YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

When times are slow during the winter there is always the big horn back up plan, and they do manage to keep people entertained for many hours during the day.

For myself, I will only take photos if the rams are low on the side of the hill.  But, then that is risky because I have to climb part way up to be at the right angle, and make sure that there is 25 yards between myself and all of the big horns that are coming and going.  The distance thing gets tough when you are focusing on one animal and another sneaks up behind you.  Which happens often with the big horns.  They get this look of amusement on their face, like maybe you are a toy to play with, and then start coming your way.  I believe they laugh when we go scrambling to get out of their way.  Or, when I go scrambling – a lot of folks could care less about the 25 yard rule with these guys because they don’t seem to mind us too much.  But, the rangers care and so do I.  I care to not get into trouble.

Those looks were precious.  I did go scrambling but my foot went down into a hole and I couldn’t get it loose for a second.

And so I went back to the smaller guy.

Often it is a waiting game for the rams to get their faces out from behind the tall grasses.

There are a pair of coyotes that have been hunting the big horns in this location and I am thinking that between those two and the melting snow, the sheep might not be on the attraction list for much longer.

There are still moose hanging around down by Hitching Post.  Some folks were out there photographing them this morning but the light was terrible so I decided no. And, I decided to head for home, nice and early to get some work done, since things were very, very slow.

But, I managed a couple of shots on the way home.

A coyote couple were on the north side of the road but the male went ahead and crossed, leaving the gal behind for a while.  It is their mating season and the coyotes are paired up and sticking close to one another right now.  And, we are seeing more of the, just as we are the foxes.  Though the foxes have all been alone.

One of my big thrills of winter is photographing the Bohemian Waxwings.  But, I have been looking and looking for them and unable to locate any.  Until today when I found the waxwing tree.

It was hovering right about 50 today and the snow is melting.  Melting during the day and freezing at night, making for slick roads and pullouts.  Wolf action is minimal – they saw the 6 Prospects for awhile early this morning and that was it by the time I left.

I was told that there have been bluebirds spotted at Tower.  I saw some hatching going on and also found a lone goose on the Lamar River.  And, there have been reports of a grizzly out and about.  I would say that it is safe to bet that the bears are starting to come out.

Warm weather is nice, but nice for the landscape, the wild fires, the animals and the wildflowers.  We need some wet!  I would prefer more snow and cold days.  Too early for winter to end now.

Well, until tomorrow, have a great night.

Deby

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