There is nowhere in North America as iconic as Yellowstone National Park. Towering mountains, spewing geysers, vast forests and valleys harbouring the highest megafauna density on the continent make this a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the classic American West. But the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as it is known by locals and researchers, is much more than what is found within the National Park’s borders, despite its enormous size. The ecosystem includes huge, pristine prairies, alpine crags and meadows, near-arid desert, and the most diverse and lovely scenery one could hope for.
For birders, a visit to the Yellowstone region means Longspurs parachuting over Mountain Plover chicks, Western Tanagers at the same feeders as Red Crossbills, Black Rosy Finches foraging at the feet of Mountain Goats, Brown-headed Cowbirds on the back of the original bovine of the continent – the Bison. Yellowstone means time spent observing wolves and bears foraging, hunting, in their natural habitats, otters and Barrow’s Goldeneye frolicking in the Lamar River, and some of the most spectacular geothermal sites on Earth. Any visit to Yellowstone is memorable and unique, but there is so much more to be seen and enjoyed than most visitors could conceive.
Black Rosy Finch; Sprague’s Pipit; Thick-billed & Chestnut-collared Longspurs;, Mountain Plover; Dusky Grouse; Three-toed Woodpecker; Williamson’s Sapsucker; Sagebrush Sparrow;, Baird’s Sparrow.
Gray Wolf; Grizzly & American Black Bears; Bighorn; Mountain Goat; American Bison
shortgrass and mixed-grass Prairie, Riparian Deciduous Forest, Sagebrush Steppe, Lake and Marsh wetlands, Montane Coniferous Forest, Alpine grassland
daytime temperatures typically range 65 -80F, with cool evenings in the 50s – 60s. Though the odd afternoon thunderstorm is likely, weather is typically very enjoyable with little precipitation.
6 with 1 Rockjumper Leader and local leaders where necessary
tour pace is relaxed, with a few short hikes that are best for species like Black Rosy-Finch and Grouse. Overall, easy and pleasant walking conditions on road and trails.
3-4 star accommodations throughout the tour.
generally easy, though sometimes species like Northern Pygmy Owl or Gray Partridge can be a little tricky to pin down.
220+
wildlife and photography, of course, are amazing. Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, driving the Beartooth Highway over the second-highest drivable pass in the country, art galleries and shops in Livingston, visit the Yellowstone Film Ranch.
incredible photo ops of dozens of bird species and some 14 species of mammal, minimum
This was my 4th tour with Stephan, and he continues to be welcoming, caring, and on-point the entire trip. He always goes the extra mile to ensure everyone has a chance to see the birds and is very informative throughout the tour, always slipping in identification characteristics, sounds, or habitats that will help us in the future. He does all this with a very easy-going manner despite his high energy level and excellent people skills to ensure comraderie within the group. Despite the varied skill levels of the group’s participants, he is able to make each of us feel special, whether it is for me as a beginner birder with limited name associations to the species and a brain that doesn’t recall the information from day to day, all the way for those who are excellent at spotting birds and already knowing the species, perhaps due to a career in the field. This tour provided more challenges with some restaurants and toilets closed due to the pandemic or limited hours which did not mesh with the tour route, but Stephan and Claudia did an excellent job of rounding up food, supplies, meals, drinks, and toilet breaks. Because of the intense nature and number of miles/hours required each day to see the target species, they arranged for one vehicle to return to lodging each night at dinner time to provide an early night for those of us who needed a bit more sleep or for those whose abilities limited nighttime walking on uneven surfaces! I really appreciated that effort and concern, even though I love to see owls, etc. They are wonderful guides and friends!!!
Stephan was a great birding guide and tour manager. He knew his patch and worked tirelessly to find and ensure all participants had good birds views. He located all the key 'target' birds. He and his partner produced great al fresco dining and ensured all arrangement worked well, not easy in these COVID impacted times. As always with RJ, I had a most enjoyable trip and satisfied my birding wishes. Well done RJ and Stephan/Claudia. Than you all.
Wish we had the hearing and eyesight with the knowledge and youth of the guides.
Stephan Lorenz is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, attentive to his clients. Always making sure that everybody has the opportunity to see the birds and other mammals. He made an excellent trip report which is very much appreciated.
The group saw 24 warblers (me 21) & I was elated!! Not to mention all the other quality birds. Stephen was superb. There were 13 of us & tho a high count of clients by RBT standards, it worked very well-we were lucky too-a fallout. Thanks Stephan thanks RBT.
23 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 (8 days)
USD4,595 - No Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland
Tour price (Per person): USD4,595 * GBP3,645 * EUR4,258 * AUD7,076
Single Supplement: USD670 * GBP531 * EUR621 * AUD1,032
USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem I 2023 - June 2023
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2023 - May 2023
USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2023 - April 2023
USA - Colorado: Prairie Chickens, Grouse & More 2023 - April 2023
USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande 2023 - February 2023
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties, Monsoon Breeders & Hummingbirds 2022 - August 2022
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2022 - May 2022
USA - Florida: Spring Migration & Specialities 2022 - April 2022
USA - Texas: Spring Migration & Hill Country 2022 - April 2022
USA - Colorado: Prairie Chickens, Grouse & More 2022 - April 2022
USA - Montana & Wyoming: Greater Yellowstone in Winter 2022 - February 2022
USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande 2022 - February 2022
USA - Texas: Winter: Whooping Cranes and the Lower Rio Grande II 2021 - December 2021
USA - California: Southern Specialties 2021 - December 2021
USA - Arizona: Hummingbird Migration, Monsoon Breeders & Night Birds II 2021 - August 2021
USA - Arizona: Hummingbird Migration, Monsoon Breeders & Night Birds I 2021 - August 2021
USA - Arizona: Southeast Specialties & Nightbirds 2021 - May 2021
USA - Texas: Hill Country Specialties and Wildlife 2021 - April 2021
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