July 17, 2005: Southern Alberta, Glacier Nat'l Park, Montana (33 PHOTOS, 14 BIRD/ANIMAL)

We left Cardston, Alberta early, heading west towards Waterton Lakes. We didn't spent much time around that park (but want to in the future!), other than to enjoy some road side birding. Instead, we entered Montana, and approached Glacier National Park from the Northeast.

In the morning, despite changeable weather, we hiked in the Many Glaciers area on the NE side ofthe park. Very nice! I had not been to this area of the park before, and we really enjoyed the scenery. (Pictures below)

Later, in the early afternoon, the weather began to clear up, so we headed up the Going-To-The-Sun Highway! (Not for the faint of heart!) At the top of the pass, we stopped and hiked the Hidden Lake Trail, at Logan Pass. The scenery on this trail is amazing. We also found the hard to locate Grey Crowned Rosy Finch, but missed the Ptarmigans.

In the evening we descended to the east end of the park, saying for the night in nearby Hungry Horse, at the very nice Historic Tamarack Lodge!

In the evening, we went to look for Great Grey Owls on the Camas Road, in the Western end of the park. We did not find any, but our visit was cut short by a Grizzly Bear in the parking lot near where we were supposed to look!

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK MAP LINK

Many Glaciers Area Photos:

(Three below: Mountain scenery along the Swiftcurrent Trail)Running water over colorful rocks on a small stream on the Swiftcurrent Trail

Going-To-The-Sun Highway Eastern Side:

St. Mary's Lake

Photos from the Hidden Lake Trail, Logan Pass:

Above and Below: Hidden Lake (the goat was also enjoying the view!)Melting snow along the trail.

Going-To-The-Sun Highway Western Side:

Bear Grass

BIRDS AND ANIMALS

Alberta (Cardston to US Border near Glacier National Park):

Red Bellied Marmot (north of Glacier NP in Alberta)

Above and Below: Swainson's Hawk, flying and perched (near Cardston, AB)

Just down the road from the Swainson's we found this Osprey While waiting at U.S. Customs at the border, this baby fox walked up to the car

Glacier National Park Western Side, and Logan Pass:

Western Tanager (near St. Mary's Lake) Yellow Bellied Marmot (on the tundra on Logan Pass)Two shots on the tundra on Hidden Lake Trail. Above: White-Crowned Sparrow, Below: Fox Sparrow (Western Slaty Race)
Grey-Crowned Rosy Finch lifer! (Hidden Lake trail, Logan Pass)

Below: Mountain Goats along the trail!