Rarely, during the past 2.5 years that I have lived in Gardiner, MT, have I taken photos in Paradise Valley, just north of Yellowstone. In fact, despite the fact that is the only route to the north and I-90, I only drive the road every 1 to 3 months. Because I hate leaving Yellowstone.
But, the other morning, when I took my car up to Livingston for repairs, Paradise Valley was alive with beauty that literally took my breath away. And, it was one of those rare times when I had no cameras with me and so could only look.
After I picked up the car this afternoon and headed back to Gardiner, I found a few things to photograph.
The mature bald eagle, front, must be a male because they are much smaller than the females. And, the immature must be one large female! She is impressive.
I took plenty of shots of the two eagles on the fence. Normally I prefer natural settings without man made items but I thought that the old barbed wire fence lent itself to the country scene.
And then I found some domestic horse – all fat and pregnant. Now I know where to find some foals to photograph.
I’m not much for domestic horses standing around eating hay or watching me but felt like the scenery and the setting sun really added to the atmosphere of the photos. They were on a hill with mountains back behind them. And, Paradise Valley has snow on the ground.
Just for the heck of it I had to take a shot of another Paradise Valley character, the Longhorn Steer!
I had a blast out there!
And, for today’s wolf report:
The Wild Ones – they are bound to show up anywhere!
This morning found the Lamar Canyons at Slough Creek on a winter kill bison carcass. They were way across the way, lounging on a hill above the carcass. All 8 present and accounted for. I watched as one pup carefully made its way downhill to the carcass, one crouching, careful step at a time, hoping for a good coyote chase. But, the coyotes were on to the pup and much quicker. Off they went and the chase was short. The pup was more interested in breakfast anyway.
A lot of folks out on Bob’s Knob watching the pack this morning. The March Winter Study (wolves) starts on Sunday and so the new crews, some familiar faces, were out for a day of training. Quite a large group, it seemed. Always love the Winter Study because we get to see some of the wolves more often and the young folks who are studying them as so very friendly and helpful.
Laurie was telling me about yesterday – guess it was an epic one and I missed it! Darn it anyway. Can’t always be out there. Twin seems to be making his stand for at least one of the Junction females. He has 3 others hanging out with him. Can’t blame him, he seems motivated to have his own pack. I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t have his own pack until this past fall when he mysteriously arrived on the scene and took up with the Prospects. I would imagine that 763 could be his brother, or a close relative. Since Twin has a black pup that he seems to keep very good track of, I am wondering if that is his pup. Which means that he could have lost his mate – maybe in the hunt? At any rate, he does want his own family and I am hoping that he and 969 get together. Although territory will be an issue now that the Junctions have re-asserted themselves back into their original territory. Oh, but wait, the Lamars are there now. Slough Creek must be prime real estate. Only time will tell.
Laurie was a little excited at the prospect of what a great pack the Junctions could be with adult males, particularly if the male yearling reappears, and the possibility of 3 litters of pups. It would be nice to see them make another comeback as they have suffered so many setbacks.
Glad that they had a good and entertaining wolf day yesterday. A lot of visitors, here for a YA class, were going on an on about all that they have seen. That makes me smile!
Next to wolves, love horses!!! Fantastic shots; love the eagles & fence!!
Looks like beauty and wildlife outside the park is just as precious. Thanks for sharing a little bit of the world outside Yellowstone. sounds like we might have a lot of wolf puppies this year.