I was out at Rocky Mountain Arsenal this morning, in hopes of shooting a bison calf that was born on Mother's Day - Awwwwww!
The light was crappy, bison far off, and I just watched them for quite a while. The herd of 23 started moving, but I couldn't get anything decent of the calf and cow. Bison are sneaky and curious, though; and before I knew it, the whole herd was very close to me (with my truck right behind me for an escape).
I made this image with a 600mm + 1.4X tele on a D300 @ 800 ISO. Shortly after, I went behind my vehicle because things were getting too close.
I thought I was done, since the herd had moved off; but I went to check on them from the east end of the enclosure. They were milling around a water tank and I made this image of the calf (from my vehicle) - now 6 days old, with mom. There are only a few with collars, and she is know as Satellite Sally. The calf appears to be a male, and will one day look like image #1, 2500 lbs and 6 feet tall!
The staff is hoping for more calves in the next week or so. The refuge is working towards a June re-opening. The cleanup will be complete and the refuge will remain open.
I have special access after >4 years of partnership & working with USFWS at RMA. I post from RMA to share this very important and special place. It won't be long before everyone has excellent access and the USFWS recognizes nature photography as one of the "big six" priority recreational activities. I hope to be posting new photo opps. in the near future.
So tell me, if it was a battle between a bull bison and a Toyota SUV, who would win?
These are great shots, Dave. Some of your best bison images yet from out there. That calf sucklling shot is amazing. Don't forget about CS3's new tag-be-gone tool.
Discussion
10 repliesThe light was crappy, bison far off, and I just watched them for quite a while. The herd of 23 started moving, but I couldn't get anything decent of the calf and cow. Bison are sneaky and curious, though; and before I knew it, the whole herd was very close to me (with my truck right behind me for an escape).
I made this image with a 600mm + 1.4X tele on a D300 @ 800 ISO. Shortly after, I went behind my vehicle because things were getting too close.
The staff is hoping for more calves in the next week or so. The refuge is working towards a June re-opening. The cleanup will be complete and the refuge will remain open.
I have special access after >4 years of partnership & working with USFWS at RMA. I post from RMA to share this very important and special place. It won't be long before everyone has excellent access and the USFWS recognizes nature photography as one of the "big six" priority recreational activities. I hope to be posting new photo opps. in the near future.
These are great shots, Dave. Some of your best bison images yet from out there. That calf sucklling shot is amazing. Don't forget about CS3's new tag-be-gone tool.
Thanks for these wonderful pics.
Living near Yellowstone, I now have a greater appreciation for these animals.