Field Trip Report: Wyoming Hereford Ranch - 12 September 2026

As we pulled into the ranch entrance just east of Cheyenne, we immediately spied three songbirds lined up on a fence: a White-crowned Sparrow, House Wren, and Lincoln’s Sparrow. A good start for our field trip to the Wyoming Hereford Ranch (WHR)! As we parked and checked out the office area, we were “serenaded” by a sizeable flock of blackbirds and starlings, including several Yellow-headed Blackbirds. As we made our way along the stream, we flushed three Wood Ducks. Wilson’s Warblers were everywhere, but we only observed three other warbler species during the morning. We were treated to both Summer and Western Tanagers and were surprised by small flocks of Cassin’s Finches and Evening Grosbeaks. Our last bird before leaving the ranch was a quick look at a Cassin’s Vireo. We made a quick stop at WHR Reservoir #1 and were not disappointed. Besides a host of ducks, we found two Caspian Terns and two Franklin’s Gulls. A lone Snowy Egret huddled among American White Pelicans and Great Blue Herons. We had a nice mix of nine shorebird species, including Stilt Sandpipers, a Sanderling, and a Pectoral Sandpiper. As we finished up the morning at noon, we had tallied 78 species. Summer Tanager: Melissa Zieschang/ Audubon Photography Awards. Caspian Tern photo: David Belles/Audubon Photography Awards. [Brad Andres]

First Street Plaza Habitat Hero Partnership

Laramie’s 1st Street Plaza (1st and Grand) is a popular gathering spot for both residents and visitors, and Laramie Audubon often uses this location as a meeting point for field trips. Earlier this summer, Laramie Audubon’s Habitat Hero committee began working with the Laramie Main Street Alliance (Downtown Laramie) and the City of Laramie to enhance the Plaza’s gardens to better benefit birds and pollinators and provide an example of what can be accomplished in backyards in Laramie and beyond. The committee applied for, and received, a grant from the Laramie Garden Club to plant additional native perennials in the existing, appealing garden space. Laramie Audubon volunteers worked hard to add elements that will attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and have been busy watering, weeding, and adding name tags for the plants. Working with the University of Wyoming’s pollinator initiative and Roberta Harper-McIntosh, educational information has been added to the Plaza’s kiosk, including a printed poster and digital display.
 In partnership with Audubon Rockies, the 1st Street Plaza is now designated as a Habitat Hero Demonstration Garden. This new partnership with Downtown Laramie and the City has been both rewarding and fun. On August 6, the partners hosted a “Birds & Brews” event, with over forty people in attendance, to celebrate the garden and the partnership. We welcome everyone to stop downtown and see the efforts at the 1st Street Plaza. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped build this partnership. [Heather Johnson]