Teton and Yellowstone

I just got back yesterday from a few days out at Teton and Yellowstone. I saw a lot of wildlife, but unfortunately a lot of it was at great distances or after daylight, so the photo ops were very limited. Here are a few things I managed to get.

First is an immature Bald Eagle

and an immature Golden Eagle

The Bison rut was just underway....that was evident with this guy wallowing.

wondering if this is better in B&W? My B&W processing skills I am sure are lacking since I hardly do them...please feel free to provide much needed feedback!

and finally since the Bison rut us underway, here is one a Bison presenting his best flehmen

Another excellent collection, Kurt! Fine comps and poses on the birds, and the Bison shots are powerful.

I am liking the two bison shots, particularly the last huge bull displaying the flehmen behavior with his head tilted back. The mass on his horns is impressive, as is the huge head itself. My thought would be to decrease brightness and increase contrast.
The first bull image is nice in that the bull is in front of the dust cloud to make him stand out. The dust on his fur sure is evident in the B&W rendition.

Great stuff Kurt. Hope you had a good time.

Not too shabby for a 'limited photo op'! If i could come home with just one of these, I would be highly pleased.
The bird images are great, but esp. the bald eagle in action. For me, the wallowing bull bison is one of the best of its kind! The dust cloud gives it so much dimension and action. Catching him like this cannot be common. An outstanding capture!
The b&w conversion and toning is technically right on. However, the process brought out some extra clarity that diminishes the faded dust action that I like so much in the color version.

Thanks for the comments everyone. John, would you suggest for me to tone done the structure then on the B&W? mostly on the details behind the dust?

Love the BW bison. Wonder how it would look in sepia?

Nice set, Dan--some good poses here. I like the bison better in color--the B&W processing looks good, just dont think the subject is suited well for B&W in this case, maybe more dust might have helped with the tonal separation.

Well, you certainly took advantage of your "limited" opportunities.

I actually prefer the B&W Bison shot. I especially like the detail in the fur and how you opened up the shadows.
I'd try to do the same on the color version.
On the B&W, try some (subtle) vignetting to place even more emphasis on the dust cloud outlining the bison.

Thanks for calling me Dan Stan....to me that is a compliment and thanks for the critique. Bill thank you as well...BTW, I already dd some subtle vignetting, but it was obviously too subtle...lol

"John, would you suggest for me to tone done the structure then on the B&W? mostly on the details behind the dust?"

Good idea, Dan!
I like the increased clarity on the bison itself.