Photography is like golf, or any sport or hobby for that matter. You know, when you get that really great drive, perfect putt, or if you’re so lucky the coveted hole-in-one. It’s euphoric, and keeps you coming back for more.
That’s how I feel when I get that great shot. We go out every time it snows, looking for animals, hoping for that great encounter to capture.
With over 2′ of snow, we were hopeful that the ‘day after’ would bring the animals out foraging for food. We even saw a fleeting bobcat, but alas, didn’t get a photo. Darn!
But we did manage to see elk and deer. It makes me want to go out again! Bring on more snow.
We were lucky enough to see this beautiful herd of big horn sheep as we left Alstrom Point. We saw the herd in the distance, so drove ahead of them, and I walked out behind a rock to see if I could sneak up on them. I’m not sure who was more surprised when we saw each other as I crotched down from behind a ridge – me or them. It was a fantastic moment.
Coyote
Admittedly, I am not a big fan of coyote. They are scavengers and corral & hunt my precious deer and elk. So I’m just as happy not to see any. But I did this year, and got a decent photo that makes the cut.
Kit Fox
We don’t see many fox, so I was thrilled when we saw this pup this year. So cool!
Deer Fawn
All babies are cute, especially the 4 legged animal variety!
Javelina
Speaking of babies… it was super cute to get so see this affectionate family of javelina with new born babe.
Elk baby
And elk baby, or calf.
Elk bull
The next best thing to new animals (at least for us), or baby animals, are those big boys… elk bulls
Deer Buck
and bucks…
The cuter and better expression, the better!
Chipmunk
I got a ton of chipmunk pix this year, they were just too darn cute.
Deer Doe and fawn
And finally, pretty much any animal in the snow. Just wish we had more of it!
While I love when we see any animals, the most coveted are the most unique and least often seen. Big animals, boys (bucks and bulls), and babies bring the most attention due to their illusiveness.
Aside from that, gestures and action, garner more interest, like this floppy eared buck.
I try to capture their personality and individualism in their environment to share.
These animals are here and gone, so it’s important to me to make their moment shine. I keep telling ’em, smile pretty for the camera – sometimes they actually listen.
This last storm met the predictions of the weathermen who projected 2′ of snow.
With it, brought animals looking for food.
It was great fun to see this little baby deer enjoying it’s first snow. It reminded me of Journey when we get snow, as she runs around and loves to ‘snorkel’ in it.
There is something so pristine and beautiful about the new fallen snow… apparently the animals think so too.
I suppose the cold white stuff is a novelty for them, something they don’t see often… so it’s new, fun, and refreshing as they walk through the cool stuff. Like a new toy, it’s invigorating and exciting. Whatever it is… it’s a pleasure to see happiness at any time or place. Bring it on.
Now that our snow is all melted, and soaking into our forest… it’s time for some more. We are forecast to get snow for the next 3 days. Never knowing quite what to expect, irregardless of the forecasts, we prepare ourselves for what might come.
While some might stock up on groceries, gasoline for vehicles or generators, or perhaps ready the snowplows…. we see it as an opportunity to see if we can catch some animals in transit.
Animals can sense when a storm is afoot better than any Harvard grad. They tend to move around during a storm… so we set out to see if we could catch some animals.
Unfortunately, it was pretty slim pickin’s out there. But it made for a fun morning outing nonetheless. Bring on the snow.
We have been getting some much needed snow fall this week… just in time for Christmas. It’s hasn’t amounted to much accumulation, but we’ll take what we can get.
The snow has brought in this pair of twin bucks, who are just, pardon the pun, endeering.
They have brought a smaller little buck with them, and they seem to be hanging out together in their own little pack.
The little one has smaller antlers, but is definitely a new buck… and just as cute.
He seemed to be enjoying his first snow and the wonder of this cool white stuff dropping from the sky.
If you remember a post I did a little while back about Pat’s Fawn (https://kritterspix.com/2018/09/17/pats-fawn/), we’ve been fortunate enough to see it a few times and kinda watch it grow up, which has been a real joy. It’s starting to loose it’s spots.
But it’s still playful and skittish… and wonderfully fun to watch. Mom still dotes on her… except, apparently it’s a him.
I caught a glimpse of a little bump on his head where his antlers will be soon.
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