Articles
75 posts
Document a Found Feather and Compare Identification Candidates
Photograph a found feather where it lies, describe its structure and pattern, then compare it with North American flight-feather references while keeping uncertain species and positions open.
Find Montana Amphibian Call References and Interpret Survey Records
Compare Montana amphibian call references, learn how the Natural Heritage Program's roadside listening protocol works, and tell a casual listening note apart from survey and monitoring evidence.
Match Montana Lichen Taxon Codes to References and Interpret Observation Charts
Match nine Montana Field Guide lichen codes to scientific names and synonyms, check their monthly observation charts, and learn what the counts can and cannot tell you.
Choose and Interpret Bird Distribution, Abundance and Movement Maps
Learn which bird map answers your question, from range and density maps to eBird abundance, trend and migration models, and what to check before you trust one.
Compare Maps of Prairie Landforms and Sediments near Medicine Lake, Montana
How to compare the USGS Medicine Lake topo map, MBMG Report 738 and MBMG 540 to read glacial landforms and sediments while keeping buried geology separate.
Record Flower Features and Insect Visits Together
Petals are usually the colorful part of a flower that draws insects. Learn what to note about flowers and visitors in an informal, repeatable prairie field log.
Record Plant Leaf and Flower Stages and Interpret Monthly Observation Charts
How to record defined leaf and flower stages on repeat prairie plant visits, read a monthly occurrence chart correctly, and judge whether outside studies apply.
Compare Insect Features and Choose Montana Identification Resources
Compare two documented Montana grasshoppers, the Two-striped and Differential, by markings and habitat, and choose identification resources by region and insect group.
Plan a Timed Bird-Behavior Observation and Summarize Recorded Actions
How to choose a time-sampling method, define observable bird behaviors, build a worksheet and present a clear descriptive summary without disturbing birds.
Plan Comparable Landscape Photographs Across Repeated Visits
How to document a prairie or wetland viewpoint, relocate it, repeat framing and timing, and tell visible differences apart from measured habitat change.