Idaho Day 3: Craters of the Moon
Carey, ID
Saturday 14 August 2021
88 °F
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13:
Today, my mom, Tian, and I drove to Craters of the Moon National Monument east of Carey, ID for hiking, spelunking, and birding. I had visited with my family almost exactly 11 years prior so it was wonderful to visit this unique environment again. Amazingly, birds still survive in this harsh, inhospitable place — wherever Limber Pine trees abound. Here is my year bird GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE:
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD:
Here I am with mom hiking down a volcanic butte:
BREWER’S SPARROW:
Male AMERICAN GOLDFINCH:
The Indian Tunnel cave was the most impressive feature we visited. A deep, cool cave stretching underneath the outwardly scorching hot, jet-black lava rock.
And this is the way out!
Came upon a nice raggedy immature SWAINSON’S HAWK along Gannet Rd on the way back.
Stay tuned — tomorrow I travel over to the Intermountain Bird Observatory for bird banding and birding with friends!
Good birding,
Henry
World Life List: 1126 Species
