YELLOWSTONE'S WILD WORLD

Sitting in Grand Teton National Park this morning, watching 399 and Snowy, way out in the sage.  Every once in awhile that cute white face stands up to look over the sage and see what is going on but, for the most part, we see 399’s back as she moves though the tall sage.

It is a cool morning, about 46 degrees, and after a rainy night we have clouds with some sun shining on the fresh wildflowers that are slowly opening and covering the landscape.  Arrow leaf, lupine, delphinium, parsley and so much more I can’t think to name right now.  And more on the way.

There was no chance for shots of the bears and I can’t get over the sinking feeling that while I was at one end of Pilgrim last night, they were at the other end.  A long stream of cars had gone by but there was no light and they were all visitors, not photographers, but, I should have known…  Because, today they are leaving Pilgrim and heading south again.

There are so many elk on Willow Flats – they just finished gathering on the south side of the road, inching their way north, hoping to cross, which the did.  One cow and young bull after another.  The mothers with young calves were more hesitant but when they decided to make a break for the road, they moved quickly with the little ones doing well to keep up.  A couple of days ago there was only one calf and today there were three for sure, but maybe four.  So, they are just now being born and the moms appear to be keeping them close.  They are a healthy herd, with several yearlings, so maybe they have figured out how to avoid the bears and the wolves.  Though, not all will escape.

Here are a few shots of the elk from a couple of nights ago.  They cross the road morning and night and so we see them close twice a day.

Bull elk making its way towards the road, past the Sandhill cranes

There will be more photos later, as I get them edited.  This young bull was one of the last to come across early in the morning.

It is so very easy to get wrapped up in finding the bears while in the Tetons, and forget about the beauty of the landscape.  I have to tear myself away to see the rest of the park.

Schwabachers Landing is always a gem, with the stunning reflection of the Tetons in the water, beavers, water fowl, moose and the possibility of more.  If nothing else it is just a good place to hand out for awhile, or to take a short hike.

Scenes from Schwabachers.  Yesterday, I was lucky enough to capture these swallows.

And these cute little ground squirrels.

And, I found a killdeer at another location.

And then there was waiting for 399 to cross the river, only to have her go behind me and all I caught on camera was her ears.  There was only a second, when we spotted each other, that would have been a great shot, but I was too startled.

And, then she stood up in Willow Flats after crossing the river.

I make it a habit to try and get by the barns during every visit, and look at new ways to photograph it.  Some times it is successful and some times not.  This I will need to see on my desktop before deciding – though it would have been nice to see more of the mountains.

And, last but not least, the Oxbow.  Beware that much of the Oxbow has been shut down this year, for wildlife management, and they are asking people to drive 25 mph in order to reduce noise that affects the wildlife.  I’m not sure what to think about all of the changes but am thinking that they have decided to put wildlife welfare ahead of visitor’s wants and needs.

The view of Jackson Lake and the Tetons from near Jackson Lake Lodge, is always stunning.

And, I am forever fascinated by the white pelicans.  Watching them gliding silently past, on the smooth waters, has the effect of making my heart jump.  Something about that large white bird on those blue waters.