Moose, Ravens, and a Crazy Sky

This has been a weird year, shocking I know. This weird though is the weather here in Jackson. It’s been unseasonably warm all summer, which I’m kinda glad we missed, but after our brief cold snap, it’s warmed up again. The fall colors are just barely starting to happen though, which I’m glad about.

The snow and cold cleared out the small amount of smoke, and we had gorgeous blue bird skies for a few days. One morning I had the pleasure of watching 6 moose. Two cow calf pairs, and a couple of small bulls. This calf is apparently a boy, because he is curious and kind of a rule breaker.

I watched him walk right up to the other moose mom, who quickly kicked at him to make him go away. He ran back to his mom, who wasn’t happy about the whole situation. She started going towards the other pair, and making it known that she did not want them around. Ears back, and verbalizing she pushed then towards the river. They quickly obliged, and crossed to the other side.

 

This image, Morning Crossing, is one of my favorites so far this year.

 

These two watched and made sure they went across.

At the same time, these two little bulls were having a tussle. I don’t know what they were on about though, as neither of these cows will breed this year.

The second mom moose decided she had had enough of these two boys, and crossed the river too.

But of course, they both followed.

Later that morning we drove north in the park to see if we could find bison. The sky was beautiful clear too, and that’s always a bonus. We found some bison hanging out with the Triangle X ranch trail ride horses.

Classic bison and Tetons photo.

The horses and the bison clearly don’t mind each other.

Horses and the Tetons is a shot I have always wanted. They never seem to be in the exact right spot though, until this day. Lucky me!

The other night we were in the north part of the park just cruising around looking for whatever. Not many people will stop and photograph ravens, but I never pass up the chance. The fall colors behind these two, just made it that much better.

Fall Raven

Sunday the smoke returned with a vengeance. The sky was bad all day, but it sure made for a terrific sunset. The sun was just going down behind the Tetons when we were headed home. Using my zoom lens I was able to capture this image were you can actually see the trees on the top. And yes, the sun was that color exactly.

I hope the fires are contained soon, I feel so bad for everyone and everything that is in the midst of that devastation. Thankfully, the air here has cleared somewhat again.

I hope everyone is staying safe, wherever you are in this crazy world right now.