Snow Geese Migration at Freeze Out Lake : Happy in Montana

Izaak Walton Inn in Essex 

Hopping in the trusty vehicle we head  East on Hwy 2 towards the southern border of Glacier Park .
First destination is Essex and the Izaak Walton Inn. We are just checking things out . Here in the heart of the mountains there has been a lot of snow . 5 to 6 feet on the side of the road into the Inn. The road itself has at least 6 inches of packed ice . Up ahead are some car swallowing holes filled with slushy ice water. However I don't know they are there yet.

Essex Caboose 

The caboose is one of the places you can secure lodging if you are feeling adventurous. Remember this is March 23rd. We are grateful for the sun here. After a couple of close calls with the giant slush holes , we are back on Hwy 2 and rolling towards Browning. Just past Browning on the east side of town we dip south on Hwy 89 and head to Choteau.

Freeze Out Snow Geese 

Our destination is Freeze Out Lake just East of Choteau near Fairfield.  Freeze Out is a shallow reservoir that is on the migration route of snow geese, swans and canadian geese. There are about 40,000 snow geese on the lake today .Some estimate 300,000 migrate through in March. The sound of all these birds is amazing to hear. ( see end of blog for a video ) You have to wonder what they are saying to each other . It is an overcast day but this is not dampening their spirits .

For some great close up pictures of the snow geese check jason savage photography  . He has some nice captures of these birds as well as other wildlife .

40,000 Snow Geese 

So the birds are landing and calling to each other on the lake. Every once in a while they lift up as a group and circle the lake in a large mass . Then they settle again , more goose squawking . Despite the cold and the wind there is a vibrant energy in the air as these migrating birds land for a bit of rest .

Freeze Out Lake

Snow Geese preparing to take off 

This is a great place for these geese to rest . They have the protection of the water and fields to glean nearby . Grains for fermentation are grown in abundance in this area. Some good energy for the geese as they prepare to fly north to the tip of Canada at the Arctic Circle and the Hudson Bay.

Snow Geese 

Taking off late afternoon

Wetlands near Freeze Out Lake 

I am always amazed at the strength and determination of these migrating birds. What great faith to follow that internal programming , to fly into the evening pushing farther North . No maps, no GPS ,
 nolong range vision , just following their internal compass.

Dino in Bynum

Back on Hwy 89 we slow down in Bynum Montana. Yes that is a dinosaur. Apparently there were some prehistoric reptiles in the area many years ago with some good fossil beds to unearth these ancient terrors.  Now this nice town of 31 souls hosts the Two Medicine Dinosaur Museum where you can explore these reptiles of old. The locals need to be really hearty . For one the Dinos and two it is fairly isolated here not to mention the ever present wind found on the eastern front.

High Plains 

Driving north on Hwy 89 we are in the high plains and in view of the Eastern Rocky Mountain Front. It is windy and cold in the 20s but the sun is out and we will take that . A big decision whether to go back home by Marias Pass or south to Rogers Pass. Hard decisions. Earlier in the day there was a good snow storm on the Eastern Marias Pass to Browning . Marias Pass won out and the weather was decent considering this is the northern most crossing of the continental divide by a state highway. Of course there is a more northern crossing with the Going to the Sun road but it is deep under the 30 + feet of snow from this winter.

The Front Range 

Marias Pass with a good view of the Lewis overthrust 

One of the more interesting aspects of living in NW MT is the geology . ok I suppose the snow is a close second. Marias Pass is a great example of the Lewis Overthrust fault . A large chunk of real estate consisting of older rocks that was shoved on top of the younger rocks. In the above picture you can see the fault line despite the snow . It is the distinctive horizontal line about halfway down the mountain. At Marias Pass there is a nice presentation of the geology and exploration of the pass.

Marias Pass 

The Amtrak Empire Builder runs through this area . This makes for a nice trip. The next day driving home the neighborhood elk were hanging out in the fields with their wild eyes.

Neighbor Elk

Below is a nice 11 second video of the snow geese and all of their wonderful goose chat . Courtesy of Kathleen Speier .

This blog today is dedicated to Ana Claire who was born 5 years ago during the epic migration of the Snow Geese . Happy Birthday Ana !!  May you grow to be just as brave and strong as these beautiful birds.

Do you have a voice?

Sunset over the Flathead

The question that comes to me today is do you have a Voice? And more important is it heard ? One of the greatest gifts you can give to your children , friends and peers is the unconditional permission to speak their minds and hearts. That seems like a simple idea but there are many people who prefer to be the only one with a voice. Instead of giving all a chance to speak equally there are those who manipulate and bully until most around them are concerned about even uttering a whisper . When you are in a crowd of friends or family watch the dynamics. In a healthy group all members are encouraged to share their stories and experiences. All members are celebrated in their achievements. There is not greater gift than to live within a group of individuals that value all parties . No favorites, no secrets, no power alliances. All equal because really we are all valued spiritual beings. Those who fancy themselves other wise are having delusional thinking. When was the last time you truly felt others heard your voice?

Elk Herd moving into the valley

Snow Kissed Foothills

Larch lighting up the Mountainsides

Coming Home

 Traveling West into the sunset so to speak after a trip back East . Eastern Montana slips into the gold of the horizon. Perhaps you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city but this is my space, my peace where the imagination roams free as does the deer, fox and fowl.

 Marias Pass and the Continental Divide. The sun has kissed the Divide and back lights it as dusk deepens. Marias Pass is on the Southern border of Glacier National Park. Closer to home the evening sun turns to Alpine glow for few brief minutes.

 The elk herd has made it's way towards the Foothills. As the snow melts they will ascend the mountain for the summer to graze and rest amongst the protection of the trees.

 With spring comes the greening of the pastures. Tasty spring grasses to nourish the winter hungry elk.

 Although we are moving towards late April we are still having snow now and then , like today. A gentle snow swirling in circular patterns to the ground . No fierceness in this weather .No window rattling wind. Just lazy frozen flakes reminding us that winter has not had it's last say.

 The low hanging clouds shroud the tops of the Foothills today. Hiding their peaks huddled under yet many feet of snow. We are lucky that the snow pack is about average. Water for spring and summer when the skies wax blue and dry. Glad to be home to the wide open spaces.

Elk Herd

Today was a day going to the Vet . It is impossible to take 4 dogs on one trip so I made two. This afternoon I spied a herd of Elk. A quick turn down a mud and ice road and there they were a couple of hundred feet away. Yep the big fella in front has horns. Hard to see but I was watching him watch me and ready to jump into my car with in easy reach.  

 These elk will head up into the hills as the snow melts. There is a highway beyond the house in the distance and about a quarter mile south of here there is a wildlife tunnel under the highway for the herd to move . I am every vigilant in case they decide to go straight across. Now that there are longer days it isn't such a terrifying drive home as you can see in the distance. Not so much in the winter dark with snow coming down.

The herd facing East . They are magnificent and I feel lucky to spend a few minutes with them this afternoon.