Northern Pygmy-Owl

Tags

birding, birds, hunting, Northern Pygmy-Owl, owl, winter

I had been noticing a number of Northern Pygmy Owl sightings in Wyoming via the social media loop. Thus, I decided to head out and look for my own. I went to an area in which I had suspected this fierce, small owl may live. I had heard calls in the springtime for several years but had no luck in finding this raptor. Trudging through the deep snow, I was not seeing or hearing a single bird. I eventually turned around and headed back to the car. Sure enough, silhouetted against the skyline, sat my owl in a dead evergreen. I watched this little owl from a distance as it hunted the edge of an open meadow. I could not believe the speed in which it could fly as it changed it’s lookout. It sat at the top of an evergreen for quite some time and then disappeared deep into the forest out of sight. I was thrilled this small hunter had shown itself to me!

Kits and Puppies

Tags

Black-billed Magpie, Canis latrans, Coyote, playing, pups, Red Fox kits, sleeping, toys, Vulpes vulpes

It was a great spring and early summer for photo subjects this year. I photographed two fox dens and then happened upon three coyote pups that were holed up in a road culvert awaiting the return of their parents. Having recently adopted a pup from the local rescue, it was fun to see the similarities in the canines. Play, sleep, and eat, not necessarily in that order, are the focal points of all of their lives.

I spent more time with the fox kits being able to return on several occasions. They were shy at first but using a blind they came out of their dens to play and sleep. Always wary to the slightest noise it was imperative to be still and quiet. A slight movement in the blind would send them scurrying down the hole for an indefinite period of time. Patience was the key and a number of photographers would not have worked at either of these sites.

I had a great time watching the young as they would tussle with each other growling and biting. Stalking was another favorite as they moved between holes in the den. One would “hide” and then wait for a sibling to pass, pouncing at the last minute. Both dens had several dead rodents and old bones laying around for the kits to chew on and eat but as is typical of young canines, they became play toys.

I watched one morning as a Black-billed Magpie warily approached the entrance to the den. The den had a cottontail rabbit and several mice carcasses at the entrance. The magpie happened upon a windfall and started flying off with the mice. I watched as it flew a short distance from the den, mouse in bill; it then broke the rodent up into smaller pieces, stashed part of it, and headed back to it’s nest sight to feed it’s young.  One of the kits caught on to this as the magpie dragged the rabbit carcass downhill away from the den opening. It had been filling it’s bill with meat and carrying it away. The young fox stalked the magpie, chasing it from it’s larder. The kit then grabbed the carcass and carried it back to the den opening having to pull in reverse to get it up the hill. A great show of animal behavior.

I found the coyote pups in Southwestern Montana while on a birding expedition. I was driving down a gravel road in the evening and noticed movement in the road several hundred yards ahead of me. I stopped and glassed: a coyote pup. Slowly I approached in the car as the pup stayed put. I realized it was hanging out in a road culvert with several siblings and I stayed in my vehicle at a coyote-tolerable distance. It was a great find!  I had not been able to find a coyote den with willing subjects. There were three young pups and I do not believe this was the actual den. They were old enough to hang out by themselves and stay put while the adults hunted.

In typical puppy fashion; playing, sleeping, and eating were the order of the day. Anything was a toy including a rock and the bunches of grass along the roadside; these would be keep-away or tug-of-war toys. If one pup had an item in it’s mouth the others would try to take it away. They would tussle and run from each other. Big fun was running through the culvert to the other side of the road. Typically one of the three stayed on the road and jumped the pups coming out the other end of the culvert playing “King of the Road”.  I spent a morning and two evenings with these three youngsters and then suddenly during the last evening, they dove into the grasses, quietly called out by their parents. What fun to have watched these three play with abandon in front of my camera.

Young of the Year

Tags

Burrowing Owl, fledgling, Great Gray Owl, Great Horned Owl, Long-eared Owl, nesting, owls, sagebrush, Spring

It has been a busy but great spring, lots of rain and lots of rodents. The excessive amount of rodents has given plenty of food to a variety of predators including our local owls. A number of the nests I have been observing had larger clutches this year having been well fed on voles, ground squirrels, and cottontail rabbits. Great Horned Owls were the first to fledge with late April being the beginning of the exodus from the nest. This bird can be found nesting in a variety of habitats including cottonwood trees, cliffs, red-tailed hawk nests, and evergreen forests. A number of nests I had been observing this spring, fledged a group of four. It seemed I could not go anywhere without running into a family of these beautiful owls.Next to fledge was a family of Long-eared Owls which started setting on eggs by late March of this year. The adults fledged six little ones into the willows surrounding the nest sight making for difficult visuals for photographs, branches being everywhere. Still, with six young, at least one would be more visible than the others allowing for a somewhat clear photo. These small versions of the Great Horned Owl would watch cautiously as I moved around, not turning just their heads but there whole bodies in unison to my movements. Very fun to watch!

I also had the honor to witness and photograph a family of Great Gray Owls this spring. While walking to the nest sight I felt as though I needed to be very quiet and walk gently through the trees so as not to disturb this precious nursery. This large bird can be quite tame and come in very close, seemingly fearless of human presence. On several occasions the female flew silently just over my head to land on a low perch just above me to hunt. It was truly an awesome moment in my life. This behavior of being fearless was almost it’s demise in the early part of the previous century. A nest of three, they fledged in early June. One owlet was in the top of a “leaner” aspen, another on the ground, and the third still lingering in the nest when I left this family.

The last of my owls to fledge is the Burrowing Owl with nine young still in the natal burrow. These young are quite comical and have funny antics as they scurry around the top of the burrow awaiting dinner to be presented to them via mom or dad. They are eating a number of voles with an occasional bird brought in by the adults. Typically the male has been the hunter while the female stays close to the burrow. A transfer of the vole is then made from the male to the female with the female delivering and feeding the young. A sudden call of intruder can be made at any time by either adult which will send the little ones scurrying down the hole into the safety zone. These birds are little gems of our sagebrush areas.

There are numerous owls, adult and juvenile, in this place I call home. Summer starts tomorrow, I hope to continue to photograph a few of these owls as they mature into great hunters of this over-abundance of rodents!

Mule Deer Migration

Tags

autumn, bucks, deer herd, does, fawns, mammals, Migration, mule deer, ungulate

Mule Deer in Wyoming migrate to higher elevations in the spring and summer and head to lower elevations for the winter months secondary to snowpack levels and forage availability.  Biologists have recently discovered a portion of the mule deer herd in the Pinedale area is moving 150 miles each spring and fall, which is the longest distance taken by any of our larger mammals.  The deer tend to take a specific route, moving in larger groups during the autumn. I worked this migration for a number of mornings in a variety of locations.  Sitting in a blind, off of the main trail, and also using a remote camera, they were for the most part oblivious to my presence. I had to be incredibly quiet and at times not move at all until they decided the “camo lump” was harmless. The does were very alert and wary, ready to bolt at any suspected danger. The bucks were starting to enter their rut-minded world and would react only if the does spooked. While photographing the bucks coming through, I had to keep one eye on the lead doe and be very still if she suspected anything! This was not always easy, especially when several bucks were posturing their dominance to each other.

The deer face numerous obstacles on their migration route and I scouted out migration trails prior. I would then set up in areas in which numerous deer would filter through each morning.  I learned a lot about mule deer through all of this. Does and fawns would stick together, calling out to each other frequently, and if a fawn lost it’s mama, the bawling would begin.

On numerous occasions a fawn of the year would leave the herd and turn around crying loudly until it found it’s mother who was lagging behind the main group. This was always a bit distressing to me until I realized the two had been reunited.  One particular fawn crossed the river four times, crying very loudly in distress, until it finally headed in a southward direction.  In another moment a very, small fawn was lagging behind the group and it was touching to see the doe waiting for her little one to catch up; vocalizations between the two keeping them in touch.

 

The migration has slowed down considerably from the several hundred coming through each morning earlier in the month. I will still sit on the now snow packed ground and try to catch a few deer lagging behind. It has been a fun and exciting fall watching and photographing these large ungulates as they move through the area to their wintering grounds.

 

Spring in Wyoming

The calendar tells me spring has been going on for 6 weeks now.  If you talk to a fellow Wyomingite, they may tell you spring does not arrive until June.  If you watch the weather, you may decide spring does not arrive until June.  If you pay attention to the birds, they will tell you spring arrived sometime in early March.  I really enjoy this time of year with all of it’s frustrating weather that can put a damper on being outside and setting up a camera. This morning, May 7, it is snowing quite well outside and it is predicted to turn to rain as the day warms up.  I, of course, am hoping for a little break in the clouds in which a bit of sunshine will shine on this fresh frosting of snow.

I like to start spring with the Greater Sage Grouse strutting on their lek.  I was hindered slightly with the deep snowpack this year but I did get a chance to watch and photograph these birds on a number of mornings as they performed their annual mating dance and the antics that go with this ritual: chasing, fighting for dominance, indifferent hens, etc.  The snowpack was difficult at times but I came away with clean images without a lot of clutter in the background.  I did discover, the birds do not like strutting in a 10″ layer  of fresh snow.  I was disappointed on this particular morning, as the sun rose beautifully and the light was incredible.  All was in place for good photos except: I had no birds.  They made an attempt but then decided to go about their other daily business leaving this photographer to head home.

During this same time period I had been watching several nesting Great Horned Owls. I was determined to capture an image of a particular nest with an owlet sitting on the lip of the cavity. I have been working on this image for a number of years; my timing has always been wrong. This year I discovered the young owls were about a month ahead of where I thought they would be. I rearranged my schedule for fear of the two, young owlets fledging the nest any day. Despite the weather (the weatherman forecasted wind and cold temps), I arrived early to the site in hopes of getting a morning break from the wind. No luck! The weatherman was correct, windy and cold. I dressed warm and arrived just before sunrise. The owlets had not fledged but they were napping, I waited them out. I briefly stepped away to warm up during a large, cloud- covered moment.  When I returned, there sat a brazen, young owl on the lip of the cavity. Just what I had hoped for! I took a few distant insurance shots and then slowly moved into position. It could not have been any cuter! A photographer’s high was happening!

Spring continues on with crazy weather but it does not stop the birds.  When they decide it is time to nest, they nest. A week later, I had a morning in which the spring weather was great; calm, warm, and sunny. I took a drive to go birding and scout a number of nest sites which included a Mountain Bluebird cavity. The Mountain Bluebird pair had returned and were nest building.  The male was present but the female was returning time after time with a beak full of grass or feathers. She was diligent with her task, filling the cavity with nesting materials. I did not stay long for fear of disrupting their nest building. I look forward to their eggs hatching and photographing the constant feeding routine of both parents.

It is an exciting time of year with migration in full swing in Wyoming. I am seeing FOY (First of Year) birds almost every day, such as the lovely Lark Sparrow that did not mind a photographer coming in close for a photo. I do my best to not let the cold and wet weather keep me inside as you just have to “Get out and go for it” or you may be stuck inside for days. I was told by a wise photographer years ago that there was only one guarantee in this business: You won’t get any photos if you don’t get out and take them!  It is so true!

 

The Bobcat

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is an elusive feline that is often seen tail-end going into the bushes.  I feel fortunate to have seen a number of these medium-sized cats not to mention having had several great photo ops! These cats love the scrubby brush and trees along the river bottoms here in Wyoming. I often see tracks in the fresh snow throughout the winter and always hope to catch a glimpse. They are very stealthy and will eat a number of critters including small mammals, ducks, and carrion. They have even been known to take down much larger animals such as deer.

Recently in Yellowstone National Park, a bobcat has been seen and photographed frequently as it stalks and hunts the waterfowl along the Madison River.  We watched this awesome cat stalk it’s prey and try to blend in and hide, using the logs along the shoreline.  Like my indoor cats they are incredible athletes and very good at what they do; stalking, hiding, and catching prey!

The females have territories of approximately five square miles with no overlap within the same gender.  Males will have much larger territories and may have several females within their range.  The kittens will follow their mother around for almost a year before she sends them on their way.  On an autumn afternoon, I watched a family group slowly saunter away from me into the sagebrush; the two little ones stuck their short tails in the air and swaggered into the brushy ditch reminding me of my house cat as it rules our household. Watching these wild felines is truly awesome and having one in your viewfinder is definitely “a photographer’s high”.

Tree-climbing Coyote

As always nature never seizes to amaze me. This time it was a tree-climbing coyote! The event took place in Yellowstone National Park along the Madison River. My friends and I were along the main road attempting to photograph a coyote which was obviously searching for something?. Suddenly it heads into the trees and stands directly under a small lodgepole pine looking upward. He stands up on his hind legs and proceeds to methodically climb up the branches as though he was an agility dog climbing a ladder.  As we stood with open mouths, our guide shouts “He is after the bobcat in the top of the tree.” Sure enough behind the branches at the top of the tree sits the bobcat we had been diligently searching for and it was holding a partially eaten Common Merganser in its jaws.  We continued to watch and photograph as  the coyote climbs higher up the tree until he can reach the duck.  In a quick sudden move he grabs the merganser and pulls the bobcat, duck, and himself to the ground. He proceeds to steal the duck and consume it as the bobcat, obviously quite upset, walks away and climbs a much bigger tree (with no lower branches) to sulk and work his self-cleaning tactics.  All of this happened quite quickly with barely time to set up, focus, and snap a number of photos.  I am very aware that coyotes can be quite the opportunists, but had I not seen it with my own eyes, I may not have believed this canine would climb a tree for it’s dinner!

Wyoming Car Wash

Mule Deer Migration

Tags

mule deer

I tend to overlook our mule deer as they seem to be everywhere and yet they tend to run (for fear of their life) as soon as you stop and focus on them with or without a camera.  This year I tried my hand at finding a suitable spot to capture the local migrating herd in hopes of seeing and capturing a photo of a few large bucks.

I sat in a bag blind early on a number of cold mornings along one of their migration routes.  There was plenty of evidence that they may choose to swim the lake. This was my hope!  I saw large numbers of deer move down the lake but only a few took the plunge and swam across. There were approximately five crossing spots and no way to determine which would be the best spot to sit.   I chose a spot each morning and on several occasions I was lucky enough to have a deer swim close enough for photos.  It was not only beautiful but spectacular when it happened!  The lake is now starting to freeze over but I will continue my quest for mule deer in hopes of finding a few, large males sparring in fresh snow during early, morning light!!

Yellowstone National Park

Tags

grizzly bear

I recently visited Yellowstone for a long weekend of photography with a good friend and awesome photographer.  Yes, we ended up getting closed out with the gov’t shut down. We only lost one day but… it still was one day of photography in our first and most amazing national park. Against other adversities such as rainy weather and wind we managed to witness and photograph some incredible wildlife behavior. We started the first day with a young grizzly bear along side the road between Norris and Mammoth.  The bear fed and wandered downstream, taking his time, doing what bears do.  At one point, we took a break from the “bear jam” and ate lunch while a steady rain came down.  The bear was taking a nap.  It was a short nap and the bear started to wander again.  She stopped right in front of us to scratch her back on a thermal area sign.  No cameras ready with short lenses!! Ugh!!! We finished our lunch and continued down the road to find the bear taking another nap on a warm thermal area, sprawled out like she owned the place; well, yes she did.  This bear was great and entertained these two photographers for hours that day.  We returned to Mammoth in late afternoon to find a large, bull elk keeping the crowds away from his harem in front of the hotel.  Not unusual at this time of year but exciting to watch.  Two employees were trying desperately to keep the unsuspecting tourists from getting injured by this grand bull who had no qualms with charging a “too close” visitor, a camera flash, or a vehicle.

Day two: We headed for Lamar Valley in hopes of finding badgers, bears, or just about anything to put in front of our lenses. There was not a lot going on and the weather continued to be stormy and windy.  We enjoyed lunch in a picnic area amongst Gray and Stellar Jays, Ruffed Grouse and an American Three-toed Woodpecker who decided it was OK for us to photograph his backside.   We left before we wanted, as the wind had picked up and the sound of crashing trees was all around us.  We headed back to Mammoth and detoured towards Norris in hopes of seeing our bear.  No bear but we found a beautiful red-tailed hawk trying to dry his feathers after the persistent rainstorm.

Day 3:  This was the first day of the gov’t shutdown and we were in the park (before the gaits were barricaded) bright and early for sunrise.  We ended up at Le Hardy Rapids and had several Harlequin Ducks come close and pose for the camera.  The park was steadily quieting down with diminishing traffic. What a treat, it was hard to believe!  There was only one glitch, nobody was to get out of their car, sightsee, or photograph. We headed north towards our exit, spending a little time at the Mammoth Terrace knowing that we would probably be locked out as soon as we left the park.  And so it was true, as a tourist on the boardwalk exclaimed “Can you believe it, they closed Yellowstone National Park!!?”