Swimming bison

Gallery: WildlifePosted February 25, 2014131 views5 comments

Took this photo of a bison swimming the Yellowstone river a few years ago. This is a little over 50% of the frame. I would have liked to get a little closer but there was no place to go if he came out of the river and chased me and with the way that big red eye was was staring at me I didn't want to take any chances. I made my shot and withdrew as he got close to shore. I have seen videos at the Yellowstone visitor center of these guys looking peaceful as a cow one minute then turning and chasing people down the next minute.

D300s 200-400/4 with TC14 and monopod
1000@f5.6 ISO 200

Thanks for looking and any comments.

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on February 25, 2014 at 11:27 PM

I don't blame you for keeping your distance Robert...especially if you have ever seen one charge someone. It is quite scary. I like the behavior in this, but IMO, the eye staring you down is really what helps to make this image stand out.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 26, 2014 at 3:22 AM

Cool image, Robert. That eye really does look intense. I never realized what good snorkels they have. Nice light and detail.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on February 27, 2014 at 6:13 PM

The glaring eye, the flared nostrils and wet horn are great components. Seeing a good bull like this submerged is unusual enough to make it an attention grabber, too!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on February 27, 2014 at 8:58 PM

Solid capture. I agree with Kurt that the eye, which shows very strongly in the larger version, really makes the shot. You were a very wise person. I've been in Yellowstone at the time of three different deaths. Two were because of bison. Never under estimate them. We are talking 40 mph over uneven terrain at full tilt. The most dangerous, in my opinion, are the three year old males who have all of the testosterone but who haven't been able to establish themselves as a dominant male.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on February 28, 2014 at 8:33 AM

Hello Robert

good details, He doesn,t look like a natural swimmer! His eye is certainly got you focused-in

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments