August 1 – 6, 2020.
Often times after big events like visiting major National Parks we need to do something a bit more relaxing like kayaking and looking for birds. Actually, we are always looking for birds and other wildlife but it is nice to take time out to dedicate to just doing that. So after 9 days in and around Yellowstone National Park, we left our friends from Scamper Squad and headed to Canyon Ferry Lake.
Canyon Ferry is a reservoir created by the Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana. It is a popular recreation area with camping opportunities, many with picturesque views, circling the water. We found a nice little campground with no other campers and no view. But it was free and right next to a boat ramp with access to what we thought would be a great part of the lake to explore.
We kayaked for three days. And then when we were rested up, we started making our way to our next big event, Glacier National Park. But first, we found a campground in the Lolo National Forest where we could spend a couple of nights and do some hiking to see a couple of waterfalls (and hopefully spy more wildlife). We didn’t find much wildlife as we trod through the woods but we did get some good exercise and found the cascading water of Morrell Falls and Holland Falls.
* All pics are click to enlarge.
** We use iNaturalist for all of our wildlife ids. Sometimes we make mistakes. To see all of our iNaturalist observations, click here.
Today I’m sharing this blog on the Wild Bird Wednesday blog hop. Click the link for blogs featuring birds from around the world.
Great pictures. I especially love the beaver picture. They used to be so common but I think were hunted far too aggressively. Sigh.
We were very excited to see the beaver. We have never seen one in person although we have seen evidence of them. Hopefully they can make a comeback.
Wonderful places, photos, and activities! How I wish we could relax for days like that, with only our surroundings to think about. One day? Maybe. But not until next year, the soonest. I still find it weird to see pelicans away from salt water! And, that beaver shot is priceless. I’ve never seen one of those in close-up. It must have been cool to see him splash his tail. You guys find the best spots to boondock and explore. 🙂
We have seen so many pelicans this year, I no longer find it odd. We saw sandhill cranes in the Utah desert the other day and that seemed odd. We used to see them all the time in Florida at Greg’s parent’s house.
The beaver was awesome!
I look forward to the ‘getting there’ as much as the arrival since there is always something to see! Love your captures, especially the pelicans a nd waterfalls!
PS About Kapiti Island on my blog, you are taken by boat there but have to wade from the boat to the island.
PPS Just followed you on Bloglovin’. My maiden name is Dunn–we might be related!!
That would be interesting if we are related. I’m not related to many Dunn’s in the US. I’m a third generation Dunn from England. My grandfather had on brother – a half brother who married his half sister (no relation). I believe that family moved to California but that was a long time ago.
So glad you are following along. Hopefully been will go to some cool (and warm) places this winter.
So glad people don’t have to Wade from the shore!