YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

The day began cold and ended the same way.  Heavy snow fell in the morning, slightly covering the greening of spring and leaving one in awe of the beauty that lay before us.

I spent much of the morning in Lamar Valley, looking for 926.  She was in the same general area that we left her in yesterday afternoon and that concerned me.  We could not find her and after some time I decided that it was time to leave and allow nature to take its course. I have no idea if she was seen later in the day.  Perhaps she had a good meal and then slipped into her den to have the pups.

While looking for 926 I heard a meadowlark sing and found it on some snow covered sage.

And then I drove towards the south but did not make it far before it was time for a long winter’s nap.  It was still storming when I awoke and visibility was terrible so I nearly did not go south but the thing with Yellowstone is that you never know from one minute to the next and so it is best to take the chances and let things happen as they might.

I could not find the bears.  The construction zone is as horrible as ever.  And it concerns me that the park has done so little to prepare for opening.  Vault toilets have not been cleaned out, Slough Creek toilet is still closed, Slough Creek road has not been grated and it could have been open for quite some time but it remains locked, snow poles are still up – I see no evidence that the maintenance department is doing their jobs and see no evidence of strong leadership and planning in the park.  It is as if they decided to quit.

Anyway, I went on down to Madison and looked for otters but could not find them.  Did see one pika but that was it.

When I returned to Beryl Springs the bears were out and apparently I missed the good part when they were close.  But, I liked what I got!  They were on a hill, putting them at eye level.  What fun to watch these bears!

And the best part was getting to watch Beryl nurse Chubs!  The first time I was able to photograph the action or see it clearly!

We could tell that Chubs was tired after eating and trying to lead mom into the woods but she took her time.  Eventually, though, he got his way and they disappeared.  It was getting late and another storm was developing so I left.

Still could not find Mini Mom so went to Swan Lake Flat to sit awhile and listen for the sounds of wolves.  Did not hear the howling but found these birds – not sure what they are but they were fascinating to watch.

While watching them the Sandhills began yelling at me.

And that was pretty much the end of my day – it was too cold to stay out longer.

Here are a couple of shots from yesterday.  Been having some great days and it is wonderful to see Yellowstone come alive.

Bad news:  Tower road has been closed down to foot traffic so no more photographing Rosie and the cubs.  Too many people going up to see those bears – too many families with small children and no bear spray.  And, too many photographers getting way too close.  It is unfortunate but those of us who behave ourselves pay the price.