Carl Wolf, The Outdoors Section
It was not only dark, but cold and a bit windy. People came anyhow. Sitting on a bench in the shadow of the Pompey’s Pillar museum, I wondered if they would come. Two young women, then an older couple, then some more folks. They were bundled up, but had binoculars at hand or hanging around their necks.
“Is this where the bird walk starts?” some asked. Yes, I told them, but we had to wait a few minutes more so others could find their way here to the base of the walkway to the top of the Monument. Meantime I told them there is a test to take. Handing out feathers from various birds, the group identified turkey, dove, pheasant, warbler and raven.
Slowly climbing the stairway with periodic pauses, birds began to fly by. Starlings, Canada geese, a sandhill crane, then a blue heron. Light was good enough now to see a small sparrow hawk overhead and a golden eagle that came almost close enough to touch. History, habitat, ecology, identification and just plain old enjoyment kept the group active while looking down on the Yellowstone River in the early light. Migrations were beginning and soon long flights of eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and other birds would be winging by the cliffs on the far side of the river as the morning sun warmed the rocks. The rising warm air would generate heat flows that helped pelicans, accipiters, buteos and other large winged birds soar high, then slowly descend to pick up more rising heat so they could do it all over again, heading for warmer climates.
As the walk ended among stations set up for the FALL FESTIVAL, one could watch black powder shooting to gold panning and the many folks heading for the marathon. Eventually the pancakes, syrup, hot coffee and sausages warmed us up – especially the hot coffee! A walk around among the donkeys, horses, antelope and bison turned up a few small birds as well. Black-capped chickadees, robins, a small downy woodpecker and some LBB’s (Little Brown Birds). A young great horned owl that had been located next to the museum left for the nearby woods.
The FALL FESTIVAL is the first of its kind and this one turned out pretty good. The timing of year and clock was noted and some adjustments will be discussed, say Trudie Porter Biggers and Neal Gunnels for the Pompeys Pillar Historical Association. The group works with the BLM to help the public understand and enjoy the wonder of the area. It was interesting to lead a bird walk in the morning, then in the afternoon go goose hunting (this also was first day of the waterfowl season). Special and Prairie were on the job when the first Canada goose of the fall season was retrieved to hand (9.5 pounds, a mouthful for Prairie while Special just studied the art of retrieving).
Heroic effort by Gladys Wittman to get 40 homeowners on Road Nine to a Neighborhood Get-Together. Bring lawn chairs, her flyer said. Yeah, day it snowed! Reminds us of our June garage sale when the township road was closed for four miles out of Worden and past our place for resurfacing. And 99 years ago women got the vote. If 52 percent of Americans are female then how come they don’t elect at least 50 percent of the politicians? No Jon, it won’t end when it’s over because we will continue to have gridlock in our democracy’s institutions of President, Congress and Supreme Court. And yes, Jon, I realize we both held elected positions and did what we could to visit and listen to voters. But did they speak up? Yes, we answered their questions but sometimes they failed to know what questions to ask. Take 185 and 186 for example. Please.
Jonathan is right to hoot about this newspaper and its success. Got something for everyone. Some of what you read in here is actually understandable. Maybe. Been waiting for a call from the Laurel Outlook. Understand they do not hold back on bonbons and they do print in color! OK, so I now officially know what I am going to die from. Atrial fibrillation, severe sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, high cholesterol, politics and all those unpronounceable pills they keep insisting I take. Doctors tell me to cut back on food, booze, salt, sex and politics. What do they know? Got two pistols in, both are couple hundred years old needle guns made by Count Dreyse. More on that later. Brenda, thanks for everything. June Equall sold her place and is now officially a “Townie.’ Oh yeah, almost forgot. Now that Republicans in Senate have officially disgraced democracy, justice, integrity and truth, but have successfully manipulated our Congress to get someone hastily confirmed using strong arm tactics — America is becoming great again. Enjoy the Kool-Aid.
Carl Wolf writes a weekly column called “The Outdoors” that is published each week in the Yellowstone County News print edition. Carl writes about the birds and the bees mixed with outdoor adventure, animals while throwing his political two cents in the column.
