My latest trip over the summer to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming exceeded my expectations. I started coming approximately 7 years ago and every year since then I’ve had unique experiences and photo opportunities whether I’ve stayed for a day or two or up to a week at a time. Let’s just say, it hasn’t gotten boring yet! I was fortunate to see and hear large herds (cows, calves, young bulls) of elk multiple times this trip, as well as, moose, sandhill cranes, deer (fawns), and marmots.

I’d been so excited by all the heron nests easily accessible around town that I hadn’t given the eagles much thought. All that changed one morning as I heard a snap, crackle, pop and looked overhead to see a bald eagle flying through the air with his prize held tightly between his talons. Mid flight, he grasped this twig and kept on flying right over my head! I was amazed and then started wondering what would happen if he bit off more than he can chew? Has an eagle ever tried this maneuver and then been stopped midflight by a branch not breaking and tumbled ungracefully to the ground or into a tree? I’ll probably never know…it’s a bit like the question, “If a tree falls in the woods and no-one is around to see it, did it really happen?” Either way, it was a great experience!

When we came up with the plan to visit Saratoga, WY the primary goal was to get out of town, take a break, do some snowshoeing, and soak in the hot springs.  Wildlife viewing was on the table but not in any sort of expected, planned way.  I half (okay, all the way) wanted to see some moose on our drive through the Poudre Canyon and Walden (moose viewing capital of the world) on the way to Saratoga but didn’t expect to fulfill those desires.  Sadly, we didn’t see a thing except snowy, windswept landscapes that were glowing in the on and off again sun.  Unfortunately, I would have been looking straight into the wind and blinding snow with my camera, so I only have memories of this weather.