Boo & Rat's Big Adventure: March 7, 2016 Day 3

On our way to Cody to see the Buffalo Bill Museum. Kevin was the first one to start the "How many" game. I hadn't thought about it because it was not the best day, I thought, for birds. Strike against me, home run for Kevin. We saw Red Tailed Hawks, Rough Legged Hawk (1 or 2, not sure since they were all hanging out together with some Ravens over a poor little dead bunny). Anyway, we were side tracked from an Historical Site marker for a School of some sort by the bird activity. Got some photos of them, totally forgot about the school, so don't have a clue what it was.

Next stop was for a Golden Hawk up on a utility pole. Mr. Adventurous climbed through the fencing to get a closer look. I however, and probably for the first time, was the "good" one and stayed outside the fence to get my photos. I was surprised how close Kevin was able to get to the Eagle before it finally took flight. Massive and beautiful bird!

Almost to the museum when we passed by Heart Mountain, what I call the Japanese Concentration Camp. Sad place. But a little rabbit made it better and I was able to get within about 5' of it and snap some photos. Kevin said it was my boots he was relating to (Sorel faux fur boots, or at least I hope they are faux). Right after leaving the "Camp" we passed some little "structures" that were falling down. Neither if us knows what they are, and people at the museum had no idea either. Possible "shrines" on top of graves? They were on private property adjacent to Heart Mountain so we weren't able to investigate further, just a few photos. So if anyone knows what they are, do tell!

Finally made it to the museum. I tagged along (I'm not really a museum type of person) and it was depressing to see all the stuffed animals and see the videos of poor little baby animals being hunted and killed by bears and wolves (yeah, I know, they all have to do what they must to survive, but I'd rather not have to see it) THEN!!, what I'd come for - the Great Horned Owl and the little American Kestrel were brought out for "Relaxing with the Raptors", I was in heaven! Both birds had injuries that would not allow them to survive in the wild, Owl had a right wing injury and could not fly, Kestrel had a right eye injury that would have prevented him from being able to catch food, but he could fly, which he attempted a few times during the presentation.

After that we did the scenic St. Joseph Chief Highway, up to the top, and then down for several miles before we turned back. I believe you can take that Highway all the way to Clark, but due to winter, the road was closed at some point. Would love to go back and do that one on the motorcycle! Actually, there are a lot of roads in Montana I want to go back and do on the motorcycle.

Off to see the Smith Mansion. Unfinished log cabin and now current owners are asking for donations so they can complete it. But they don't want you near with. I'd be more willing to give a donation if I could have at least gotten within 1/4 mile of it.

Back to Red Lodge after that. Deer, Mule Deer, and some Elk Everywhere!! It was a long day, but a wonderful day.