Monday, October 14, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
FWP hosting women's ice fishing workshop in February
Ice Fishing — February 8-10, 2013
Near Bigfork, MT
Fee: $100
Don't sit inside waiting for the long winter months to pass by. Put on some warm clothes, get outside and try ice fishing. This workshop is at Big Sky Bible Camp with a very short walk to Peterson Lake. You'll learn to use ice fishing rods and tip-ups and other gear like ice augers and sonar fish finders. The workshop is for beginner and intermediate anglers and includes some optional indoor activities and night fishing. The registration fee includes all your fishing equipment, 2 nights lodging dn meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast.Beyond BOW Ice Fishing Brochure (
857 KB)
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Bitterroot elk in December
I took a late afternoon hike and came upon a pretty good sized herd of elk. There was at least one bull with 4 points, plenty of cows and calves and a few rag-horn and spike bull. One young bull seemed curious about me so I got a few photos. Today was overcast and by now it was getting very dark, but here is what I was able to get.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis
Lots of Goldfinches here (west of Victor, MT USA) this fall.
See more below.
See more below.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Western Larch - Larix occidentalis, Fall in the Bitterroot Mountains
Click on the photos to "buy" online.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Exhibit Oct 1 - Nov 17, Photography through a naturalist's lens
A Montana View photography collage[/caption]Wednesday, October 3, 20124:30pm until 7:00pm
Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St., Missoula, Montana, 59801
Note: Merle is installing art the last week of September. The show actually runs Oct 1 through mid Nov. The lobby/gallery is open Tues - Fri 12:00 - 5:00 pm, Sat 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Hope to see you all there! There will be a few "special opening dates," Oct 3 and Oct 10. More info to follow.
The Montana Natural History Center is pleased to announce the Gallery Opening for “Photography through a naturalist's lens," an exhibit by Merle Ann Loman, A Montana View.
See the photos online at Merle Ann Loman, A Montana View photography at Fine Art America.
Science, documentation and art can describe photography and the study of natural history. Merle Ann Loman is passionate about them both. So “naturally,” photography is how she captures visual art, the art of the moment, and acutely records her experiences with nature.
As a naturalist photographer, she strives to create photographs that are sharply focused, detailed, simple in composition, and that instill a connection between humans and nature. Her creations record ordinary everyday subjects with a sense of artistry. Her most basic goal is to capture nature through photography without altering it, and to provide documentation that promotes the appreciation, study and understanding of natural history through all seasons and over longer / extended periods of time.
Displaying over 50 photos in various sizes, the show features three western Montana areas through seasons: 1) National Bison Range near Moise, 2) Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge near Stevensville, 3) the Bitterroot in general including the photos from the river, valley and mountains. Information sheets will accompany each collection with species, date taken, and location noted.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
"Chokecherries for dinner" by amontanaview | Redbubble
"Chokecherries for dinner" by amontanaview | Redbubble: 
American Robin – Turdus migratorius. Robins were feeding on our Chokecherries (Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana, in the rose family) in early September. Taken west of Victor, Montana USA. The Grosbeaks began feeding on this bush and even though the robins are a smaller bird, they took over this bush. It was fun to watch the frenzy as the hopped, flapped, chased and then gobbled the berries, large seeds and all. My first time catching a robin catching a berry.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/160s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500 mm, manual setting, tripod
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
The largest thrush in North America. The male has deep grayish to dark-brown upperparts with blackish head, white crescents above and below eye, rich reddish underparts with white throat streaked with black and white undertail-coverts. The bill is yellow. The female is similar but paler overall. Juveniles have a spotted breast. This species is common year-round over all of Montana.
American Robin – Turdus migratorius. Robins were feeding on our Chokecherries (Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana, in the rose family) in early September. Taken west of Victor, Montana USA. The Grosbeaks began feeding on this bush and even though the robins are a smaller bird, they took over this bush. It was fun to watch the frenzy as the hopped, flapped, chased and then gobbled the berries, large seeds and all. My first time catching a robin catching a berry.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/160s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500 mm, manual setting, tripod
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
The largest thrush in North America. The male has deep grayish to dark-brown upperparts with blackish head, white crescents above and below eye, rich reddish underparts with white throat streaked with black and white undertail-coverts. The bill is yellow. The female is similar but paler overall. Juveniles have a spotted breast. This species is common year-round over all of Montana.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
"Fox kits, exercise in dominance" by amontanaview | Redbubble
"Fox kits, exercise in dominance" by amontanaview | Redbubble:
Taken west of Missoula, Montana, USA near the Clark Fork River in early June.
The Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes is a year round resident of Montana. This was a very successful litter, possibly two litters. The kits, I counted about 16 in the area, were different sizes, but seemed playful and healthy. I saw two adults bring in gophers and squirrels while I was there.
See more of my Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes photos at this link
These are the first fox photos I have captured. Very fun!
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM with tripod
1/640s, f/4.0, ISO: 500, 500mm
See other photos of this fox litter
and this one 
Taken west of Missoula, Montana, USA near the Clark Fork River in early June.
The Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes is a year round resident of Montana. This was a very successful litter, possibly two litters. The kits, I counted about 16 in the area, were different sizes, but seemed playful and healthy. I saw two adults bring in gophers and squirrels while I was there.
See more of my Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes photos at this link
These are the first fox photos I have captured. Very fun!
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM with tripod
1/640s, f/4.0, ISO: 500, 500mm
See other photos of this fox litter
and this one
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Cassin's Finch - Haemorhous cassinii" by amontanaview | Redbubble
"Cassin's Finch - Haemorhous cassinii" by amontanaview | Redbubble: 
Taken August 27, 2012 west of Victor, Montana USA near Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley. Male Cassin’s Finch on an Aspen tree branch.
They are a Species of Concern in Montana though no significant threats have been identified. Given their occurrence in burned and harvested forests, the population declines that have been identified recently are difficult to explain.
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM, used a tripod
1/200s, f/7.1, ISO:640, 500mm, manual setting
Taken August 27, 2012 west of Victor, Montana USA near Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley. Male Cassin’s Finch on an Aspen tree branch.
They are a Species of Concern in Montana though no significant threats have been identified. Given their occurrence in burned and harvested forests, the population declines that have been identified recently are difficult to explain.
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM, used a tripod
1/200s, f/7.1, ISO:640, 500mm, manual setting
Sunday, July 22, 2012
"Pileated Woodpecker family" by amontanaview | Redbubble
"Pileated Woodpecker family" by amontanaview | Redbubble: 
This photo shows an immature woodpecker on the left and a mature male on the right. Taken near Bear Creek west of Victor, Montana USA.
Canon EOS 7D – Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens on a tripod.
Manual setting, 1/1600s, f/4.0, ISO: 250, 500 mm, slightly cropped.
There were six birds in the group but this only shows two. The Pileated Woodpecker – Dryocopus pileatus is a species of concern in Montana partly because of loss of habitat (large enough tracts of mature forests with snags for nesting). This species is one of the largest and most memorable forest birds in North America. It’s nearly the size of a crow, black with bold white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest. Look (and listen) for Pileated Woodpeckers hammering at dead trees and fallen logs in search of insects like carpenter ants. They excavate unique rectangular holes in the wood. The nest holes of these birds also provide crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens.
See another RedBubble image of these two feeding
See more photos on Merle’s SmugMug site
Canon EOS 7D – Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens on a tripod.
Manual setting, 1/1600s, f/4.0, ISO: 250, 500 mm, slightly cropped.
There were six birds in the group but this only shows two. The Pileated Woodpecker – Dryocopus pileatus is a species of concern in Montana partly because of loss of habitat (large enough tracts of mature forests with snags for nesting). This species is one of the largest and most memorable forest birds in North America. It’s nearly the size of a crow, black with bold white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest. Look (and listen) for Pileated Woodpeckers hammering at dead trees and fallen logs in search of insects like carpenter ants. They excavate unique rectangular holes in the wood. The nest holes of these birds also provide crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens.
See another RedBubble image of these two feedingSee more photos on Merle’s SmugMug site
Monday, June 25, 2012
"Fox kit in the grass" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Fox kit in the grass" by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Taken west of Missoula, Montana, USA near the Clark Fork River in early June.
The Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes is a year round resident of Montana. This was a very successful litter, possibly two litters. The kits, I counted about 16 in the area, were different sizes, but seemed playful and healthy. I saw two adults bring in gophers and squirrels while I was there.
See more of my Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes photos at this link
These are the first fox photos I have captured. Very fun!
See another photo of this fox litter
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM with tripod
1/640s, f/4.0, ISO: 400, 500mm
The Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes is a year round resident of Montana. This was a very successful litter, possibly two litters. The kits, I counted about 16 in the area, were different sizes, but seemed playful and healthy. I saw two adults bring in gophers and squirrels while I was there.
See more of my Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes photos at this link
These are the first fox photos I have captured. Very fun!
See another photo of this fox litter
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM with tripod
1/640s, f/4.0, ISO: 400, 500mm
Saturday, June 23, 2012
"Short-eared Owl profile" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Short-eared Owl profile" by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus. A bird of open grasslands, the Short-eared Owl is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world. But populations fluctuate greatly along with prey population cycles. It is listed as Potential Species of Concern in Montana.
This species hunts day and night; mainly at dawn and dusk in winter. It flies low over open ground, locating prey by ear and kills prey with a bite to the back of the skull; often swallowing prey whole. Nests are a scrape in ground lined with grasses.
Taken in a wetlands management area (protected) of the Mission Valley in western Montana, USA.
Click here to see another SEO image on my RedBubble
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
1/3200s, f/4.0, ISO: 200, 500mm, lens hand held (would have used a tripod but didn’t have time to set it up)
See more photos at Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus on my SmugMug site
This was my first Short-eared Owl photo op. I was thrilled that it gave me this opportunity.
Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus. A bird of open grasslands, the Short-eared Owl is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world. But populations fluctuate greatly along with prey population cycles. It is listed as Potential Species of Concern in Montana.
This species hunts day and night; mainly at dawn and dusk in winter. It flies low over open ground, locating prey by ear and kills prey with a bite to the back of the skull; often swallowing prey whole. Nests are a scrape in ground lined with grasses.
Taken in a wetlands management area (protected) of the Mission Valley in western Montana, USA.
Click here to see another SEO image on my RedBubble
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
1/3200s, f/4.0, ISO: 200, 500mm, lens hand held (would have used a tripod but didn’t have time to set it up)
See more photos at Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus on my SmugMug site
This was my first Short-eared Owl photo op. I was thrilled that it gave me this opportunity.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Vesper, our Maine Coon kitten, is trying to nap on the covered second story deck. He is on a stamped, aged sheet of metal I placed over the bird seed bin to help keep the squirrels out. Right in front of him and far out of his reach are a couple of very high hanging bird feeders that of course he loves to keep tabs on. Behind him is a Boston fern that he sometimes hides in. Sweet spot for a kitten on a breezy summer day. Taken near Bear Creek west of Victor, Montana USA Canon EOS 7D, 1/100s, f/2.8, ISO:320, 70mm SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens Handheld, Aperture Priority"Hanging out on the deck" by amontanaview | RedBubble
Thursday, June 14, 2012
"Fox kits at play" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Fox kits at play" by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Taken west of Missoula, Montana, USA near the Clark Fork River in early June.
The Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes is a year round resident of Montana. This was a very successful litter, possibly two litters. The kits, I counted about 16 in the area, were different sizes, but seemed playful and healthy. I saw two adults bring in gophers and squirrels while I was there.
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM with tripod
1/6400s, f/4.0, ISO: 6400, 500mm
Taken west of Missoula, Montana, USA near the Clark Fork River in early June.
The Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes is a year round resident of Montana. This was a very successful litter, possibly two litters. The kits, I counted about 16 in the area, were different sizes, but seemed playful and healthy. I saw two adults bring in gophers and squirrels while I was there.
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM with tripod
1/6400s, f/4.0, ISO: 6400, 500mm
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
"Short-eared Owl " by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Short-eared Owl " by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus. Taken in a wetlands management area (protected) of the Mission Valley in western Montana, USA. This owl is a year round resident of Montana and prefers to live and hunt in open grasslands, even agricultural areas like this. It is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world. A medium sized owl averaging 15 inches in length, it is the most diurnal of owls often hunting during the day. I think it was posing for me; the eyes mesmerized me and my camera.
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
1/640s, f/8.0, ISO: 250, 500mm, lens hand held (would have used a tripod but didn’t have time to set it up)
Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus. Taken in a wetlands management area (protected) of the Mission Valley in western Montana, USA. This owl is a year round resident of Montana and prefers to live and hunt in open grasslands, even agricultural areas like this. It is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world. A medium sized owl averaging 15 inches in length, it is the most diurnal of owls often hunting during the day. I think it was posing for me; the eyes mesmerized me and my camera.
Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
1/640s, f/8.0, ISO: 250, 500mm, lens hand held (would have used a tripod but didn’t have time to set it up)
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
"Yellow-headed Blackbird" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Yellow-headed Blackbird" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Taken May 9 at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville, Montana, USA.
Taken May 9 at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville, Montana, USA.
Monday, May 7, 2012
"Big wood in the Bitterroot River" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Big wood in the Bitterroot River" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Taken north of Victor, Montana USA in April. One of the features of this beautiful freestone river is the “big wood” that supplies features and cover for wild trout. This is a downed cottonwood tree. We were enjoying another relaxing day on the river and fly fishing.
Taken north of Victor, Montana USA in April. One of the features of this beautiful freestone river is the “big wood” that supplies features and cover for wild trout. This is a downed cottonwood tree. We were enjoying another relaxing day on the river and fly fishing.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
"Fairyslipper - Calypso bulbosa" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Fairyslipper - Calypso bulbosa" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Beautiful and delicate flower that loves deep shade and cool, moist conditions. This is such a precious flower of the mountain west. The photo was taken just south of Sweathouse Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, USA. As you can see, the sun was peeking through the thick canopy of the forest.
Beautiful and delicate flower that loves deep shade and cool, moist conditions. This is such a precious flower of the mountain west. The photo was taken just south of Sweathouse Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, USA. As you can see, the sun was peeking through the thick canopy of the forest.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
"Glacier Lily - Erythronium grandiflorum" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Glacier Lily - Erythronium grandiflorum" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Taken near Sweathouse Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, USA. Spring flowers are prolific this year. Other names for this flower include dog tooth violet, avalanche lily, fawn lily, and snow lily.
Canon EOS 7D – SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens
1/640/s, f/7.1, ISO: 200, 56 mm
Taken near Sweathouse Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, USA. Spring flowers are prolific this year. Other names for this flower include dog tooth violet, avalanche lily, fawn lily, and snow lily.
Canon EOS 7D – SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens
1/640/s, f/7.1, ISO: 200, 56 mm
Monday, April 30, 2012
"Blue Clematis bud" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Blue Clematis bud" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Taken near Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana USA.
Clematis is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). This species is a woody vine that blooms early in the spring. It is one of my favorite spring flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas that seem enchanted to me.
Taken near Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana USA.
Clematis is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). This species is a woody vine that blooms early in the spring. It is one of my favorite spring flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas that seem enchanted to me.
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