Near Meriden in Laramie County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Of Birds And Bluffs

Wyoming's Wildlife Worth the Watching

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 28, 2026

1. Of Birds And Bluffs Marker

Inscription.

Notice that you are in a depression surrounded by bluffs as you observe the landscape. This is the southern part of an area called "Goshen Hole". It is also the western edge of the North American short-grass prairie.

The bluffs were formed by deposition of materials from the Laramie Mountains, located to the west. These bluffs consist mainly of siltstone and are capped by sandstone. The entire area supports a variety of wildlife. The bluffs and associated prairie provide habitat for raptors, including Swainson's and ferruginous hawks, prairie falcons, American kestrels and burrowing owls. Mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs and meadowlarks are a few of the other inhabitants. One population which has recently increased its numbers is the sharp-tailed grouse. Sharptails eat grains, forbs (non-woody, flowering plants), grasses, buds and fruit. They also eat insects such as grasshoppers, especially when the birds are young.

Grouse need a variety of habitats to survive throughout the year. Prairies and shrubby draws are crucial for their survival, providing breeding habitat, and a winter food source. In the past,

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declines in sharp-tailed grouse populations were due to competition with agriculture, which changed the prairie. Many land-owners now plant shelter belts and leave tall grass cover which are used by grouse and other wildlife for food and shelter. Wildlife also search grain fields for seeds. Keeping remaining native prairies intact will help ensure prime habitat for these birds and other wildlife in the future.

"Wyoming's Wildlife Worth the Watching" is funded in a large part through interest earned from the Wildlife Trust Account.

Erected by Wyoming Game & Fish Department.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Environment • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 41° 32.216′ N, 104° 19.342′ W. Marker is near Meriden, Wyoming, in Laramie County. It can be reached from CanAm Highway. Marker is at the US Highway 85 Rest Area, just south of Meriden. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Meriden WY 82081, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Laramie Basin and in Greater

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 27, 2026

2. Of Birds And Bluffs Marker

Cheyenne.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Texas Trail (approx. 10.6 miles away).

Regarding Of Birds And Bluffs. Although primarily natural history oriented, the marker notes that intensive agriculture negatively affected sharp-tailed grouse populations but that modified practices have provided for a population rebound.

View From Near Of Birds And Bluffs Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 28, 2026

3. View From Near Of Birds And Bluffs Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.