Over the past couple of days I have been all over the southern end of the park, east and west but excluding Old Faithful and the West Thumb.
Early mornings begin on Swan Lake Flat in hopes of catching a glimpse of the 8 Mile and the next destination is Canyon and Hayden in hopes of a glimpse at the Canyons or 755 and his lady. Wolves are elusive these days and brief, faraway glimpses is all that I get.
But, I have had some grizzly luck, though most have been far off. This grizzly walking across the hill at above Swan Lake was quite a surprise. When the wolves failed to show, I began to leave and noticed a black blob moving through the sage. The light was so low I did not think that the images would work but they did. Not great but interesting in the landscape against those magnificent mountains.
And, before I got off of Swan Lake Flat I spotted a herd of elk and decided to hang out with them for awhile. It was cloudy and the sun was having a difficult time making its way through but it managed to stretch a few rays in the direction of the herd.
I had been wanting to find a herd of elk far enough out to photograph them as a group so that people could see that we still have elk in the park. And, actually, they are everywhere.
Later in the day I was surprised to find this grizzly near the road. I can not tell you how many times I have gone looking and come up empty and that was my expectation so this was a pleasant surprise.
I was so happy to get this experience by myself. Even though I have seen and attempted to photograph her in the past the crowds and location were difficult. I don’t want what the crowds get, I want my own quiet moments. And, so, some times just go away and wait for another chance at another time.
Yesterday I rushed to Canyon to see if the wolves were on the carcass. I just missed getting shots of 755 and his lady and so waited nearly all day but came up empty. Never took a photo until heading home and there was a bull elk in the road at Mammoth. I took that one with the iPhone 6. But, I did see 4 different grizzlies on that carcass and know that one was the Hayden 4 yo male and one was his mama. The other two I could not identify. Too far for photos but for a while that carcass was all mine and it was fun to watch. Have never seen so many birds on a carcass – or it has been quite awhile since I have seen that many. Quite a number of eagles.
The weather has been wonderful and I understand we have a few more days of that before winter comes this way.
Beautiful photos, especially the Lake Butte grizzly!