Yelleclipse! Birds and mammals in Yellowstone plus a fabulous setting for the solar eclipse! Thursday 10 August – Thursday 24 August 2017 HEATHERLEA EXTRA PACK

Price: £5195 pp, Single Supplement: £795 Deposit: £1500 Leaders: Ian Ford & Woody Wheeler. Max group size: 12 clients. Flight departures from London Heathrow (regional departure may be available – please contact us for further details).

HEATHERLEA BIRDWATCHING THE MOUNTVIEW HOTEL, NETHY BRIDGE, INVERNESS-SHIRE, PH25 3EB

T: 01479 821 248 E: info@heatherlea.co.uk W: www.heatherlea.co.uk

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

Our tremendous tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks takes place in high

summer every year, and is always extremely popular. We visit spectacular locations to see a

fantastic range of birds and mammals, and this relaxed, non-intensive holiday gives you the

chance to experience the wonders of Yellowstone in all its grandeur. Visiting three States

(Utah, Wyoming and Montana), you will enjoy a comprehensive tour of all the key places,

and have an excellent opportunity to see wolves, both Grizzly and Black Bear, Beaver,

Moose, Elk and much more, including a wide range of birds. You will love the open spaces

and vistas, where your expert guides will help you focus on nature amidst a real feeling of

solitude. As an extra benefit, our tour begins at the bird-rich migration grounds of the Great Salt Lake, where hundreds of thousands of summer-plumaged waders can be found.

In 2017, our holiday is timed to coincide with a wonderful extra opportunity, the prospect

of a full solar eclipse! The eclipse will take place on Monday, 21 August, and will be seen

across a broad swathe of the USA. We have added two extra nights to our standard

itinerary, and will transfer to a fabulous location in a region where 'totality' is due for

around 2.5 minutes. NB: by timing our holiday carefully so that we experience the eclipse at

the end of the tour, we retain the best chances of seeing wolves, which can be elusive in late August/September.

If Yellowstone is on your 'must do' list, the chance of combining the natural wonders of this

fantastic place with a full solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Spaces are strictly

limited to twelve clients on this tour, with two leaders and two vehicles. We use very good quality accommodation, and predict this tour will fill quickly!

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

Summer is a time of abundance in Yellowstone, and we should see high numbers of mammals every day. Gray Wolf, Black and Grizzly Bear, American Bison at the rut (we are here at the peak time for this), Red Fox, Coyote, Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, River Otter, American (Pine) Marten, American Beaver, American Badger – no wonder Yellowstone has been compared to a safari in Africa! Our recent holiday produced excellent sightings of wolves and both bear species, something not guaranteed by any means, but much more likely with expert guidance - see our Trip Report!

While Yellowstone is best recognized for its mammals, birds are spectacular too, and we plan to find many classic species such as Trumpeter Swan, White-faced Ibis, Ruffed and Dusky Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Steller’s Jay, Sandhill Cranes with growing young, Wilson’s Phalarope, Eared (Black-necked) Grebe, Red-naped Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Clark’s Nutcracker, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Dipper, Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Ospreys almost daily…. There is a long birdlist!

We explore the geyser basins, where 25% of the world’s major geysers are clustered in a scenic two mile long valley. We take a boardwalk trail through the basin, watching Old Faithful (the most famous) and other geysers including perhaps Riverside, which arches over the Firehole River when in eruption, or Grand, which jets to almost 200 ft high.Other geological highlights include the Lamar and Hayden Valleys, the dramatic Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, and a great birding raft trip on the Snake River. We also visit the 10,000-foot mountain pass that crosses the great Beartooth Plateau to see some of North America’s finest scenery.

Unlike most Yellowstone itineraries, we include a major birding spectacle at the Great Salt Lake, where wetlands of worldwide importance are critical for migrating shorebirds. You should see many tens of thousands of Eared (Black-necked) Grebe, American Avocets and Wilson's Phalarope amongst many more waders; over a million birds seen on our last trip! We then navigate a circular route to Yellowstone via Jackson and the spectacular Grand Teton National Park en route. A tremendous safari of the wildlife of the American west!

Unique Yelleclipse opportunity! The most favourable area for 'totality' is actually a few hours south of Yellowstone National Park itself, so we have dedicated a couple of nights in exactly the right place to maximise our chances of the best possible experience. Heatherlea have excellent contacts in this part of the world, and the feeling among our friends in the USA is that the area around Dubois, directly in the path of the Total Solar Eclipse, is likely to be best, and we will have special glasses to view safely with viewing time of about 2.5 hours! Our remote valley location in Grand Teton National Park is the perfect place to be, and rugged red rock badlands adjacent to the river form a lovely foreground for our wide-open view. See the 'Eclipse 2017' webpage here, or read the extract below!

'Unfortunately, our first National Park (Yellowstone) lies just outside the edge of totality! Without question, this wonderful, exhilarating landscape would have provided the perfect spot for viewing nature's most awesome spectacle, if only the moon had been positioned a little differently. However, Yellowstone's loss is Grand Teton's gain; the boundary separating those two great parks is just about coincident with the Northern limit of the path! This makes the southern part of Grand Teton National Park one of the best places in the entire country to position yourself to view this event! On the centerline, the Park will experience 2m20s of totality at about 11:35am. Weather permitting, for folks who want to experience nature while being overwhelmed by nature, this may just be "The Place To Be"....'

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office!

DAY 1: Thurs 10 August Salt Lake City, Utah We meet at Heathrow airport, and once checked in can enjoy our comfortable VIP airport lounge. In 2017 we enjoy the benefit of direct flights to Salt Lake City (SLC).

Flying towards SLC is a great experience, as we pass over many of the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains and arrive to a wide, fertile valley framed by mountains on both sides. We meet our experienced local guide and rest from our travels, awakening to fantastic scenery and birding! Accommodation local to Salt Lake City. (D)

DAY 2: Fri 11 August Antelope Island State Park / Bear River National Wildlife Refuge Large shallow lakes fill a valley surrounded by mountains, and we start our birding at the spectacular Antelope Island causeway, birding at a leisurely pace on a road that bisects the Great Salt Lake. We should see tens of thousands of Wilson’s phalarope and Eared Grebe (could be up to half a million of each species), along with resident Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet, Marbled Godwit and Long-billed Dowitcher. This is shorebird heaven, a vast inland sea rich with brine shrimp; an excellent place for resident species to breed, and for migrants already returning from the Arctic to refuel. August sees peak migration through the Salt Lake wildlife refuges, and Peregrine hunt the large flocks. On nearby Antelope Island we look for Chukar Partridge.

We have lunch and a short break, then drive north to expansive freshwater marshes formed by the emptying of the Bear River into the Great Salt Lake. Concentrations of waders and waterfowl at this refuge can exceed the imagination. We may also find secretive Virginia Rail, Sora Rail, Marsh Wren and possibly Short-eared Owl.

Driving along the back roads of the refuge, with mountain vistas all around, we look for White-faced Ibis as well as American White Pelican, California and Franklin’s Gulls, Caspian Tern, and a variety of herons, egrets, American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt. We may also see Sharp-shinned Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Common Nighthawk, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and both Western and Clark’s Grebes. The highlight on our last trip was beautiful California Quail. After a full day we relax in our en-suite hotel in the Salt Lake area. (B,L,D)

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

DAY 3: Sat 12 August Bear Lake NWR / Montpelier Today we head towards the Grand Teton National Park, stopping for a night en route in a small town in Idaho near Bear Lake National Wildlife refuge, where bird activity is at its prime in the twilight hours. We travel a scenic route through the lush habitat of Logan Canyon, Utah and then over a high mountain pass with superlative views and close-up time with hummingbirds, to Montpelier. Here we have a a chance to bird at Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, with its mix of open water, freshwater marsh and grassland habitats. American Bittern, our first Bald Eagles, and a variety of passerines including grosbeaks, chickadees, sapsuckers, Cedar Waxwing and finches will soon become commonplace. Overnight in Montpelier, Idaho (B,L,D).

DAYS 4 and 5: Sun 13 and Mon 14 August Jackson and Grand Teton National Park We leave Montpelier after breakfast, birding en route as we drive to Jackson, Wyoming. Our route follows the Snake River through Afton, driving through the striking Hoback Canyon. Just outside this classic western town, we walk a short boardwalk trail through a marsh of the National Elk Refuge, where Yellow-headed Blackbird and Marsh Wren scold. Northern (Hen) Harrier can be seen here too. Trumpeter Swan may have cygnets this time of year, and with luck we may find Canvasback, Redhead, Green-winged Teal and other ducks. Just beyond the refuge we get our first long view of the Grand Teton Mountains, perhaps the most spectacular range in the Rockies, rising abruptly from the valley floor, towering 5000 feet or more over the landscape, displaying their jagged crestline. We spend the next few nights in this area in comfortable accommodation. (B,L,D)

We have two full days to explore the Grand Teton National Park, considered to be amongst the top

National Parks in the US for watching birds – perhaps in part for its background scenery! Here we

search for Ruffed and Dusky Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, beautiful Western Tanager,

Black-headed Grosbeak and a host of western wood warblers. Just outside our lodgings, tall conifer

trees attract Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Cassin’s Finch

and Red Crossbill. A short walk along the lakeshore often

reveals MacGillivray’s Warbler, Western Warbling Vireo, or

Osprey over the waters. Atop Signal Mountain we have a 360-

degree view of magnificent mountains and a good chance of

finding Green-tailed Towhee in the sagebrush, and along the

conifer forest edge, Dusky Grouse. One evening we take a

scenic raft trip on the Snake River (not energetic), where we

hope to encounter American Beaver, Moose and nesting Bald

Eagle. We also venture into historic Jackson Hole, known for its

fine restaurants and shops, nightly rodeo and western flair. (B,L,D)

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

DAYS 6 to 11: Tues 15 - Sat 19 August Yellowstone National Park!

This morning we check some birding spots close to Jackson for MacGillivray’s, Yellow-rumped and

Orange-crowned Warblers and Common Yellowthroat in the willows, and in the adjacent forest

Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers, Mountain Bluebird, Mountain Chickadee and Ruby-crowned

Kinglet. Then it’s off to Yellowstone National Park!

We have the next five days to enjoy the marvels of America’s first national park. We will be based in

two locations to cover the all the scenic and wildlife hotspots, and over the next few days we hope to

experience some fantastic highlights!

Our time in the unforgettable 'Old Faithful' National Park is for many one of the main highspots of the

holiday. We check times posted for the eruption of ‘Old Faithful’ itself, and spend half a day in the

basin, hopefully witnessing at least two Old Faithful eruptions. Other geysers are impressive and

beautiful to see, as are the many hot springs, which are every colour of the rainbow!

We have a full day to explore the Lamar Valley, where we hope to observe Mountain Goat, Mule

Deer, American Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn and American Bison, all of which have young at this

time of year, and are wary of possible predators. We may find Gray Wolf activity here, as several

packs are found in or near this valley. We enjoy some sightseeing around midday, when the animals

are less active, and with luck Coyote hunting, travelling, and possibly feeding young.

We search for Grizzly Bear, Black Bear and Gray Wolf in the wide open terrain of the expansive

Hayden Valley. Our chances of both bears are excellent, and we often enjoy several sightings,

perticularly if there is a conveniently located kill. Gray Wolf are also likely, and though we are slightly

later in the year than usual (it is important to choose dates where the eclipse is at the end of the

holiday, because wolves drive their pups from the den in late summer), we still have every chance of

seeing wolves. In Hayden Valley raptors include Northern Harrier, Rough-legged and Ferruginous

Hawks, and both Bald and Golden Eagle.

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

DAYS 6 to 11: Tues 15 - Sat 19 August Cont.. Yellowstone National Park!

Bald Eagle and Elk can also be found along the Madison River, a lush corridor running through the western part of the Park. We search for birds and wildlife in places which look as great as they sound; Swan Lake Flats, Norris Geyser Basin (hottest in the park), Gibbon Falls, and the Madison River at one of the Three Forks of the great Missouri. River corridors that parallel the park roads are often filled with herds of American Elk and Bison, all with young, lounging in the summer sun. Great Blue Heron sometimes fish the stream, and with luck we’ll see Cinnamon Teal, Sandhill Crane and Tree Swallows.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and its famous Upper and Lower Falls, is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the American West. The falls have become an iconic image, famous subjects for artists and photographers alike. With luck we may see River Otter in the river pools, and Bald Eagle and Osprey can be spotted circling in the area. The rutting season of massive Bison may lead to a wildlife traffic jam if they decide to block the road!

At lush rivers, birds abound. At several locations we may find American Dipper, and we search for woodpeckers including Common Flicker, Hairy, and Northern Three-toed. Belted Kingfisher frequents the rivers, and mixed conifer forests are especially good for Western Tanager, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin and possibly Pine Grosbeak.

Near Tower Falls we look for Prairie Falcon, Clark's Nutcracker and Northern Goshawk. Peregrines often nest on the cliffs nearby, and can be active in the area. This is a good area to watch for Black Bear with growing cubs. Red-naped Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Cordilleran Flycatcher are often found in this area.

A memorable highlight will be the magnificent high alpine country atop Beartooth Pass beyond Cooke City, the ‘Top of the World’, where we find birds and wildflowers. This extraordinary drive is one the most scenic in North America, a wonderful way to visit this unique landscape. If we can tear our eyes away from the stunning views of both the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountain ranges, we’re likely to see alpine birds such as Black- and Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, American Pipit, Horned Lark, Merlin, Northern Goshawk, and more. Clark’s Nutcrackers, Yellow-bellied Marmot and a herd of Rocky Mountain Goats frequent the rest stop at Rock Creek.

In the northeast corner we pass through the Lamar Valley via thermal basins, forests and meadows, including those of Mammoth Hot Springs, the lowest elevation site in the park, where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Here we look for Mountain Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, and beautiful Lazuli Bunting.

Yellowstone Lake, one of the most beautiful locations of the park, offers great birding and spectacular views. Common and Barrow’s Goldeneye and other waterfowl species occur in number in quiet bays and coves. Western and Clark’s Grebe and American White Pelican are frequent sightings.

In the small mountain town of Cooke City, residents put out hummingbird feeders, and we expect Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbird here.

Breakfast and lunch are included throughout our stay in this part of the holiday, as is dinner for three nights. There are two nights at your leisure to offer some free time, and you can enjoy a western town which has a wide selection of shops and restaurants, at your leisure (you can of course eat with your guides if you wish).

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

DAY 11: Sun 20 August Southern Reaches of Yellowstone, Togwotee Pass, Wyoming’s

Wind River Valley In the afternoon we head south, crossing scenic Togwogte Pass south of Yellowstone, into the magnificent Wind River Valley, where tall sculptured peaks of the Absaroka Mountains tower over verdant irrigated hayfields. This is beautiful western ranchland, and our lodgings for the next three nights are in the Western town of Dubois, perfect for the ‘Yelleclipse’!. (BLD).

DAY 12 and 13: Mon 21 and Tues 22 August Wind River Valley YELLECLIPSE!

We have two full days to explore the Wind River Valley. Dubois is a great place to see Bighorn Sheep, Moose, and other wildlife. Bighorn Sheep were important to native people and we see petroglyphs from centuries ago. American Dipper frequent the streams, Mountain Bluebirds brighten the sage, and Osprey are active with fledged young around a string of valley lakes.

We are principally here of course to experience the full solar eclipse, and we stay in the perfect place, the town of Dubois, which is directly in the path of 'totality'. Monday 21 August is 'Eclipse Day', and you will be in the right place for this spectacular experience, due to take place around 11.25 am. Rugged red rock badlands adjacent to the river form a lovely foreground for our wide open view, and we have special glasses to view safely with viewing time of about 2.5 minutes!

To whet your appetitie, here is an extract from the website www.eclipse2017.org

'No human action can disrupt the incessant dance of the cosmos, and the moon's shadow will not wait on you if you're not ready. Like a mindless juggernaut, it plows its way through space toward a collision course with earth.... The southern part of Grand Teton National Park is one of the best places in the entire country to position yourself to view this event! On the centerline, the Park will experience 2m20s of totality at about 11:35am. Weather permitting, for folks who want to experience nature while being overwhelmed by nature, this may just be "The Place To Be"....

Great birds and wildlife, and the eclipse! We celebrate in this fun western town.

Yellowstone Outline Itinerary

DAY 14: Wed 23 August We time the drive to return to the airport for ample time for check in for International flights. We fly home to UK from Jackson Hole via Salt Lake City, arriving at London Heathrow on the morning on Day 15, Thurs 24 August. (B)

Yellowstone

More Holiday Information:

Accommodation is in hotels or lodges with all rooms en suite. All are spacious, have en-suite facilities, and are very comfortable to a good standard.

Food full-board accommodation at hotels and lodges (as specified) including picnic lunches. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome. Walking is generally light/moderate. There may be some uphill track and road walking, though generally an average level of fitness is required.

Weather Summer can be very hot, 80 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly during the Salt Lake City part of the holiday. Despite the daytime readings, summer evenings are cool. Night time temperatures average between 30 and 40 (0-10 C) but may drop into the low 20s (5 C). As with many western regions, summer afternoon thunderstorms are common. Insects There are biting insects, though not usually as a major problem.

Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum.

Flights return scheduled flights from London – Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole - London. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights so you can make your own arrangements. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you. Visa Travellers are required to obtain authorisation (known as ESTA) before arriving at the airport and can apply online. The application process should take around 20 minutes, and authorisation is normally granted immediately but may take up to 72 hours. Once granted, authorisation is valid for two years. At the time of writing the Esta application charge is $14.

Your Leaders:

Ian Ford: is a very experienced guide in Yellowstone, having led many trips there over the last six years. A seasoned Heatherlea guide since 1999, Ian is ever popular and will join the group at London. Woody Wheeler: Woody is our local wildlife expert; he has worked for The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Seattle Parks Foundation, as a naturalist and tour leader. He holds degrees in Environmental Education and Geography.

Ian Ford Woody Wheeler

Yellowstone

What's included in your holiday price:

* Return scheduled flight from London – Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole - London, airport taxes, transfers from and to airports (where appropriate). * Ground transportation as outlined in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle. * Accommodation and all meals (as specified), including breakfast, lunch and dinner (does not include dinner on 3 days). * The services of your leaders. * National Park entry fees * The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge subject to terms and conditions.

What's not included in your holiday price:

* Personal insurance, drinks and other personal expenses, Esta costs where necessary, optional tips to the local guide, hotel/restaurant staff, and any other costs not specified as 'included'. * Three dinners at your leisure on days 9, 10 & 11 as detailed in the above itinerary.

WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA? Our overseas holidays are planned with care to offer great birding and wildlife, led by capable Leaders who really look after you. Every holiday is run the 'Heatherlea Way', and we hope our Overseas Adventures remind you of the quality and care so many of you enjoy in Scotland. That means rewarding and exciting days in the field, and good quality accommodation and meals, with a real flavour of the country we are visiting. Heatherlea always seek to include the personal touches that make all the difference. Heatherlea holidays are not ‘dawn to dusk’ expeditions. Our less-intensive approach is ideal for those whowant to relax whilst experiencing the best wildlife watching, and wherever possible we organise early or lateactivity on an optional basis. We also take sensible breaks when in very hot places and regular comfort breakson every holiday whenever possible. All itineraries are planned carefully around the best wildlife opportunities,and you won’t miss out on memorable wildlife, whilst enjoying relaxed, informal days that are great fun. The really important part of any wildlife holiday is the experience for you, our valued customer. Heatherlea invest in many things to offer you the best possible service;

We have been organising birding and wildlife holidays for over 25 years, and have a highly experienced and capable office team. We also offer a telephone and email service outside normal office hours.

Heatherlea overseas holidays have a maximum of 12 clients per trip, putting the emphasis on personal service, and helping you get the best possible experience.

Our holidays often include things which others might invite you to pay yourself, for instance Departure Taxes and tips to hotels.

All elements of our holidays are sold under our own licence, ATOL 6113. Under ‘Flight-Plus’ legislation it is a legal requirement of any tour operator to hold an ATOL licence for the supply of any overseas holiday where a flight is involved, if that holiday includes either overseas accommodation and/or car hire. It can be a criminal offence for an operator to book flights as part of a package without an ATOL licence. Heatherlea also hold fullTour Operator Insurance for your added protection.

Heatherlea is your complete wildlife holiday provider. Our ‘Back Office’ team can organise all your pre-flight and other travel needs. Our specialists will help you book the right services, at the best price. Book holiday extensions through us, and your ATOL protection is extended further. We don’t charge extra for this service.

Heatherlea is a limited company, registered in Scotland, and registered to pay VAT (applies to all holidays within the European Union).

HEATHERLEA PRE-FLIGHT SERVICE

WITH HEATHERLEA, YOU'RE A VIP! ENJOY A PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT HOTEL and LOUNGE - FREE!

For Heatherlea overseas holidays which include flights as part of your package price, we include a complimentary airport hotel and lounge. To benefit, book your next overseas

wildlife holiday with Heatherlea, the wildlife operator who gives you more!

Many of us enjoy birding and wildlife holidays overseas, but the organisation of pre-flight details can be time-consuming and frustrating. The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service offers everything you need, so let us take the strain! Our friendly, knowledgeable team will advise, so please call Emma, Amanda, Fleur, Kevin or Phil. PRE-FLIGHT HOTEL Heatherlea select your complimentary hotel from our approved shortlist. All offer a good standard of accommodation, with evening meals usually available, and readily available car parking and transfers to the terminal. Arrangements are confirmed in your Final Information Pack, issued prior to departure. If travelling with you, your Heatherlea Guide will probably be staying in the same hotel, and may be able to join you for an informal chat the night before travel. If you don't need an airport hotel before you fly, please contact us before your balance due date, and a credit* will be made from the holiday balance payable. On some holidays, where we fly late in the afternoon or evening, you can elect to have your complimentary hotel stay on the return leg of your holiday. If you wish to stay at a specific airport hotel, please inform us before your balance due date, and a credit* will be deducted from your final balance payment. You will at this point be responsible for making your own booking of and payment for all hotel services. PRE-FLIGHT AIRPORT LOUNGE We want you to start your holiday early, and unwind before you fly. A busy airport terminal is hardly the ideal place to relax! By the time you've bought food, drinks, newspapers and a magazine to pass the time, terminals can prove expensive too. Why not prefer the comfort and choice of an airport lounge? You can relax and spread out for up to three hours before your flight.

Heatherlea Group relaxing before our 'Lynx and Birding' holiday in Spain, January 2014

Most of our lounges offer unlimited free drinks and snacks, complimentary magazines and newspapers, WIFI, TV and comfortable seating amid quiet surroundings. Lounges offer a secluded getaway, and save you money compared to prices outside in the terminal. Your Heatherlea guide may be there for a chat after everyone has checked-in, and you can get to know your fellow travellers or just sink into a comfortable armchair – the choice and comfort are yours!

We will confirm arrangements for your airport lounge, and include any necessary admission tickets, in your FINAL INFORMATION PACK. If our point of departure does not offer airport lounge services, all participants will be credited with an appropriate amount from the holiday balance payable. If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only concern is you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight!

Kevin says; 'I checked out the lounge facilities at Gatwick, where I could get a drink, snacks, hot food and internet access. The Lounge was spacious and comfortable, with a choice of seating areas and things to do including TV, newspapers, a cinema and a separate area for children, which kept them away from the quiet areas. There were even beauty salon treatments available for an extra charge, ideal if you want to prepare for a long flight with a massage, manicure or facial. All the staff were friendly and very well trained, the bathroom facilities were excellent, I felt relaxed and enjoyed my visit very much. I immediately decided that Heatherlea would add this service to our holidays!' If you've never used an airport lounge before, you don't know what you're missing – the only concern is you might get too comfortable and forget to catch your flight! ADDITIONAL SERVICES Should you wish anything else as part of your Heatherlea Pre-flight Service, we will be very pleased to help you. It is important to remember that extra services (eg car parking) become more expensive as your departure date approaches, so we strongly suggest you contact us before your final balance payment is due should you require us to organise any additional service. AIRPORT PARKING Driving to the airport? Book secure car parking with us to save time and money; we offer trusted and good value airport parking services. Staying the night before? If you are staying overnight pre-flight, parking can be arranged either at your hotel or at a nearby long-stay car park, we will be pleased to discuss the options with you. Have a leisurely journey to the hotel and enjoy a good night's sleep, in the knowledge that your vehicle is secure. Driving to the airport on the day of your flight? If driving to the airport on the day of departure, we can arrange a secure car park close to the airport, with transfers to and from the terminal. Your car will be safe while you relax on holiday. For extra convenience, you might consider one of these options; Valet parking: Drive to a dedicated arrivals/departures area. When you arrive, your car will be parked for you, while you transfer to the airport. When you return to the car park, your vehicle will be waiting. Meet and greet parking: No need to park your car! Simply drive to the terminal, meet your driver, and he/she will park it for you. On your return, make a call when you are ready to leave, and your car will be waiting outside the terminal, so you can be on your way quickly. REGIONAL DEPARTURES/CONNECTIONS Prefer to fly from your local airport? Some of our holidays depart from regional airports, and on others you can often join the rest of the holiday group in your destination country rather than in London. We are happy to arrange regional departures for any of our holidays, and will tailor flight options to your requirements. FLIGHT UPGRADES Fancy some extra legroom or a reclining seat? On a long flight you might like a lie-flat bed, or perhaps personal service including complimentary drinks and meals. Seat and special meal requests are all part of our service. Heatherlea can offer great deals for Premium Economy and Business Class passengers with many airlines, all bookable instantly over the phone.

TAILOR MADE EXTENSIONS Many of you plan other activity before or after your wildlife holiday, so why not let us arrange travel services for you? It’s quicker and easier than doing it yourself, and you will benefit from ATOL protection too. Heatherlea can arrange extensions to all our overseas tours, including flights, hotels and transfers - let us know your requirements and we will do the rest! QUALITY ASSURANCE – WHY CHOOSE HEATHERLEA? Heatherlea have been organising holidays for over 24 years, and we have a highly experienced and capable team. All elements of our package holidays are sold under our ATOL licence (ATOL 6113), and our business partners include British Airways, Delta Airlines, Premier Inn and Hilton Hotels. Our specialist knowledge will help you get exactly the right services, at the best price. We offer all your airport needs with just one call, so to save time and money choose Heatherlea, your complete wildlife holiday provider.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS! The Heatherlea Pre-flight Service is designed to match your holiday needs as comprehensively as possible. We want everything to be smooth and easy for you, and all arrangements are made well in advance to give you maximum flexibility. This is a very personal service which breaks into several clear steps to make things as simple as possible. STEP ONE When you decide to book your holiday, call us to pay the appropriate deposit. We will then double check availability of all services, and make reservations on your behalf. This takes a little time. We ask for seven working days before we issue a formal HOLIDAY CONFIRMATION. Your CONFIRMATION INVOICE will tell you; - the total price of your holiday - the amount of deposit paid - the balance payable and due date - detail of any extra services (eg extra night B&B) you might have booked Your CONFIRMATION LETTER will - identify possible alternative departure points other than our stated airport. For many holidays there be options which you might prefer (as an example, our Mallorca 2015 holiday departs from London Gatwick, Manchester, Aberdeen or Birmingham, and it is possible to fly the day before, stay overnight on the island and meet your guide in Mallorca should you prefer). - give you the opportunity to book your airport pre-flight hotel, decline this service (and receive a reduction in the balance due), or defer this decision until later. - ask you to identify additional services (such as car parking, seat upgrades) which you might require us to organise. Again, you may defer this decision till later, though the earlier you order these services, the cheaper they are likely to be. - tell you when we will issue your Final Information pack. With your HOLIDAY CONFIRMATION you will also receive * An ATOL CERTIFICATE relating to your holiday booking. * An ‘OVERSEAS BOOKING FORM’ so you can give us essential personal details, and passport information. * Comprehensive ‘TRIP NOTES’ containing a great deal of information including what to pack, and accommodation details. * An ‘EXTRA PACK’ containing a full itinerary, recent Trip Report and Bird/Wildlife Checklist for your holiday. * A copy of our Terms and Conditions’, both for holidays and for Pre-flight Services. Within seven days of paying your deposit, you will be very well informed, and Heatherlea will be working hard to make arrangements to suit your personal requirements. We have extensive contacts at airports, with hotels and airlines, and work hard to give you the best available options.

STEP TWO While you are looking forward to your holiday, we will be busy organizing flights and other services on your behalf. About 14 weeks before your holiday begins, we will contact you by email or telephone. This will be your final opportunity to confirm whether you want the pre-flight hotel, and to ask Heatherlea to book car parking, seat upgrades or anything else you might wish. Should your final balance payment be different from the original amount, we will re-invoice you for payment on the original due date, which will be approx. 12 weeks before your holiday. STEP THREE After your balance payment has been made, you will be issued with a FINAL INFORMATION PACK which will give you everything else you need. This will normally be issued four weeks before the holiday. This pack will contain; * Final Notes. * printed bird checklist for use on the holiday. * your field guide (on those holidays where included). * pre-flight hotel/lounge vouchers NO ADMIN FEES – THIS IS A FREE SERVICE FROM HEATHERLEA! Book your holiday NOW ! .............. All flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on this Certificate. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. * A credit of £40 is available per holiday room booked. This means that two passengers sharing a room on the holiday will be credited with a total of £40. Each passenger in a single room will be credited with £40. This reflects the booking system at major airports, where charges are made per room, not per occupant. NB This FREE airport hotel offer does not include breakfast, dinner or other hotel services, nor does it include transfers between your hotel and the airport or car parking. Offer does not apply where flights are not part of the holiday, or where we offer a price for voyage only. Please remember that you are responsible for your arrival at the airport in good time, and you should check transfer arrangements from the hotel on arrival. DISCLAIMER Please note that while airport hotel and lounge services are booked for you in good faith, Heatherlea can make no guarantee of any services beyond our control. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, Heatherlea will offer credit subject to the conditions above, but will not be liable for any other refund or compensation. If you have dietary, access or other needs relating to these services, or have any other concern, we recommend you make arrangements in person.

HEATHERLEA TRIP REPORT YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON 20 July – 2 August 2015

Heatherlea Guide: Ian Ford Local Guide: Woody Wheeler Monday 20 July We were all checked in and had some time in the Traveller’s Lounge before boarding our flight. In Dallas Airport Immigration appeared an easy, automated process but the new system failed to deliver and most of us got sent to another queue to see an Immigration Officer. This took for ever and after checking our bags in again and going back through Security we were fortunate that we had all made the second flight to Salt Lake City. The final descent into Salt Lake City gave amazing views over the lake as the sun began to set. We got the vehicles sorted and drove to our hotel out of town. We were all ready for bed. Helen’s case had not arrived in Salt Lake City but it did arrive at the hotel in the early hours. Tuesday 21 July Some were already out and about before we started breakfast at 8 and we were all ready to leave before 9, which was impressive after the previous day’s travel through numerous time zones. First we drove to Willard State Park North Marina though it is too dry for the marina to operate this summer. The Great Salt Lake is over 4000 ft above sea level which feels odd because you feel as if you’re beside the sea. Ron started as he meant to continue, spotting a Black-headed Grosbeak on the fence before we parked, and later we saw a male and female. There was a lot of bird activity and we had great views of Western Kingbirds, Western Wood Pewee, Yellow Warblers, Grey Catbird, Goldfinch, Bullock’s Oriole and Mourning Dove. A family of Yellow Warblers let us see parents feeding juveniles out of the nest, Red-winged

Heatherlea Birdwatching The Mountview Hotel, Nethy Bridge

Inverness-shire PH25 3EB Tel: 01479 821248

Email: info@heatherlea.co.uk www.heatherlea.co.uk

Blackbirds showed off their colours magnificently but Cedar Waxwings were more shy and it took a while to get Sandie and Pat to see them well. On the water meantime we had two species of Grebe to find and we saw Western first then Clark’s, pointing out the differences. Other water birds were Forster’s Terns, a Snowy Egret, California and Ring-billed Gulls and our first distant Great Pelicans. Loads of Barn Swallows were nesting under the shelters and were a challenge to the photographers. We drove to other parts of the campsite and one vehicle had a California Quail standing on the picnic table but it had gone into hiding by the time others arrived and required a telescope. We took a walk by the pond with Pewees again but lovely Cedar Waxwings flycatching and Eastern Kingbirds. Our first lunch was at the Red Rooster – a bit much food for some but trying local beers was more than acceptable. Afterwards we took a drive to Antelope Island State Park – Woody and I thought “where’s the water gone?” as we drove a long way along the causeway before reaching any water. We started with distant views of Phalaropes and Gulls but close Long-billed Curlews, Avocets and Black-necked Stilts were a good hors d’oevre. Then where the water flooded under the road we had much closer views of thousands of Phalaropes, both Red-necked and Wison’s, some still in bright summer plumage. A few Willets and Spotted Sandpipers were with close Franklin’s Gulls catching brine-flies the lazy way and California Gulls chasing flies along the shore. Woody found a Long-billed Dowitcher really close in and we loved its rich orange plumage. We carried on for close views of a Gadwall family and a few Eared Grebes with remnants of summer dress. Long before we reached the island Ron’s sharp eyes had seen a few Bison from miles away. We did a circuit, short in distance but long in time, seeing Western Meadowlarks, good numbers of Loggerhead Shrikes and a distant Rock Wren. Woody saw some movement and hoped it would be a Burrowing Owl. Was it really? Even through the scope there was doubt as the bird/rock didn’t move. Yes, there was movement from another area and soon we could see three Burrowing Owls. Although they are good at playing statues we also saw them flying, running and scuttling about. Well done, Woody for sticking with it and good for Richard even attempting to take photos! We saw Pelicans much closer before we reached the Bison with one Pronghorn also close to the vehicles. The scenery of the lake and island was spectacular with lovely light and reflections. After tea at Famous Dave’s we went out again for sunset on the Antelope Island causeway. The group showed great stamina with only one dropping out. My car stopped for White-faced Ibises with super light in a field flooded by a water leak. You can see the white faces at point blank range – honestly. Onto the causeway where we watched thousands of Phalaropes gathering and flying low over the road as the sun set over the expanse of the Great Salt Lake. It was a stunning sunset as we gathered at the bridge where the Phalaropes were still very active feeding up on the millions of brine-flies. A long day with a large number of birds and some mammals in a variety of habitats but a good night’s sleep was guaranteed. Wednesday 22 July A sunny and hot start as we drove to the Bear River National Wildlife Refuge, a huge area with a 12-mile driving loop. We had a quick stop at the Visitor Centre where a few saw a Song Sparrow, a Muskrat and a Coot. Woody got a Swainson’s Hawk in his scope and we drove right under it a minute later. We started seeing Yellow-headed Blackbirds and brood of Pheasants. A Nashville Warbler popped up for two seconds right by my car but Eastern as well as Western Kingbirds were more conspicuous. White-faced Ibises were flying everywhere and we finally saw plenty on the ground, same with Pelicans too. They look like giant Swans in the water. Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets were common and we saw Killdeer on the road. Swallows were abundant on wires and we spent time sorting out Barn, Bank, Tree and Cliff. Part of the drive goes along the riverbank and we got such close views of Stilts, Avocets, Gulls eating the Wilde Carp, an introduced pest. The low water levels help kill off large numbers of Carp and Turkey Vultures take advantage of this seasonal feast. We checked a pond and found some Marbled Godwits. Later we saw a Muskrat and plenty of Clark’s and Western Grebes at close range. Shoveller, Gadwall and Mallard families floated past, most with large broods, unlike in the UK. Forster’s and Caspian Terns showed well and one lagoon had numerous Long-billed Dowitchers and Marbled Godwits with just one tiny Western Sandpiper.

It was hard to tear ourselves away from this rich area of water and shorebirds but we had lunch in Brigham City in a park. In the afternoon we started driving uphill towards the mountains through grassy meadows and rolling conifer-clad hills. A threatening sky greeted us at the Bear Lake overlook but Hummingbirds were busy at the nectar feeders and always a welcome surprise to our guests. Of the three species seen Calliope only appeared briefly but Broad-tailed and Rufous were more showy and could be photographed at close range. Rain showers became more frequent as we approached Montpellier. The planned walk over the road to the restaurant became a drive because of the heavy rain and our evening trip was cancelled due to the thunder and lightning. Thursday 23 July It was dry and sunny in the low 70s Farenheit as we set off driving through higher mountains towards Jackson. Our first impromptu stop was memorable when Chris, Helen and Chris C all saw a large mammal on the hillside. I reversed and it was a young bull Moose. The others rapidly joined us and we all got the best possible views of its glossy coat and little antlers in velvet. It started coming down to the road then thought better of it and trotted into the forest. What a fabulous start! We carried on to Afton and stopped at the world’s largest Elk antler arch with thousands of antlers formed into an arch over the whole road. I heard Violet-green Swallow and saw a youngster on a wire. Alison located the nest in a hole in a sculpted quad bike on a wall. We had wonderful views of adults coming to feed the young ones and also an adult which pushed the other youngster off the wire as if to say “learn to fly”! Outside town Woody spotted a Swainson’s Hawk on a pole. It was being mobbed by Robins but was oblivious to all the noise of people mowing just yards away. Other Swainson’s Hawks were flying around and they looked like a family of newly-fledged birds. A few miles further we pulled in by an Osprey nest, very close to us. This nest with adults and chicks was good enough but other birds included Ron’s Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwings, a Goldfinch, Song Sparrow and Redwinged Blackbirds again. We were surprised when the adult Osprey hit a Heron flying by, presumably a territorial gesture … Before Jackson we got our first view of the Tetons with snow and they already looked magnificent. We had lunch at Bubbas Salad Bar with a fine selection of salads then drove across Jackson to the local nature reserve. An Osprey sitting on the fence was mobbed by Redwinged Blackbirds, and Cedar Waxwings and Yellow Warbler were in evidence. We walked to the ponds seeing a magnificent male Yellow-headed Blackbird en route. On the large pond there were Mallard and Gadwall and a solitary cygnet far too young to be on its own. Woody and a few more walked further and saw three adult Trumpeter Swans hidden in the tall reeds, a long way from this cygnet. Meantime Chris C re-found a Belted Kingfisher she’d seen earlier and I saw a Red-tailed Hawk over the hill opposite. As we watched, it was joined by two Peregrines and a Swainson’s Hawk but they were hard to follow as they chased about the blue sky. We checked in to The Virginian Lodge and had a break until it was time to go for an early dinner. The Virginian was a favourite childhood book of one member of the group before it became a popular TV series so she was thrilled. Calico restaurant is fine dining though eating outside was colder and damper than inside. A walk around the productive garden let Pam find a Calliope Hummingbird on the flowers. Delicious dinner done, we took a drive along the Moose road under the Tetons. We had a Kestrel in the scope and some saw Northern Flickers. Our final stop was overlooking a pond. A female Wood Duck floated below us and Helen found another Belted Kingfisher. We heard that there was a cow Moose very well hidden up the trail and we could confirm that it was very well hidden! Richard said it was a Wild Moose Chase! Heavy rain and darkness got us back in the vehicles and there followed an appalling drive back to the hotel in the lashing rain.

Friday 24 July It was sunny with clouds in the morning but not warm yet. We were at 6500 ft above sea level. Having a local day near Jackson, first we went to the lake at the end of Jackson reserve – lots of ducks today. A good test for British birders with Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, Canvasback and of course Ruddy Duck. Alas no Swans of any age. I saw a Golden Eagle coming along the ridge and we followed it for a while, soaring then landing. We all saw it in the scope. Later it flew out of sight and a second bird was seen lower down the hill – this was a Red-tailed Hawk but caused confusion because we thought at first it was the Eagle again. We drove down Gros Ventreroad with a compulsory photostop of the Tetons looking superb with wispy cloud. A Kestrel hovered near us then a second one was even closer. On to Mormon Row, pioneer houses from the early 1900s and in a stunning setting with the mountains behind. As well as taking scenery photos we all took snaps of Uinta Ground Squirrels as they popped in and out of their holes, and some saw the first Chipmunks of the trip. We shopped for our picnic then ate it over the road in Moose (no Moose!). Helen found a smart male Mountain Bluebird (she is a bit obsessed with blue birds but what a stunner!). A short drive to the same overlook as last night gave us fantastic views of an Otter porpoising along below us and we could see it underwater hunting fish in the shallow water – worthy of a TV documentary. Cedar Waxwings as usual were all around us but aren’t they super birds? Woody and I achieved a first at Rockefeller Preserve by getting parking spots with no wait! However, Woody then got a row for bringing a group here – very odd! We saw White-crowned Sparrows and lots of colourful flowers – Pine Drops, Monkshood and Sunflowers. Weidemeyer’s Admiral butterflies were seen as well as a Deermouse and a comical Red Squirrel with a giant fungus. We had a raft trip planned for the evening so it was discouraging at our early tea to see rain lashing down outside. However, we got the go-ahead and we all got aboard two rafts with a heavy sky but the peaks of the Tetons clear. Some rain came across the mountains and we donned ponchos but both rafts had a fantastic trip with many highlights. Bald Eagles adult and young, double figures of Beavers, Nighthawks swooping low over our heads and Common Mergansers. My raft-load had a bull Moose swimming across the river ahead of us and he stood on the bank as we passed. Woody’s raft had a Beaver which smacked its paddle tail on the water. Once we were in the vehicles the rain became very steady so the timing was superb. Another action-packed day! Saturday 25 July We had an early start with time for a caffeine fix. Our first stop was at Moose bridge as inversion cleared off the Teton peaks – wow, what a sight! Add the wildlife and it was double “wow”. In the car park I found a male Bluebird – Richard and Alison had missed Helen’s one yesterday. From the bridge there was non-stop action. Cliff Swallows nested under the bridge and lots were sitting in the trees. Three Northern Flickers performed well and Ron’s distant, hard-to-identify juvenile Woodpecker flew right beside us to allow Richard’s photos to confirm it as a Three-toed, a great view of this species. Ron impressed further with a spread-eagle, an immature Bald Eagle drying off in the early morning sunshine. Mavis found Yellow-pine Chipmunks to watch at our leisure. We were only a few miles inside the Tetons Park when Ron shouted “Bear” in my ears as I was driving along and a teenage Black Bear ran from the right. Luckily I slowed down and I flashed my lights at an approaching car which also missed it. We had enough wows already but this a bigger wow! The Bear was not very helpful at offering photo opportunities as it quickly got into tree cover but we weren’t unhappy at all given our close encounter. Our plan was to go up Signal Mountain to look for Bears and another target here was Blue Grouse, now split so the local species is Dusky Grouse. Woody stopped for one a yard from the road but impatient drivers made him move on. Then Ray saw a male displaying to others. It was puffing out its chest displaying its bare breast and gave ridiculously good views. Chris P discovered a new side to his personality when he found he was the subject of this Grouse’s amorous advances! The third target for our pre-breakfast foray was the Green-tailed Towhee, a skulking bird of the sage-brush. Within minutes of arriving at the top of the hill we all had excellent views of this bird. Guides wish it is always like this but it very rarely is!

There was a fear that we were running out of time for brunch at the Lodge with an even more magnificent view of Jackson Lake under the Tetons. However, we had time for a delicious brunch, shopping, a walk around and did the checklist too. A young Brown-headed Cowbird seemed to enjoy the list too as it poked around under our feet. Hordes of humans have clearly replaced the hordes of Bison, providing feeding opportunities for this species. As if the day had not delivered already, we carried on to one of my favourite views in the world (majority are on this trip) – Oxbow Bend, which didn’t disappoint. Apart from the view yet again of the Tetons, closer Pelicans, Mergansers, Osprey fishing and Ron’s adult Bald Eagle offered plenty to look at. We were on the way to the entrance to Yellowstone today but we had another scan along Jackson Lake finding a Willow Flycatcher. Ron took up my challenge to find Bears a mile across the lake and found distant Elk instead. On into Yellowstone National Park and our first stop was at Lewis Falls. Chris and Helen found a Dipper which behaved very well and we all enjoyed excellent views of this grey bird. I found Irish Ladies’ Tresses Orchid growing on the riverbank. Next we had planned our first thermal features to look at. West Thumb is a wonderful introduction and two cow Elk joined us, walking into the geyser basin itself. There is always wildlife interest at these thermal features, so we saw more Bluebirds and calling Crossbills flew over. We passed many other steaming pools and vents including distant steam from Old Faithful as we continued to West Yellowstone and booked into our hotel. The evening was free for folk to walk about this town and choose one of the many places for dinner. Sunday 26 July Early walkers Ian and Sandie saw Mountain Bluebirds including a male near our hotel. After breakfast and checklist we set off with our first stop by a meadow beside the Madison river. Mavis found a Dark-eyed Junco on the way and there was a Great Blue Heron camouflaged by a tree, a Muskrat and a family of Green-winged Teals which had picked up a Blue-winged Teal somewhere. A pair of Cinnamon Teals didn’t wait around for everyone to see them close. A side road then took us to the Firehole Canyon with waterfalls and a swimming area. Woody and I both reckon Fountain Paint Pots geyser basin is a must-see place. Chris and Helen were delighted to see a male and a female Crossbill on the ground. There is a super trail here taking you past bluppy mud, steaming, hissing vents, mineral pools and our first (little) geyser. We timed our arrival at Old Faithful so we could have lunch waiting for the geyser to go off, which it did spectacularly. Then there was plenty of free time for everyone to choose where to go in the huge geyser basin. Between us we saw Grand Geyser go off, Castle getting ready to go, Grotto had both vents gushing, and Vent Geyser blew as well as two more chances to see Old Faithful erupt. Most of the group chose to walk to the colourful Morning Glory Pool, the most distant pool. Ospreys, Marmot, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, Chipmunks and Fringed Gentians provided added value to use a modern phrase. Mavis got a super photo of Old Faithful with the steam creating a rainbow. We had dinner at the Snowlodge then drove back to our hotel as the sun was going down, and Mavis spotted a Mule Deer quite close to the road. Even more exciting was a party of cow Elk with one calf right by the road. They crossed the road conveniently as we turned round and continued grazing within ten yards of us after we parked! A final stop let us see more Elk, the same Muskrat and Teal in the same meadow as this morning. Monday 27 July Our first stop after we entered the park in a long queue was Madison meadow again with the same ducks and co but no Muskrat. We carried on to Norris Geyser Basin where we spent an hour among the pools and geysers. We heard there were likely to be long delays going to Mammoth and changed our plans, driving to Canyon for lunch. It worked out well and we were soon driving up the Dunraven Pass as the clouds gathered and covered

the high tops over 10,000 ft. We stopped beyond Tower Falls under the overhanging cliff of basalt and conglomerate. More stunning basalt columns were in the cliffs opposite. A target here are the breeding White-throated Swifts which come hurtling into their hidden nests at top speed without seeming to brake at all and magically just disappear into the cliff. Despite this habit we saw them better than ever before, I think because this is an early season so the swifts have young to feed. A family of four Ospreys were also performing well over the scenic gorge. Richard saw animals across the chasm and with persistence we re-found them and they were a small group of Bighorn Sheep, which we’ve never seen here before! We rarely see them anywhere in fact and never at close range. Brilliant! Through the scope we saw about twenty of them blending into the background. It was also great to let some children and their parents look through the scope and enjoy their reactions. We drove a few hundred yards to park better at Calcite Canyon and walked the short trail with superb overlooks of the river. Yellow-rumped Warblers whispered in the trees and we could scope the Bighorns even closer. We entered Lamar Valley and I promised to buy drinks all round if we didn’t see 100 Bison. We saw a group of 20 then a group of 50 very close to the road, i.e. some on the verge. Some bulls were rumbling away, a deep resonant sound, and sniffing the cows to see if they were in season. Many calves were here too. What a great sight at close range! A bit further on a group of Pronghorns were really close to the road with the nearest maybe two yards away! Wow again! Continuing through the valley we saw the meadows were full of black dots which morphed into Bison, hundreds of them, maybe a thousand. My bet was safe! Chris P said it was like a scene from a cowboy movie and it really was a look back to the past when herds of Bison in their millions were all across the great plains. Rain was falling by now but we found a Barrows Goldeneye beside the road and one vehicle saw a Beaver as well. A stop at Soda Butte for the Cliff Swallow colony and the odd butte itself was enhanced by a Pine Siskin in the mud. In even heavier rain and the temperature now down to 42°F our last stop was at Baronnette Peak, a massive sheer cliff perhaps a thousand feet high, for a faint view of a Rocky Mountain Goat near a snowpatch. This was probably the least wow moment of the fortnight but we’d be back for a better view. We checked in and Chris and Helen had fun getting a room key which worked. I think some were near the point of hypothermia (even with borrowed fleeces) – let’s see if it is warmer tomorrow! Tuesday 28 July An early start had us all up before 6 as the dawning day revealed fresh snow not too high above us! In Cooke City, at 7700 ft above sea level it was very cold at 37°F! Revived by coffee and an assortment of scones, buns or bacon rolls we set off into Yellowstone and Lamar Valley. A couple of Mule Deer were near the road and at our first stop Ron got the Bullseye. Ron reckons his microscope training and work has made him very thorough and persistent and he found a dog across the meadow. My very brief first impression was of a Coyote before it disappeared but further searching and patience revealed a small pack of Wolves. One adult and pups were coming and going through the scope but giving great views for decent periods of time and everyone saw them well. One adult and four pups at the same time was the best count by Mavis, with all the pups playing in the grass and sage brush. This was the highest level of “wow” because it is exceptional to find a pack of Wolves like this because the Wolf watchers and trackers generally know their whereabouts and are following them. We attracted a crowd of grateful folk before moving on. From passing on the information it appears that this would be the Lamar Valley pack with most adults away hunting and an adult baby-sitting at a temporary den. Further stops gave us views of Cliff Swallow nests on the rest-room walls. The near-frozen youngsters were sitting in a dead tree waiting for the air to warm up. Woody heard a Northern Flicker and we got good views of it. We continued down Lamar Valley with hundreds of close Bison including a bull who adorned himself with fresh sage behind one ear! Good luck with dating. Many of the Bison were on the road itself and none have read the Highway Code.

More Bison with calves were on a gravel beach and crossed the river as an adult Bald Eagle flew by, landing close enough for detailed viewing. A few close Pronghorns later and it was time for brunch at Roosevelt Lodge before continuing towards Mammoth. On the way we started seeing Elk by the roadside with a young bull among the cows. We let everyone spend time at the travertine features here while Woody and I searched for Lazuli Buntings. I found a family group with an adult male so we took the whole group there. Some saw the female but only Chris P saw the male. However, we all had another fabulous male Mountain Bluebird, a Cedar Waxwing eating berries and a confiding Yellow-pine Chipmunk. We took a self-guided trail on the return journey – there were few birds but lovely flowers. It did help our timing for the next event. A traffic jam gave us a clue, confirmed by a wildlife guide – there was a family of Black Bears with mum and two cubs. Frustratingly Woody’s bus was behind trees when the Bears reappeared but we pulled off the road and got brilliant long views of all three animals on a nearby hillside. The appearance of a kindly Ranger managing the traffic was rather novel and Woody later found out his name and googled him! We had a further stop at Slough Creek where both targets of Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon obliged quickly. I found the Falcon being mobbed by Robins pretty close to us – it was in superb light and it flew over our heads while one then two Golden Eagles came over the ridge, one landing briefly on the cliff. We had wonderful views against the now very blue sky. It had warmed greatly this afternoon and was glorious now. Deserving more attention than it got was a male Pronghorn strutting his stuff on a little mound. We travelled back through Lamar Valley with no Bison jams and we stopped at Barronette Peak. This glorious evening we could see the whole cliff clearly and plenty of Rocky Mountain Goats were scattered in groups of ones and twos. One group of 11 included several kids, another had six Goats and one was really high on the bare rock. A great result to finish the day. An exceptional day, even by our own high standards this week. Tomorrow we were going to the Beartooth Pass, which had been open for chains only but was now reported clear – roll on tomorrow. Wednesday 29 July A bright blue sky, clear of clouds, greeted us but our first task was to scrape the ice off the windscreens! We had breakfast at the Log Cabin and the pumpkin bread was delicious but filling. Warm clothes would possibly be required at Beartooth pass. We drove up to the stunning overlook looking towards Pilot Peak. The scenery is incredible all the way up this road, voted the most Scenic Highway in the Lower 48 States. We were met by hungry Ground Squirrels which appreciated Pam’s pumpkin bread and Pat’s raisins – Woody tried to include the Squirrels in the group photo! Clark’s Nutcrackers flew over and three Mule Deer came out into a meadow. We carried on a few miles further on to Clay Butte where the swathes of flowers along the road up to the Fire Lookout Tower are amazing. We had time to walk through the subalpine meadows, go up the tower, take a walk to see Horned Larks or just enjoy the panoramic views. Apart from the scenery many species of butterflies were flying – Parnassians, Fritillaries, Checkerspots, Ringlets, Sulphurs and more. One pair of Horned Larks was nesting by the track and Woody found a Red-breasted Nuthatch which behaved impeccably. On the way back to the main road a Clark’s Nutcracker sat on its nest, and we were all grateful for Mavis’s requests for flower stops – with giant Green Gentians, Bluebells and Indian Paint-brushes among so many more flowers of all colours. Assassin Bugs, Ladybirds and a Melissa Blue butterfly (thanks Chris) added their colours too. Lunch by Beartooth Lake gave us more stunning views though the Gray Jays were rather shy. Chris P found some ducks on the lake – in fact one Shoveller and five Eared Grebes. Ospreys were fishing all the time too. We still had a bit to go to reach the higher parts of the pass and had a walk not much below 11,000 feet above sea level. We always advise no running because you do feel it in your lungs and we had a lovely walkabout with cute Pikas gathering hay, Marmots, Pipits and fabulous alpine flowers. Pam found an Arctic Gentian in this floral wonderland. We did have to stop to look at the Bearttooth itself, a distant fanged pinnacle. This summer there was very little snow though some very fresh patches were lying from a couple of days ago. We had a further walk – Chris C had heard about Elephants’ Heads, a large attractive flowering plant which Woody and I knew where to find, and we found more Marmots and a close hunting Prairie Falcon. The weather was so

good, with little wind and not too cold, we had a couple more stops. As well as the scenery being fabulous from our 11,000-feet perspective, Woody did really well spotting five goats with four kids. They were far away but trotted over cornices all the way along to the ski area much nearer to us. Thanks to Ron running back to the vehicles (no telling off!) the people who had stayed there got a chance to see this amazing journey of the goats over the cornices with the sun slanting their shadows. Another awesome National Geographic scene. The goats settled very close to the Ski area so we drove round there and could see them from close range. They were possibly getting minerals from the rocks there but we could observe the group’s social behaviour at close quarters with the nannies headbutting each other to show their status. Reluctantly we agreed it was time to head back down to lower ground but not before another flypast from Prairie Falcons. The return journey gave us more amazing views and both vehicles had the same question: where does Pilot Peak disappear to? We follow it most of the way to Cooke City and then it just disappears! What a memorable day, with such beauty and diversity on such a vast scale. That over-used word awesome does just about cover it! I should add that Richard had been wearing his new hat all day every day, including inside as many Americans do. He reckons it is a lucky hat; it had certainly worked well so far. Thursday 30 July Another bright sunny sky with a temperature well above freezing cheered us this morning. After a filling breakfast at the log cabin we went back into Yellowstone Park and stopped at Pebble Creek meadow. Pat spotted an animal walking through the grass and briefly a second one followed. First thoughts of them being Wolves again changed when many people noted the ear shape and the way the tail was held – they were Coyotes, possibly checking if the Wolves had left any scraps to be scavenged. We had brief but clear looks as they moved towards the forest at the back. Ron found a Mule Deer buck creeping through the shaded trees. Our day’s mammals list had started. Further into Lamar Valley we saw the expected hundreds of Bison but not as many as our first drive through. Numbers of Pronghorns were impressive though. We turned down past Tower Falls and climbed up Dunraven Pass before pulling in at a car park for a walk up the trail towards Mt Washburn. It was a glorious sub-alpine meadow with many familiar species of flower and some new ones like Lewis’ Monkeyflower and Butterfly Orchid. Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels were common with some Least and Yellow-pine Chipmunks and one Marmot which gave great value to those who patiently waited for it to come out to feed. New butterflies included a Skipper and more Fritillaries and Blues. Everyone loved this walk. We had lunch at Canyon again and then went to the north rim of Yellowstone Canyon to look at the Upper Falls with lots of water gushing over. Then back to the main road where Rangers blared past to control the crowds watching a bull Elk. We went to Artist’s Point and a look at the Lower Falls – the colour of the rock formations is absolutely stunning here. Finally a brief stop let us see the Upper Falls from the other side. The whole Canyon rim is spectacular. We turned into Hayden Valley and soon Alison spotted Swans on the river and we pulled in to enjoy great views of four Trumpeter Swans, the first adults for most of us. Three were ringed with consecutive numbers so I’ll find out more. A brief stop at an overlook let us get up-to-date info about Wolves and Bears and we became cautiously optimistic. We saw a further Swan, a close Black-necked Stilt and Mergansers again. From here the traffic slowed down and we realised there was a long Bison jam. We passed very close to several bulls and hundreds more were in the flat ground. One bull persisted in walking down our lane of the road and we passed more sulphur vents right by the road. At the impressive Lake Hotel we checked into our cabins and then had a quiet evening with a classical quartet followed by a delicious dinner.

Friday 31 July I had found out that previous mornings had foggy inversion persisting until nearly 8 so we were out by 7. A blue sky at the lake lured us up into Hayden Valley past wonderful steamy water and sulphurous vents. We passed many misty Bison, one of which daintily jumped a fence near an erupting geyser. A queue of traffic alerted us to something good but we had just missed a mother Grizzly and her cubs. We continued to look for Wolves and some of us heard a Wolf howl. Some Elk looked super alert but we couldn’t see a predator. Bald Eagles and Sandhill Cranes were in view but no large predators. However, on the way back the Grizzly Bear and her two cubs were very close to the road in a gully – fantastic! They were not close enough to be a threat to us but certainly close enough for the most wonderful views through the scope and camera. We saw the mother and cubs standing up on their hind legs looking for danger, crossing the stream, grubbing for food as they moved away over the road. What a great insight into their lives and even better than Woody and I could have hoped. It must be time for brunch by now. Ray was not well this morning but he didn’t miss out on the Grizzlies. Woody took him to the clinic but he required more extensive tests so was transferred to hospital in Jackson. This was done very efficiently and all our thoughts were with him. After breakfast everyone went to Fishing Bridge. Ron found a Sora which performed brilliantly and noisily in the marsh near the bridge. At times two Soras showed! We drove on to LeHardy Rapids stopping by the Yellowstone River for Buffleheads on the way. At the rapids six Harlequin Ducks were on logs or rocks or swimming in rapids. We have seen one occasionally in the past but never such numbers. No big Cut-throat Trout were lying up today, only tiddlers. A few miles on we stopped at Pelican Creek where Pelicans flew over on cue but a close Bald Eagle sat on a log and many more Soras called or walked out from the reeds. Ducks were here too with Lesser Scaup, Buffleheads, Barrow’s Goldeneye and a Gadwall with ducklings. On the way up to Lake Butte we passed flocks of Barrow’s Goldeneye along the lake and avoided running over a Marmot. There was another glorious view all the way over Yellowstone Lake to the Teton and the Absaroka mountain ranges. In the car park here a Vole was digging a hole and that was fun to watch. Three new birds were seen up here: Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin’s Finch and brief views of a Lincoln Sparrow. Chris C shared a Red-breasted Nuthatch with a few of the group. We were having an early tea so we could go out into Hayden Valley this evening. A few Bison on the road didn’t hold us up much and we parked at the busy Wolf watchpoint. The first half of our group saw a Wolf sitting for a while before it moved off through the sage. A Bear became more visible coming across the slope. Although everyone was calling it a Grizzly, Richard’s photos clearly show it is a Black Bear. All of us saw this for a long time until it went out of sight. Although it was getting dark, a few of us went up the hill opposite and Alison saw a bull Elk running. While I was looking at it through the scope I was able to see there was a Bear in the foreground and this was a dark Grizzly with an obvious hump. It was distant but we were able to watch it for a long while as the sunset became more colourful. The rest of the group came up the hill too and caught up with the action. Meantime the moon rose and was fantastic opposite where the sun went down. What a fantastic setting to end what has been a most wonderful trip. We also heard that Ray was much better and should be fit enough to travel with us all the following day. Saturday 1 August We were packed and on the road by 8 am, with a 100-mile journey to Jackson Airport ahead of us. The sky was blue and warming up nicely. Woody’s major challenge this morning was to avoid the Chipmunks crossing the road and he did well with no casualties. We had a short stop at Lewis Lake, which was like a millpond and had perfect reflections. Sandie and Woody saw a Cottontail Rabbit with a mouthful of vegetation run over the track, so we’d add that to our mammal list. On again out of Yellowstone National Park and we drove down to Jackson Lake with the towering Tetons beyond. We backtracked much of the route we had taken up here and arrived at Jackson Hole Airport with plenty of time. We heard Ray was indeed fit to travel so Woody and Pam picked him up while I dropped

off my car. It was great to see Ray looking and feeling so much better. We said farewell to Woody and appreciated all his skill, knowledge, humour and help in this very special part of his country. Our flights were more or less on time and we arrived back at Heathrow after an overnight flight from Dallas. I was not envious of those starting work in a couple of days and hoped their bodies caught up with the time difference. I asked everyone to choose highlights from this outstanding trip and put them into Wildlife and Non-wildlife categories. The responses showed a huge diversity in the Wildlife section, with Black Bear sightings coming out on top, followed by the Wolves and Bison then Mountain Bluebirds. Golden and Bald Eagles were popular as were Beavers, rocky Mountain Goats and Beavers. In the other section the thermal features rated highest amongst other general or specific scenery choices and two spectacular sunsets were mentioned. The raft trip was a favourite and interestingly the food and micro-breweries got much attention with the pumpkin bread named. Many mentions of the group itself and the input of the guides confirmed what a great time was had by all. Report by Ian Ford. Photos by Ian Ford, Richard Allan, and Ray Gooding.

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON 2015

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

1 Pied-billed Grebe

X X X X

2 Western Grebe

X X

3 Clark’s Grebe

X X

4 Eared (Black-necked) Grebe

X X

5 Double-crested Cormorant

X X X

6 American White Pelican

X X X X X

7 Great Blue Heron

X X X X X X X X

8 Snowy Egret

X X X

9 Black-crowned Night Heron

X

10 White-faced Ibis

X X X X

11 Canada Goose

X X X X X X X X X X

12 Trumpeter Swan

X X

13 Gadwall

X X X X X

14 American Wigeon

X X

15 Mallard

X X X X X X X X X

16 Cinnamon Teal

X X X X

17 Northern Shoveler

X X

18 Blue-winged Teal

X X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

19 Green-winged Teal

X X X X

20 Harlequin Duck

X

21 Lesser Scaup

X X

22 Canvasback

X

23 Redhead

X

24 Ring-necked Duck

X

25 Barrow’s Goldeneye

X X X

26 Bufflehead

X

27 Common Merganser (Goosander)

X X X X X

28 Ruddy Duck

X X X

29 Wood Duck

X X

30 Turkey Vulture

X X X X X X X X

31 Osprey

X X X X X X X X X

32 Bald Eagle

X X X X X

33 Northern (Hen) Harrier

X

34 Swainson’s Hawk

X X X X X X X

35 Red-tailed Hawk

X X X X X X X X X X X

36 Golden Eagle

X X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

37 American Kestrel

X X X X X

38 Peregrine Falcon

X X X

39 Prairie Falcon

X X

40 California Quail

X

41 Dusky Grouse

X

42 Ring-necked (Common) Pheasant

X X

43 American Coot

X X X

44 Sora Rail

X

45 Snowy Plover

X

46 Black-necked Stilt

X X X

47 American Avocet

X X

48 Sandhill Crane

X X X X

49 Killdeer

X X X X X X X

50 Long-billed Curlew

X X

51 Marbled Godwit

X

52 Long-billed Dowitcher

X

53 Greater Yellowlegs

X

54 Spotted Sandpiper

X X X X X X X X X X X X

55 Willet

X X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

56 Western Sandpiper

X

57 Wilson’s Phalarope

X X

58 Red-necked Phalarope

X

59 Franklin’s Gull

X X

60 Ring-billed Gull

X X

61 California Gull

X X X X

62 Herring Gull

X

63 Caspian Tern

X

64 Forster’s Tern

X X

65 Black Tern

X

66 Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon)

X X X X

67 Mourning Dove

X X X X

68 Eurasian Collared Dove

X X

69 Burrowing Owl

X

70 Common Nighthawk

X

71 White-throated Swift

X X

72 Rufous Hummingbird

X

73 Calliope Hummingbird

X X

74 Broad-tailed Hummingbird

X X X X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

75 Belted Kingfisher

X X X

76 Downy Woodpecker

X

77 American Three-toed Woodpecker

X

78 Northern Flicker

X X X X

79 Olive-sided Flycatcher

X

80 Western Wood Pewee

X X X

81 Willow Flycatcher

X

82 Eastern Kingbird

X X X

83 Western Kingbird

X X X X

84 Horned (Shore) Lark

X X

85 Tree Swallow

X X X X X X X

86 Violet-green Swallow

X X X X X X X X X

87 Northern Rough-winged Swallow

X

88 Bank Swallow (Sand Martin)

X X X X X X X X X

89 Barn Swallow

X X X X X X X X X X

90 Cliff Swallow

X X X X X X X X X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

91 American (Buff-bellied) Pipit

X

92 Cedar Waxwing

X X X X X X

93 American Dipper

X

94 Marsh Wren

X

95 House Wren

X X X

96 Rock Wren

X

97 Gray Catbird

X

98 Gray Jay

X X X

99 Clark’s Nutcracker

X X X X X X

100 American (Black-billed) Magpie

X X X X X X

101 American Crow

X X X X X X X X X

102 Common Raven

X X X X X X X X X X X X

103 Loggerhead Shrike

X

104 Mountain Chickadee

X X X

105 Black-capped Chickadee

X X X

106 Red-breasted Nuthatch

X X

107 White-breastedNuthatch

X

108 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

109 Mountain Bluebird

X X X X X X X X X X

110 Swainson’s Thrush

X

111 American Robin

X X X X X X X X X

112 Sage Thrasher

X

113 European Starling

X X X X X

114 Yellow Warbler

X X X X

115 Yellow-rumped Warbler

X X X X X X

116 Nashville Warbler

X

117 Chipping Sparrow

X X X X X

118 Song Sparrow

X X X

119 Vesper Sparrow

X X X X

120 Savannah Sparrow

X X X

121 Lincoln’s Sparrow

X

122 White-crowned Sparrow

X X X X X X X

123 Green-tailed Towhee

X

124 Dark-eyed Junco

X X X X X X X

125 Black-headed Grosbeak

X

126 Lazuli Bunting

X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

127 Western Meadowlark

X X X

128 Yellow-headed Blackbird

X X X X

129 Red-winged Blackbird

X X X X X X X

130 Brewer’s Blackbird

X X X X X X X X X

131 Common Grackle

X

132 Great-tailed Grackle

X X

133 Bullock`s Oriole

X

134 Brown-headed Cowbird

X X X X X X X X X X

135 Cassin’s Finch

X

136 Red Crossbill

X X

137 House Finch

X X

138 Pine Siskin

X X X

139 American Goldfinch

X X X X

140 House Sparrow

X X X

140 species of Bird

HEATHERLEA MAMMAL CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

1 Black Bear

X X X

2 Grizzly Bear

X

3 Coyote

X

4 Gray Wolf

X X

5 Otter

X

6 Cottontail Jackrabbit

X

7 Yellow-bellied Marmot

X X X X X X

8 Uintah Ground Squirrel

X X X X X

9 Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel

X X X

10 American Red Squirrel

X X X X X X X X

11 Least Chipmunk

X X X X X X X X X

12 Yellow-pine Chipmunk

X X X X X X

13 American Beaver

X X X

14 Muskrat

X X X X

15 American Pika

X

HEATHERLEA MAMMAL CHECKLIST: YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON

20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

16 Pronghorn

X X X X X X

17 Mule Deer

X X X X X X X X X X

18 American Elk

X X X X X X X X

19 Moose

X X

20 American Bison

X X X X X X X

21 Mountain Goat

X X X

22 Bighorn Sheep

X X

23 Deer Mouse

X X

24 Meadow Vole

X X X X X

25 Bat sp

25 species of Mammal

Wilde Carp

X

Cut-throat Trout

X X

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: BUTTERFLIES 20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

1 Monarch

2 Phoebus Parnassian

3 Western Tiger Swallowtail

4 Old World Swallowtail

5 Pale Swallowtail

6 Mustard White

7 Cabbage White

8 Checkered White

9 Clouded Sulphur

10 Mead Sulphur

11 Orange Sulphur

12 Mariposa Copper

13 Ruddy Copper

14 Arctic Blue

15 Boisduval’s Blue

16 Arrowheaded Blue

HEATHERLEA CHECKLIST: BUTTERFLIES 20/7 21/7 22/7 23/7 24/7 25/7 26/7 27/7 28/7 29/7 30/7 31/7 1/8

17 Milbert’s Tortoiseshell

18 Mourning Cloak (Camberwell Beauty)

19 Painted Lady

20 Weidermayer’s Admiral

21 Great Basin Fritillary

22 Edith’s Checkerspot

23 Hayden’s Ringlet

24 Small Wood-nymph

25 Theavo Alpine

26 Colorado Alpine

27 Common Checkered Skipper