A lone mountain goat grazing on Mount Evans on a summer day as the it was beginning to snow. This is typical even in August above 14,000 feet amsl in the Rockies of Colorado.
Bull Moose at Maroon Lake
This bull moose was roaming Maroon Lake above Aspen Colorado. This is the location where people get the iconic images of Maroon Bells and this guy was creating excitement and some havoc with the photographers. I was definitely enjoying the scene and watching him run off some of the folks.
Take Off of a Swainson's Hawk
Traveling the 4x4 roads north of the Great Salt Lake in Utah is an adventure. You come across a plethora of wild birds and critters. I photographed this hawk who sat on a fence post watching me create some landscape photographs of the lake. When I turned my attention to him, he decided that the interest had dissipated and he was “out here”. Made for a good “exit” photograph
Bald Eagle Perched Above River
This Eagle was high above the Arkansas River in Central Colorado searching for his breakfast.
Buck Above the Denver Skyline
A group of whitetail deer were feeding on one of the promotories on North Table Mountain as we were exploring off-trail on a gorgeous January day. They heard us coming and this buck watched me taking photos before he took off down the side cliffs. It was awesome to see him so beautiful and strong in front of the skyline of downtown Denver, Colorado.
Lone Wild Mustang at Preserve
A lone mustang at the Sand Wash Wild Mustang Preserve in Northwestern Colorado. This horse was very calm and relaxed before dawn when I came across him in the preserve. He let me photograph him and even stood erect and tall when I did.
Lone Wild Mustang at Preserve
Lone Bison Grazing before Devils Tower
Devil’s Tower is a symbolic American western icon. It’s cut rock faces have lived in rock climbers dreams as well as native american folklore. This National Monument should be considered on any traveler’s list if they intend to explore the American Mountain West. It sits in Northwest Wyoming and a hiker could spend an entire day hiking around the base and nearby area. Catching the grazing bison in the early morning excited me and I really dig this photograph.
Lone Bison Grazing before Devils Tower
Bluebird on Pine Branch
When I am out exploring, I remind myself to look up periodically to change my perspective. Especially with trees around you can find fun scenes and wildlife enjoying the high life. On this day in the Colorado Front Range, I saw a small bluebird perched on a pine branch and it caught my fancy. Simple scenes draw my attention and I love how calm he was enjoying the calm Colorado late afternoon
Bluebird on Pine Branch
Moose at Maroon Lake
A moose was feeding at Maroon Lake below iconic Maroon Bells outside of Aspen Colorado on a crisp morning. He became a bit agitated and let me know that he did not want me any closer than 50 yards and I respectfully complied. No chance I was going to get into a tussle with this big boy!
Moose at Maroon Lake
Turkey on Badland's Trail
Hiking on the east side of Badlands National Park I crossed paths with this turkey. She was in no hurry and was not worried about me. So we hung out on the trail together for a bit. I really like turkeys and I am always stoked when I see them. They usually are very skittish but I guess in National Parks they are protected and more outgoing than just in the National Forest.
Turkey on Badland's Trail
Asserting Dominance
While exploring the area around Sage Creek in Badlands National Park we came across this large bull American Bison. He was a good 30+ yards from us but was showing typical signs of dominance and “I am the big boy on the block”. He was rolling in the grass and dusting up the area around him. He was grunting and dropping his head. I heeded his display and moved in the opposite direction. These guys are so interesting, massive and mesmerizing to see in the wild. I really enjoy just watching them do their thing. South Dakota has numerous wild herds and is a fantastic place to check them out. I am so very happy that we didn’t hunt them to extinction and have instead reintroduced them to the wild in our wildlife refuges and parks.
Asserting Dominance
Grazing American Bison
A very wooley American Bison grazing in Badlands National Park near Spring Creek. He was quite content eating with the birds and paid me no mind. Some other bulls were a little more put out by my presence.The American Bison is an icon of the Great Plains. At Badlands, bison roam the 64,000 acre wilderness area in the western side of the North Unit. Visitors to the park can view them, as I did,in the area containing Sage Creek Rim Road.
Grazing American Bison
Bison Bull Lounging in the Grass
A large bull relaxing in the warm sun in Badlands National Park in South Dakota. These enormous animals are amazing up close and I really appreciate the herds that have been set free in the national park.
Bison Bull Lounging in the Grass
Bighorn Sheep in Zion
Bighorn Sheep on a steep incline on the east side of Zion National Park in Utah. These sheep are a big draw for park goers and with the beautiful landscape as a background can make a great photograph. Being a Coloradan and seeing these sheep often, this landscape inspires grand visions of what these animals can climb and survive on. I love the Bighorns and am always excited to see them thrive in the wild.
Bighorn Sheep in Zion