Sandhill Crane in a field of Centennial Valley wildflowers, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, MontanaSandhill Crane in a field of wildflowers

This time of the year I start dreaming about the Centennial Valley of Montana and of the birds that call the valley home during the summer.  In my mind I can hear the Sandhill Cranes and Coyotes calling as the mist rises off of the lake. And the pungent smell of Sagebrush as I move past them.

Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk in the Centennial Valley of MontanaJuvenile Swainson’s Hawk in the Centennial Valley

I know that if I am lucky I will get to see hawks, eagles, owls and falcons. I enjoy seeing the hatch year hawks like this Swainson’s Hawk juvenile perched on a fence post near Red Rock Creek.

Centennial Valley Red-tailed Hawk juvenile, Beaverhead County, MontanaCentennial Valley Red-tailed Hawk juvenile

And juvenile Red-tailed Hawks warming in the light of the rising sun. Yes, I have Montana’s birds on my mind.

Life is good.

Mia

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