One of the best things about living in Bozeman is being bale to go down to Yellowstone whenever the desire arrives. For those that have been there, the desire to be there is almost all the time. This past Saturday I was down for the first time this Spring, which was very exciting. Over the last few years I have always left during the Spring and am unable to get to the park. Well this year I will probably be spending a lot of time there cuz the critters and the landscape are just spectacular.
Since it is still May the whole road and many of the areas covered in snow aren’t open, some places are open. I was down in the North End of the park and didn’t know what to expect as far as who would be around. The Sheep weren’t out which isn’t surprising too warm already, but a number of other fellows were, including the people. This Elk created quite a stir which was funny because all he wanted to do was eat in the shade. That didn’t stop the line of cars to pile up on the corner. Having spent a lot of time down in the park, I know it’s always better to be further back then next to the crowds. With the 200-400 and 1.7, it was a breeze. Only trick was waiting for him to poke his head up. He didn’t….
On down the road at one of the great ponds on the way to Lamar, were bird watchers. It’s not often I stop in the park for ducks, they just never seem to cooperate. Well this one pond had a number of American Coots, Eared Grebes, and even a couple of Rudy Ducks. The Grebes were kind of funny. They stayed in this group and bobbed back and forth as the wind carried them across the pond. I love how they kept their beaks in the whole time they fought the wind.
It just wouldn’t be a normal day in the park without a Bison shot. They just sum up the American West in my mind. Having good like doesn’t hurt that portrayal either.
In the Camera Bag:
Nikon D3, 200-400 VR, 600f4, TC-17e, TC-20e, GP-1 with cable, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film