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Very hot all days. Left goes a little longer that planned. On the 31st I was in Helena facilitating an Open Circle (Helena sangha) planning retreat. John White brought his brush hog and tractor to work over some expanding thistle patches in WG 1 and 7.
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Thunder showers bring cooling weather. Second day of monitoring with Roland. We built a new monitoring site in SBW1 to capture changes with new seeding following pasture cocktail. While birds have certainly toned down their singing, each morning we wake to nighthawks breaking the dawn calm with their characteristic ‘boom’ produced by air rushing through primary feathers during a dive. I liken it to ‘audio shooting stars’.
Less hot with thunder showers passing to the north and south of the ranch. I opened NBW14 to NBW9 to access second tank, which made a big difference for watering, especially for the calves. I took a picture of Roland and his new intern Jonathan.  Hot. Water pressure in winter tank at the creek not recharging enough for calves to drink. I may need to open up to next paddock (NBW14) to access the larger tank west of road. Flowers that signal summer is passing are starting to flower. See Liatris puntata and Eriogonum annuum below.
Warm to hot. Evening thunder and some very light showers. I moved cows into NBW9. I checked cows in early evening to find temporary fence down at water and cows scattered ‘everywhere’. With help from dogs before dark all was back to where we started in the morning. Ryan found fledgling male kestrel with broken wing below Big Wall. Dana delivered to Raptor Center in Bozeman-another partner.
Warm, breezy, and clear. Florin came out to fix the water pipe line leak in NBW7.  Fearless Nighthawk While most of country sweltering in 100 degree heat, we are grateful to enjoy mid 70’s. Check out relaxed cows (see below) on fresh feed. Flushed new flocks of horned larks. Carl Cozar delivers a variety of Ferrell heirlooms from California. Carl is quite moved by the peace of the prairie.  Hot. Cows moved into NBW14a. Found small pipeline leak near creek in NBW7, yet water pressure still ok for cows. Late evening lightning followed by a quick shot of rain.
Hot and dry. Woke to diving nighthawks at dawn while sleeping outside. Bird songs are sporadic and quieting day by day. Prepare fence for next move.  Condition Score 6 More heat. First bull team (6) trailed to with cows. Full Moon Ceremony this morning.
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Bill Milton
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