Yellowstone! Big boy bison
American Bison: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — We were pulled off the road, photographing an active herd of Bison in a little dip in the hills below the road, when we turned to find this bull on the ridge behind us, and uncomfortably close. He had snuck up on as he came down off the plateau behind. The slope between us on the road and him on the ridge was steep enough so we were not worried he would come down on us…he would have to turn either left or right to find a path down to the road, and eventually did that. But not before giving us a great view. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Maine! Great Blue in Autumn Marsh
Great Blue Heron: York County, Maine, USA, October 2024 — The marsh is never so colorful as in late October when the grasses are turning, and the Great Blue Heron stands out even more. If you look closely you will see the tiny, what looks to be a Sand Eel, it just caught. The past few years the Herons have stayed right into winter. As long as they are still taking enough prey to continue to put on weight they will be with us…and that might be until the marsh freezes over. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Yellowstone! Red Dogs
American Bison: Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — Though it was very late in the season, I was surprised to find a few Red Dogs among the Bison herds. Bison calves are born with reddish brown, sometimes almost orange, coats, and are “red” for a few months after birth. Calves are generally born in April and May, so these must have been late calves. They are precocious, and are on their feet and can keep up with the herd within hours of being born. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Maine! Yellowlegs in the autumn marsh
Greater Yellowlegs: York County, Maine, October 2024 — there are still Great Blue Herons and Greater Yellowlegs hanging out in the autumn marsh along the river…not ready to go south yet. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent in great light! Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator. Assembled in FrameMagic.
Yellowstone! Mom and calf Moose
Moose: Floating Island Lake, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — breakfast time is over and the cow and calf are making tracks for the ridge and wherever they spend the day. The early autumn sun and their wet hides make them look like polished brass. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Yellowstone! Pilot and Index
While not quite in Yellowstone National Park, Pilot and Index peaks dominate the skyline near the Northeast Entrance and Silver Gate. I could not find any information on how they got their names, but they are obvious landmarks visible for miles, and I am sure were used as such by early settlers and explorers. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 75mm equivalent. Program mode. Processed in Photomator.
Yellowstone! Momma Moose
Moose: Floating Island Lake, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — Mom moose seemed to prefer the reeds under the water…perhaps because they were more tender. In this portrait the colors make or break it…the autumn tones of the reeds, the early morning sun, the reflections in the water. And it is, of course both head-and-shoulders and over-the-shoulder. 🙂 Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Maine! Copper and Crimson
Along the Bridle Path in Kennebunk, Maine. A found still-life with color contrast. The copper of the fallen oak leaf against the crimson background of forest brush. I reached out and grabbed it with the telephoto zoom. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my landscape and macro modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Yellowstone! Moose
Moose: Floating Island Lake, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — Another morning, same moose. The bull, cow, and calf were at Floating Island Lake in Yellowstone when we returned the next morning. This time the bull was more cooperative, standing side on rather than butt towards us. We had to wait until the sun moved the shadow of a tall tree off him, but then he posed nicely for us. This is not a particularly large bull, which is why, perhaps, he was riding close attendance on this cow and calf, hoping to improve his chances when she is receptive. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at 600mm and 187mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Yellowstone! Cottonwoods in color
Cottonwoods along the Lamar River in Yellowstone National Park. Nothing so yellow. Sony a6700 with Tamron 50-400 Di iii zoom at various focal lengths for framing. Program mode. Processed in Photomator.