Last Few Days in Missoula, May 23, 24, 25

 May 23

      Today we explored the other side of Milltown State Park. It was disappointing that the overlook had to be closed due to erosion. But, we had a picnic there. The environment of grassland and ponderosa pines is stunning. We heard quite a few birds, but saw few of them. Then we took the Pattee Canyon Road which is also stunning  - and windy and gravel for much of the way. We had never traveled it before and will definitely go back on our next visit as it was beautiful.

     Mark bought all the fixings for dinner and we took it over to David and Maura's. He made tuna tataki, green beans with apple in a ginger, garlic sauce, roasted carrots and sweet potato. We bought a mixed berry pie (Bernice's Bakery) and vanilla ice cream from the Big Dipper. It was quite a feast and a lovely evening. Dodger, the cat, seems to be on the mend, but it was quite an injury that he sustained.

May 24

    A two-trip birding day for us. (David and Maura were at work) We started at Council Grove State Park just west of Missoula on the Clark Fork River. It was a beautiful spot. We saw a number of birds including a kestrel. We saw where an owl nests in a tree cavity, but did not see the owl. There were lots of warblers - yellow, yellow-rumped, common yellow throats. With the Merlin sound app, we heard lots of birds which we never spotted such as black-headed grosbeaks. 

       We took a break, got some coffee at our favorite coffee shop, and had lunch at home

        Then, we went back to Lee Metcalf to take the Kenai Nature Trail. Once again, Lee Metcalf does not disappoint. We saw more yellow-headed blackbirds as well as widgeon, shovelers, gadwall and gorgeous cinnamon teal. We also got some great looks at several Eastern King Birds. 

  May 25

     Sigh - our last full day in Montana. We visited the Missoula Library - wow - what an impressive library. There is a "people's deck" on the top floor with amazing views. There is a coffee shop and a store. (Barbara bought some cards made by an indigenous artist.) 

    We spent much of the day packing and cleaning up. We got soup/sandwich at the Soup Farm. And, later, we went over to David and Maura's for a pie and ice cream goodbye. We are sad to be leaving as we just don't see them enough. But - a great visit.