Coyotes in Wildflowers

While exploring areas in Wyoming not quite two years ago I came across this coyote somewhere between the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone and Cody. The coyote was having a grand time amongst the wildflowers. He would lay low and then jump as if capturing a small rodent. Never saw him catch anything, but it looked like he was having fun anyway. It seemed so "playful." Then he just lay in the wildflowers even closing his eyes at times. I watched and photographed for a good 20 minutes. I don't remember him ever looking at me during that time. He was so content to "hunt" and "play" and "contemplate" life's beauty he didn't have time for me. But, unfortunately by that time other people had arrived which must have distracted him.  He began looking at all the "spectators" as if to say "I was here first."  I think he wanted to play by himself, so he decided to find another playground and off he went, looking back occasionally to make sure he wasn't being followed (bottom photo).

Pronghorn in Wildflowers

Continuing with Wildlife and wildflowers, the top photo was taken at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Arizona. Obviously, the Pronghorn were aware of my presence. I tried not to move around too much. Eventually, I got too close and they took off running. The bottom photo I have shown you before. It was taken in Southwestern Wyoming. The wonderful wildflower color in the background make this one of my favorite photos. But, I must also say that the Pronghorn here looks magnificent, even regal, in his beautiful coat.

Grizzy & Moose in Wildflowers

Lighting is always tricky for the wildlife photographer. The Grizzly Bear in wildflowers (top photo) ended up a bit overexposed. He was in direct sunlight. I didn't have time to get into a better position. I don't like running to get to a better angle -- especially, when I am photographing bears. Fast movements tend to cause bears to change what they are doing -- i.e. fight or flight. Anyway, so the wildflowers aren't really showing their colors in that photo. In the case of the Moose (in the bottom photo) the wildflowers are in the background and so don't stand out quite as well because their colors are more muted. I like both photos because both the grizzly and the moose have turned their heads to look at me. Just wish the colors came out better.

Elk, Bison, Bear in Wildflowers

It would seem that wild animals love wildflowers as much  -- maybe more -- than we do. The top photo is a large bull elk who was enjoying everything about them. The photo was taken in Yellowstone, just south of Canyon Village. The middle photo of the bison stripping the wildflowers from their stalk was taken in Hayden Valley. The bottom photo of the young black bear was taken just north of Tower Fall.  When I go to Yellowstone I spend most of my time in the east part of the park. The west side has more geysers -- the east side more wildlife. The mountainous area between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Village is particularly productive for bear and bighorn sheep. Lamar Valley which is east of Tower Roosevelt is great for bison, pronghorn, and wolves. And the area between Canyon Village and Fishing bridge (Hayden Valley along the Yellowstone River) is great for bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and waterbirds like white pelicans. I have come across moose in areas just north and south of Tower Roosevelt. What time I do spend on the west side of the park is all between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris where I have also found moose and grizzly bears. But south of Norris through Old Faithful to West Thumb I try to avoid. It's not that the geysers aren't worth visiting. I have done that, though. And, I have one or two of the 675 billion photos that have been taken of Old Faithful over the years. It's probably a matter of what interests you the most. For me, it is wildlife.

Wildlife & Wildflowers

Capturing wildlife in and amongst the wildflowers is a special treat. Obviously, there are only certain times of the year when this is possible. And, you need to be in areas where wildflowers are, and wildlife is possible -- if not likely. That makes Yellowstone National Park a prime location. The Mule Deer Buck above was taken at Yellowstone in July, which is when the wildflowers begin to arrive there (higher the elevation the later the wildflower season.) This photo was taken near Mount Washburn just north of Dunraven Pass.

Mexican Poppies are Everywhere

One of the common sights this time of year -- especially if there have been "winter" rains is Mexican Poppies. They grow along the sides of the roads, in and around trees, and in open fields. I really haven't figured out how to capture both their beauty and the number of them -- at the same time. You need a nice macro lens to get a close up of the detail. But, you need a wide angle lens with a large depth of focus to get their numbers. Nevertheless, they present a wonderful opportunity for photos by anyone with a camera.

Mount Lemmon Wildflowers

Yesterday, I drove up the first 10 miles to Mount Lemmon, camera in hand and ready to shot. I should say that the wildflowers begin immediately out our driveway. All along Catalina Highway to the base of Mount Lemmon are Globe Mallow. Then as you start to climb, many other wildflowers appear. Then, after about 10 miles all the wildflowers disappear. At this point you get to about 5,000 feet and I suspect  still too cold. If you keep going to the top of Mt. Lemmon (9,500 feet) you'll be photographing snow. But the first ten miles were incredible. All along the way were brilliant red, purple, white, orange, and yellow wildflowers.  The top photo shows Desert Chicory (the white flowers) with Sky Pilot (the purple flowers). The middle photo has Desert Chicory with Fairy Duster (the reddish flowers). And, the bottom photo has Fairy Dusters, Desert Chicory, Sky Pilot, and Mexican Poppies (the yellow flowers). Not bad for an hour's drive.