Planning a trip thru the Western States starting May 1, 2017 lasting 4 to 5 months (Page 3): Harvey, Right on target...

gary robertson Loc: Now living in Sandpont Idaho, from So. Cal

Harvey,
Right on target

woodworkerman Loc: PA to FL

Oh, we Love the Denver area, Durango - Silverton railroad, Mesa Verde, etc. We own a place in Breckenridge, so we spend a lot of time there. Anyplace where there are mountains and lots of trees, we are happy. And we love the North and Northwest. Mountains, mountains, mountains. And we count the day wonderful when we see wildlife. Elk, antelope, deer, bear, wolves, coyotes,... We can't see that here in Florida.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

If it's Hummingbirds that you want then make sure to stop in Sierra Vista and Patagonia on your way through Az. Also stop at the Rialto River Park in Tucson. I was just there and there were lots of Hummingbirds flying around.

Photocraig

GoldwingerTX wrote:

Planning a trip thru the western states starting May 1, 2017 lasting 4 to 5 months.

Will be leaving from Junction, TX (South Llano River State Park)

Any western state except CA, then just north of Sacramento.

I want to see and photo HBs, Song birds, Hawks, Owls, don’t care for Shore birds.

I will be traveling in a Motorhome w/toad, so I can stop almost anywhere.

Any Great places you know of Please share with me.

~

Despite you thoughts on California (I am a refugee), do not for any reason miss Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. And using the "toad" which I assume is a towed vehicle, explore Alpine County and travel just north of Truckee to see a Bald Eagle colony on the Boca reservoir West of Truckee off I-80 (Hirschdale Rd. Exit). They may still be around in early May before heading North. Also travel East, or stop by if going to Tahoe from the East off US 395, to Pyramid Lake. Be sure to get a permit from the Paiute Tribal office there. It has great rock formations, some Tufa like, and plenty of aquatic birds as well as the others. While in the Nevada 'hood, see Virginia City and Ft/ Churchill and a Pony Express stop.

PM me for more,
Craig

Photocraig

lamiaceae wrote:

With Yosemite, Sierra-Nevada Mountains, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Mojave Desert, Pacific Ocean, etc., etc., etc., you might as well skip the entire trip if you are not going to California.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

The Grand Circle in Utah,Nevada. That is Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion NP, Cedar Breaks UT. Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Painted Hills, Mt Hood, Old McKinsey Hwy, Columbia River Gorge, Hells Canyon. Going North, Olympic NP. Lots and Lots to see. you are going to need more than 4 rolls of 36exp Kodachrome. Happy shooting

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

AZ, Ramsey Canyon Preserve has humming birds, Boyce Thompson Arboretum birds in general.
Birds elsewhere I don't know, been in nearly every crook and cranny of the west but birds were not the goal.
Yellowstone and like area like Jackson Hole I would imagine would have a plethora of birds.

whitewolfowner

If you go through Roswell, NM, stop in at Bitter Lakes Federal Reserve; it has a lot of birds. If there in warm weather watch out for the rattlers, both kinds, the snakes both in the park and ion town if you go to buy anything; the whole town is rip off artists.

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

The road from Page, Arizona to Kanab, Utah , ALT89,will pass by the Condor breeding complex. There is a viewing area where you can look up at the ridge where the young birds are raised . You will need a long lens ,like a 150-600 to see anything but you might get lucky and see a adult flying around. If want to see wildlife go to yellowstone and Estes Park. I envy you for the trip your taking. Good luck.

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I took that train trip last year and confirm that it is, indeed, spectacular!! Amazing opportunities for great shots. Best time to go is October when the aspens begin to turn.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Ramsey Canyon near Sierra Vista is great for hummingbirds, and other birds too. In fact the whole of south eastern Arizona is great for birding.
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g60778-d108765-Reviews-Ramsey_Canyon_Preserve-Hereford_Arizona.html

wesm Loc: Los Altos CA

GoldwingerTX wrote:

Planning a trip thru the western states starting May 1, 2017 lasting 4 to 5 months.

Will be leaving from Junction, TX (South Llano River State Park)

Any western state except CA, then just north of Sacramento.

I want to see and photo HBs, Song birds, Hawks, Owls, don’t care for Shore birds.

I will be traveling in a Motorhome w/toad, so I can stop almost anywhere.

Any Great places you know of Please share with me.

~

Well, you will miss Mono Lake, which is, I am told, and outstanding birding experience; my birder friends' eyes glaze over when discussing it.
I went there to photograph the Milky Way with a group, also a nice experience.
The drive down the eastern side of the Sierras in to the Mojave desert is pretty incredible.

And I don't even like California!!!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

GoldwingerTX wrote:

Planning a trip thru the western states starting May 1, 2017 lasting 4 to 5 months.

Will be leaving from Junction, TX (South Llano River State Park)

Any western state except CA, then just north of Sacramento.

I want to see and photo HBs, Song birds, Hawks, Owls, don’t care for Shore birds.

I will be traveling in a Motorhome w/toad, so I can stop almost anywhere.

Any Great places you know of Please share with me.

~

If you really want to see the country and meet the people stay on two-lane highways. Eat at Mom's Diner/Eats. Buy fuel at gas stations. Since you can stop almost anywhere then do so. Don't be afraid to turn around and back-track to look again, sunlight might be different. Drink lots of water and walk just for exercise everyday. Keep in touch with the UHH and let us know your location. Shoot mega quantities of photographs. Have a great time!

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Goldwinger, You've been given some fantastic recommendations. This past fall we visited the Western National Parks on a two month RV trip. I've written travel logs on most to these parks that might be of interest to you. Too, if in 5 months you find time for the Pacific NW or Alaska and if so you'll find logs on both under 2013 & 2014.

Enjoy smelling the flowers

Norm
http://ncribble.com/

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

GoldwingerTX wrote:

Any western state except CA, then just north of Sacramento.

Goldwinger, sorry about your decision not to visit CA (don't blame you), but am curious about your route regarding Sacramento. Are you just planning to visit part of northern CA, OR and WA, or are you trying to avoid the boring flat area north of Woodland. From Sacramento, there are some beautiful and exciting routes up the West Coast (that completely bypass the San Francisco area. And Sacramento (and surrounding areas) offer some interesting historical shots and game refuges. If you are interested in adjusting your itinerary, I'd be glad to work with you to pick out some routes that avoid traffic and high population centers. Please PM me if you are interested.