The Bighorns: Misty Mornings and Baby Moose-Part I

Summering Elk Herds

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.

A summer herd of elk is composed primarily of cows, calves, and young bulls.

This year my trip coincided with rainy, colder than normal conditions bringing moody, mystical fog to my wildlife and landscape images.

An elk herd runs across grass fields to the shelter of woodlands.

Sandhill Cranes

Normally, I appreciate close up shots of my wildlife encounters. This pair of mated sandhill cranes was no exception.

Sandhill cranes dye their feathers brown with rich iron laden soil. No one is sure why.

However, I think zooming right back out and including the ambiance of the scene makes for a more dynamic photo even if you don’t get to see the coarseness of its feathers from the dampness of the day.

Paired sandhill cranes in the fog.

Momma Moose & Baby

Later that morning, the sun started to warm the atmosphere and bring vibrancy to the scene. I happened upon this sow and calve munching away in the willows.

Don’t pass by a lone moose in a field…you never know when you might spy two little ears alongside the not so lone moose.

I plopped myself here to see if I could get some better views and shots of the pair. Eventually and many tries later, I did get a handful of photos where they weren’t blocked by branches or each other.

Moose nuzzles

Of course, I couldn’t help but focus on the baby. She was so red, soft, and fluffy looking. It was a real game of peek-a-boo,

and less than flattering but humorous photos for a while.

Finally, the baby paused from eating to look around.

As a mother myself, I felt bad not giving the mother moose, her due. It’s not always about the babies. And where would the babies be without their mother?

These last couple were some of my favorite shots of the morning. The greens were vibrant, the lighting not too strong (the sunny day was going cloudy again), and my model was cooperating.

Marmot Patrol

As I headed back to the lodge (this was my first year not camping) I ran across these three marmots on patrol. As usual, they were very curious about me and my big lens.

Stay tuned for Part II of my trip to the Bighorns this summer….