius phoeniceus, Epauletspreeuw
A common and widespread species.

154.    WESTERN MEADOWLARK, Sturnella neglecta, Geelkaakweidespreeuw
A very common and widespread species.

155.    YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, Geelkoptroepiaal
Seen in small numbers in cattail marshes in Wyoming and Montana.

156.    BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, Euphagus cyanocephalus, Brewers Troepiaal
A very common and widespread species.

157.    COMMON GRACKLE, Quiscalus quiscula, Glanstroepiaal
A few in western Wyoming, common in eastern Wyoming.

158.    BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, Molothrus ater, Bruinkopkoevogel
Seen in small numbers most days of the trip.

159.    BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, Icterus bullockii, Bullocks Troepiaal
1 at Jackson’s Hole and 10+ in the Story area..

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF MAMMALS

This list follows the sequence and scientific nomenclature of “ The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals.”. Data are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.

1.     EASTERN COTTONTAIL, Sylvilagus floridanus
A few in the Laramie area.

2.     NUTTALLL’S COTTONTAIL, Sylvilagus nuttallii
Seen in small numbers throughout Wyoming.

3.     WHITE-TAILED JACK RABBIT, Lepus townsendii
Seen in small numbers throughout Wyoming.

4.     BLACK-TAILED JACK RABBIT, Lepus californicus
A few in eastern Wyoming.

5.     LEAST CHIPMUNK, Eutamias minimus
A fairly common appearance in Wyoming.

6.     YELLOW-PINE CHIPMUNK, Eutamias amoenus
A few at Yellowstone NP.

7.     UINTA CHIPMUNK, Eutamias umbrinus
A few at Yellowstone NP and Jackson Hole.

8.     WOODCHUCK (GROUNDHOG), Marmota monax
A single one at Yellowstone NP.

9.     UINTA GROUND SQUIRREL, Spermophilus armatus
Small numbers in western Wyoming.

10.  GOLDEN-MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL, Spermophilus lateralis
2 in the Kemmerer area.

11.  BLACK-TAILED PRARIE DOG, Cynomys ludovicianus
Very common throughout Wyoming.

12.  RED SQUIRREL, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
2 at Goff Creek and small numbers at Jackson Hole.

13.  COYOTE, Canis latrans
4 at Yellowstone NP and 1 at Grand Teton NP.

14.  BLACK BEAR, Ursus americanus
2 at Yellowstone NP.

15.  GRIZZLY BEAR, Ursus arctos
2 at Yellowstone NP.

16.  ELK (WAPITI), Cervus elaphus
Very common at Yellowstone NP and Grand Teton NP.

17.  MULE DEER, Odocoileus hemionus
Small numbers at Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone NP.

18.  WHITE-TAILED DEER, Odocoileus virginianuss
Small numbers in the Story area.

19.  MOOSE, Alces alces
3 at Yellowstone NP and 1 at Two Ocean Lake (Grand Teton NP).

20.  PRONGHORN (AMERICAN ANTELOPE), Antilocapra americana
Small numbers en route in Montana, Yellowstone NP and Jackson Hole, abundant in southern and eastern Wyoming.

21.  BISON (BUFFALO), Bison bison
Common at Yellowstone NP.

 

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