USA - Yellowstone & Grand Teton NP........10th to 23rd June 2012
Birds, Bears and Bison
To the south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is arguably even more picturesque. The majestic Teton Mountains, climaxed by the 13,772-foot Grand Teton, tower over a string of conifer-ringed lakes, the winding Snake River and extensive areas of sagebrush and grassland. This will be the setting for us to look for a range of mammal species plus birds such as Dusky Grouse, Western Tanager, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Green-tailed Towhee, Trumpeter Swan, Sandhill Crane and several woodpecker species.
The tour begins with two days birding in the wide open spaces of Montana’s Big Sky country around the city of Billings, situated on the Yellowstone River.
Day 1: We depart UK on a scheduled flight to Billings, Montana, located on the wild Yellowstone River.
Overnight - Billings.
Days 2 & 3: During these days we will explore the wide open farming and ranching country around Billings. We’ll search in agricultural areas for birds such as Chestnut & McCown’s Longspurs, Lark Bunting, Western Meadowlark and Burrowing Owl and in riparian habitats for various resident songbirds. Waders should include Long-billed Curlew, Upland Sandpiper and Wilson’s Phalarope.
Overnights - Billings.
Days 4 - 6: On Day 4 we will travel to Yellowstone. Our journey will take us through the majestic scenery of Beartooth Pass - one of the most scenic drives in North America. During this period we will explore the remote and delightful Lamar Valley, which is located in northeast Yellowstone. Here in a wide open landscape with scattered ponds are herds of Pronghorn, Bison and Elk. During the early mornings - when mammal activity is at it's peak, our observations may yield Black & Grizzly Bears, Coyote and Fox. In recent years Grey Wolf has been introduced and it would be marvellous if we were lucky enough to see a pack of these wonderful creatures. Birdlife of the ponds and creeks includes Barrow's & Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead, while overhead Golden Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks may be patrolling in search of an easy meal.
Overnights - Cooke City.
Days 7 & 8: On Day 7 we’ll drive to West Yellowstone and en route visit Mammoth Hot Springs to experience the thermal features of the area as well as searching for a variety of bird species, including: Red-naped Sapsucker, White-throated Swift, American Dipper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brewer's Blackbird and Lazuli Bunting. On Day 8 our venue will be upper Geyser Basin which has more than 70 geysers - including the world famous "Old Faithful". Here we can walk amidst the geysers and colourful hot springs on a boardwalk. Ponds and large shallow lakes provide habitat for Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Sandhill Crane, White-faced Ibis, Long-billed Curlew and Caspian Tern.
Overnights - West Yellowstone.
Days 8 & 9: On Day 8 we travel into the heart of Yellowstone National Park. In this - the first and possibly the most famous National Park, we will explore the varied habitats of: meadows, lakes, rivers, sagebrush, enormous forests of spruce and lodgepole pine, and mountain terraces. The birdlife of the forests includes: Lewis’s & Three-toed Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Steller’s & Grey Jays and Clark’s Nutcracker. On Yellowstone Lake we will look for Common Loon, Western & Clark's Grebes, American White Pelican, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bald Eagle and Osprey. Fast flowing streams may yield the elusive Harlequin Duck and on the deeper ponds there may be diving ducks such as Canvasback. Bison, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Elk head an attractive list of mammals.
Overnights - Yellowstone N.P.
Days 10 - 12: On Day 10 we head for the splendour of Grand Teton National Park, considered to be one of the top US National Parks for birdwatching. Here in this wonderful setting of lakes, rivers and mountains - from the Snake River to Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon - we will look for Western Grebe, Trumpeter Swan, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Bufflehead, Dusky Grouse, Great Grey Owl, Williamson's Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Mountain Chickadee, Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Calliope Hummingbird, Cordilleran Flycatcher, MacGillivray's Warbler, American Dipper, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee and Pine Siskin. Apart from the birdlife, there is an excellent selection of mammals which includes Bison, Moose, Elk, Black Bear, Mule Deer, Coyote, Beaver, Pika, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel and Chipmunk. The Grand Teton National Park’s variety of habitats, scenic vistas and superb wildlife provide the photographer with many splendid opportunities.
Overnights - Jackson.
Days 13 & 14: After early morning birding, we transfer to Jackson Airport to begin our journey back to the UK, arriving on Day 14.
Tour ref: AA1240
Cost: £ 3,495
Deposit: £ 400
Single Room Supplement: £ 490
Leader: Peter Dedicoat
Max. Group: 14 plus 2 Leaders
Includes:
Economy scheduled return flights (UK-Billings-Jackson-UK), accommodation based on twin occupancy, meals, transportation in the USA, and services of leaders.
Excludes:
Travel insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature.