High Plains

Eastern Montana is in a sub-region of the Great Plains, famous for low moisture, high elevation, and large temperature changes.

In 1916, Browning, Montana fell from 44 F to -56 F in 24 hours. Vananda probably did the same, but there was nobody to record it.

Drove 5 hours from the Custer to north of Forsyth: 1 hour on a 2-track, 1 hour on a dirt road, 1 hour on the highway, 1 hour on a dirt road, 1 hour on a 2-track.

Survey is on the horizon.

Half of this job is driving.

Collapsed culvert in the way.

Greater Sage Grouse

Shield Lichen

Car in the middle.

Transect was a collection of ant farms.

Horned Larks, Vesper Sparrows, Brewer’s Sparrows, Western Meadowlarks, Greater Sage Grouse, snakes, rabbits, coyotes, and Mule Deer live here. Ants rule.

Car center right.