YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

Those of us who are photographing wildlife in Yellowstone this winter are quite embarrassed by our small bull moose and so only photograph the guys when we are hard up for photo subjects.

That is because we have spent time in the Tetons with real moose.

But, I have to admit that our guys are pretty entertaining and a couple of times this winter I have gotten a kick out of watching them and taking their photos.  Mostly because I completely believe that the Soda Butte crew is playing with us.

A few mornings this year we have found the moose very close to the road.  They look like they are going to make a run from us but then take a second look and decide to put on a show.  A roadside show.  Now, there is nothing more entertaining than watching the moose lock horns and drag each other around on a crispy frozen morning when you feel like your fingers will simply snap off, but it would be nice if there was a little sunlight.

As you can see, the moose are making sure that I am watching them as they do their little dance.

And then they parade on by.  Look at me, aren’t I hot?  I indulge them with a few clicks from my camera.

Crowds are gathering now.  People running down the icy road on a frozen morning carrying their cameras.  Me, I haven’t put on my ski pants and jacket yet and am no fool – I just stop in the road beside them and get a few shots.  The last morning we got this show it was minus 13 and while everyone was out of their cars to photograph them, my fingers were killing me while shooting from my car.  My hands don’t have much circulation due to injuries and so cold days can be brutal.  Besides, remember, I am no fool.

Well, the time comes when there is too much traffic and I must pull in to the pullout and dress warmly, but by then it is a couple of degrees above the 2 we started out with.

I elect not to walk down the road because by now the moose have figured out the game of hide go seek, where they disappear from view behind a hill and then will step out to be seen every now and then.  I have a perfect view of all four, but it is about 250 yards away. Which is fine with me because I am placing more emphasis on atmospheric wildlife images.

Well, the moment we have all been waiting for is quickly approaching.  The lights are about to turn on and every photographer has a dream of a bull moose in early morning light.  Except that I already know the next move of the moose and so turn my attention to the bison behind me.

As the light began filtering in the moose immediately began hightailing it for the willows.  Happens every time.  They play and show off until the sun shines and then go to hide.

The morning show was over.

Today in Yellowstone was much warmer – 33 degrees and snowing heavily.  But, the snow soon turned to slush as the day stayed warm.  We began with fog and clouds and ended with a beautiful partly cloudy warm day.  The moose were actually near the road most of the day in the willows between Footbridge and Hitching Post.

First thing the Junctions were at Crystal but went out of sight.  They partied the night away.  The Lamars were at the Confluence, bedded down.  Weird place for them to hang but at least they were in sight.  Twice now that they have stayed in view all day.  They eventually moved off aways and slept on a bench.  Just as I was leaving this afternoon they began getting up to stretch.  Should have stayed to watch but was hoping to capture something in the night light, closer than 1000 yards away.  No luck but one can hope.  Rick said no signals on the Prospects.

Crews found two dead wolves in the Hell Roaring area today, killed by the Prospects.  Watchers saw one get killed and the other chased. Amazing that they got to see that with all of the territory in Yellowstone.  Remember, last year on Feb 1 or 2 we saw 763 mate with the two sisters.  Boy do I wonder where Third Sister is.

Ermine are busy from Lamar up to the NE Entrance.  Time and patience can pay off.  I got # 3 today.

See you tomorrow.

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