MacNeil Lyons Images
Picture Of The Week Page - 2008
Here you will find a collection of pictures that have been posted on the home page of this website since it's inception.  

Not all of these pictures are necessarily 'marketable' images. They are more of a way for you as the guest to see new and
possibly exciting looks into what the photographer is seeing and or doing week by week.

If there are any images that you would like to know more about or possibly purchase, please do not hesitate to contact
MacNeil at
macneillyonsimages@gmail.com
Bobcat in a Bison, Madison River, YNP
January 3, 2008
On a sunny day along the Madison River, we watched a bobcat
bison died in late December and this cat decided to call it
"home" for a few days.  
The cat  fed  while we watched from just a short distance away...
Bobcat IN a Bison - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
No. 6 in Gardiner, Mont - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
No. 6 in Gardiner, Montana
posted: January 14, 2008 (actual date of image 12/30/07)
Subsisting on manicured grass lawns through winter, No. 6, a tagged
mature bull elk, grazes in my neighbor's yard.  As I was in Maryland all
this past week (without my camera) I decided to post this image, what
can be currently found lounging around our little town of Gardiner,
Montana.
A
Window Into Winter - Pebble Creek, YNP
January 21, 2008
While exploring off the beaten path, I found this unique view on to the
Winter Wonderland  known as Yellowstone.  The Northern Range of
the park not only holds the expansive Lamar Valley,  but narrow canyons
with high cliffs and natural caves that are great for exploring!
Druid Peak Wolf Pack - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Druid Peak Wolf Pack, Soda Butte Creek, YNP
January 22, 2008
The weather was only -45degrees Fahrenheit (yes, minus 45 degrees)!  
The Druid wolves had made a kill on a bull elk east of Trout Lake and were
feeding among a stand of aspen trees.  A lone gray wolf, not belonging to the
Druids, was closing in on the group looking for the attention of some female
wolves as this is the mating season for the wolf...  The beta male (#302) didn't
appreciate the new gray and proceeded to chase him away, others followed - but
we did witness two black females greet the lone gray and head off with him.  
Whether they stuck with the "Don Juan" or returned to the pack, I am not sure.
Mt Washburn Ski - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Mount Washburn Ski Trip, YNP
February 1, 2008
Following fresh wolf tracks all the way, Ashea Mills, Mike Tersek and I
asended the road past Tower Fall to Antelope Creek and beyond,
towards the summit of Mount Washburn (10,243').
Check out Mike Tersek's website:
www.yellowstoneecology.com for
up-to-date conversations and research regarding the Yellowstone area.
Move your mouse over this picture for a look at the wolf
tracks we followed!
White Out on Swan Lake Flats - Feb 02, 2008
February 7, 2008
On this morning's snow coach ride to Old Faithful area, we came upon a complete
white out situation after leaving Mammoth Hot Springs. This images shows one
snow coach and one snow buster stuck off the hard pack of the road.  
The snowmobile on the left is directing us south to the next set of snow poles - not
visable at all!!!   We made it through after 2 hours of waiting.
We wanted to get the entire Xanterra Northern Fleet of coaches across safely to
the south side of the White Out.
Mouse over the image for a view of the safe crossing to the other side!
Fox Face - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Red Fox, Yellowstone Nat'l Park
February 16, 2008
Near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, a red
fox slinked throughthe new snow.  He moved silently around
the Lodgepole pines, finding a perch above the Artist Point
parking area to curl up and rest.
Lunar Eclipse Febuary 2008 - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Eclipse of the Full Moon, Gardiner, Montana
February 20, 2008
This picture was taken in my back yard, just before total
darkness at the 8:00 p.m. (MST) indication of the full eclipse
of the moon.  The next lunar eclipse will not be until 2010.  
Wild Free Roaming Bison being harrassed by NPS Rangers
Yellowstone National Park, near Gardiner, Montana
February 25, 2008
As I was not allowed to photograph in front of the bison, as I might interfere
with the hazing operations, this was one of the few pictures I was able to take.  
inside the "protection" of the park boundaries towards a capture facility, also
located inside Yellowstone N.P.
This mixed herd of cows and calves will eventually be sent to a slaughter house
instead of returning to the wild. Just a few minutes after this picture was taken,
these free-roaming bison were confined to a holding facility, awaiting the next
step in the current bison management process.  
As of  02-26-08
760 Yellowstone bison have been sent to slaughter
this year
!
Bison Leave Yellowstone - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Bison leaving via the Roosevelt Arch,
Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, Montana
March 2, 2008
One day after the 136th birthday of Yellowstone National Park, 11
more bison were leaving the protection of the park.  This is becoming a
movement that is occuring daily - cow bison leading others on a scent trail left
by other bison - straight north towards the capture facility near Stephen's
Creek (inside the park boundaries). These free-roaming bison will most likely
be confined to a holding facility, awaiting the next step in the current bison
management process - possibly a slaughter house.  
As of  03-02-08 -
880 Yellowstone bison have been sent to
slaughter this year
!
Bighorn Rams - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
March 6, 2008
As the season begins to transition from winter to spring here in the Northern
Rocky Mountains - bighorn sheep enjoy digesting grass as they lounge in the
warmth of the morning sun.  These rams were sitting quietly along the eastern
side of the Yellowstone River, near the Roosevelt Lodge section of the
Northern Range of the park.  
Ice Volcanoes - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
March 12, 2008
As the winter season starts to subside, the melt of the cold slowly
breaks free to flowing waters.  Here on Pebble Creek, the
splashing and melting of ice created what looked to me, like "Ice
Volcanoes" - a cone shaped mound of ice with fast water
movement below (rather than hot lava).
An Uncertain Future, Gardiner, Montana
March 20, 2008 -
991 Bison Sent To Slaughter, so far...
Today alone, over 70+ bison left the protection of Yellowstone National Park by
passing through the Roosevelt Arch here in Gardiner, Mont. Yesterday it was three
groups, totaling 80 or more!  The Stephen's Creek Capture Facility was recently
emptied of its bison (sent to slaughter) to make room for more bison.  This calf (still in
orange coat) is following its herd, on the scent path of the bison that traveled before
them... Within an hour of this picture - this group of 50 were out of sight of the town -
headed north, straight to the capture facility.  
PLEASE READ THE TWO LINKS
for current information regarding bison management .
The Billings Gazette - March 18, 2008
The New West Magazine - The Voice Of The Rocky Mountains
Bison Calf - Gardiner HS Football Field - 03-20-08
Antelope Canyon & Goblin Valley, Utah
March 28, 2008
Tomorrow I travel south, to Canyon Country ("Abbey
Country")!  
I look forward to nights in warmer climates, sleeping under
the stars, camping in the back of my truck, exploring deep
balance, investigating cliff dwellings of the ancient Anasazi,
and basically, being unknown...  Keep in touch with this
website, as there will be new pictures posted upon my return
in early April.
Move your mouse over this image for a picture of Goblin
Valley State Park
1st Bison Calf of Spring 2008, Yellowstone NP
First Bison Calf, Yellowstone National Park
April 12, 2008
Along the west entrance road, between the town of West
Yellowstone, Montana and Madison Junction, I saw my first bison calf
of the year!  Many more young calves are now being seen throughout
back and quite active! These are just some of the many signs of spring
in the high northern Rocky Mountain region.
MacNeil_Lyons_Images - 5-minute old Grizzly Tracks!!!
Grizzly Bear Tracks, Yellowstone National Park
April 21, 2008
Bears are out and about throughout the park!  Big grizzlies on
the northern range have been spotted!  Bison carcasses
pulled free of the frozen Blacktail Ponds with large footprints
leading through the snow directly to it tell us a tale!!  Skiers
working their way to Lone Star Geyser found fresh grizzly
tracks along the trail, just minutes old!!!
This image was taken a few years ago. I have been strapped to
my desk working , unable to get out in the park much - so this
image will have to do for the Picture of the Week this time.
Wolf Breakfast Table - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Wolf Breakfast Table, Yellowstone National Park
April 25, 2008
On a early morning walkabout before work, I stumbled into a completely
"Yellowstone Experience".  Not far from Mammoth Hot Springs were four
wolves feeding on a recently killed elk.  Winter is still very much a part of
Yellowstone this year (a good thing!), so this seems like a winter scene.  
The Gardiner River is still low, so the fourth of the group already walked
to the other side to bed down and let the recent meal settle.
I was the only human who saw this - it was off-trail, away from the road and a
wonderful experience to see without anyone else.
Bald Eagle w 1 Chick - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Bald Eagle with Chick, Yellowstone National Park
May 5, 2008
Tis is the season for babies!  Not only are the bison
calving, but large raptors are sharing their space with
lil'ones...  This nest is one of many Bald eagle nests
spring, I have found five eagle nests in use within the
Northern Range of the park.
RedtailHawk - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Redtail Hawk, Yellowstone National Park
May 12, 2008
Winter has not left Yellowstone just yet!  Today I spotted this
Redtail hawk hunkered down in a stand of aspen while snow and
wind whipped around it.  What a day in the park!   
Grizzly Bear - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Grizzly Bear on Bison, Yellowstone National Park
May 17, 2008
What a sight!  An adult grizzly bear feeding on a bison!  Just
below the Yellowstone River Bridge near Tower Junction.  
This proved to be a safe watching place for the people and
an incredible view into raw nature.  
You can't get much more Yellowstone than this!
Abbey Country - MacNeil Lyons Images
"Abbey Country" - Arches Nat'l Park, Utah
May 25, 2008
This Canyon Country in Utah, has been given a new name in
memory of Edward Abbey.  Pick up the book,
Desert Solitaire
when you are next looking for something to read, you will not regret
it!  Lucy & I just returned from a road trip covering 1,757 miles to
Canyonlands and Arches!  
Move your mouse over this image to see
the backcountry section of the Needles District in Canyonlands
!
Grizzly Intersection - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Grizzly Intersection, Yellowstone NP, WY
May 31, 2008
This is an interesting juxtaposition.  A wild grizzly bear in a
compromising position - touching both the land and the
pavement.  On this early morning excursion to see wildlife, this
bear crossed the road directly in front of my truck.  It was
curiously smelling something in the grass and along the road
edge.  I am not sure what it was after, maybe tracking a female in
estrus who crossed the road the night before?  
At the time this image was taken, the mating season for grizzly
bears was in full swing!
Swan Lake Sunset - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Swan Lake Sunset, Yellowstone NP, WY
June 14, 2008
The winter weather has subsided and summer storms are here!  
Rain showers passed through the northern parts of the park and
when the sun set to the west - the show began!  As the clouds came
alive with color, so did the storm cell that was moving eastward.
Lightning Waterfall - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Lightning Storm, Yellowstone NP, WY
June 24, 2008
On this night, the storm worked in my favor!  13 second
exposures using a remote plunger, and many tries for the bolt to
strike in the frame was what was done.  Magical - is all I can say!
Happy 4th of July - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
This picture was taken 4th of July, 2006 with an Olympus digital
camera.  Celebrate Independence Day with a double ration of
rum, just as George Washington did for his men in 1778!!!
Lucy and I are headed to Rothbury, Michigan for a 4-day music
festival!  Check it out:
www.rothburyfestival.com
Back on July 8th with more pictures...
Dave Matthews Band - Rothbury Festival - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Dave Matthews Band - 1st Rothbury Festival
July 5, 2008 - Rothbury, Michigan
This picture was taken with our new Nikon Coolpix S600.  We were
fortunate enough to get about 50' or so off center stage for the
DMB set! The brand new Rothbury Fesival went off with out a hitch!  
It was perfect in so many ways...  4-days of music and fun.
Check back here soon for a link to more of our festival pictures!
Check the festival website:
www.rothburyfestival.com
River Otters - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
River Otters - Trout Lake, Yellowstone
July 13, 2008
On a walk around Trout Lake two otters were swimming from one side
to the other in search of cutthroat trout to feast upon.  The day
before, there were two pups with this female, but on this particular day
there was only the one. Cutthroat trout are spawning this time of year
and are an easy food source for many creatures, including the otters.
Snowshoe Hare - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
July 27, 2008
This image was taken a few weeks ago near Lake Hotel.  The
hare survived the winter quite well, changing out of its winter white
coat to summer brown and is dining this evening on the greenery of
Silvery Lupine.  
Looks as though the hare is rather sedate, doesn't it?
"Ummmm, lupine...."
Bison Stare Down - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Stare Down in Bison Town, Yellowstone Nat'l Park, WY
August, 2008
It is the time of the year for the bison mating season.  During the
month of August large herds of bison congregate both in Hayden
and Lamar Valley for "the rut".  Now more than any other month,
the bull bison are not to be tested!  Their testosterone levels are
high and they will fight at the drop of a dime!!!  
Moulton Barn - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Moulton Barn, Grand Tetons Nat'l. Park, WY
August 17, 2008
As the late months of summer move towards autumn, the snow in
the high country melts and the grasses in the valley floor dry.  
The old Mormon-built barn (Moulton Barn) was erected around
the late 1880's.  The full moon was setting to the left of the
frame and the stars were still visible before the morning sun rose
to illuminate the peaks.
Mouse over the image for a close-up
Bull Elk on the Madison River - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Bull Elk - Madison River, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park, WY
September 3, 2008
now again the season of the elk rut, but as my schedule has been full
with matters beyond photography, I have not been able to capture
any of the 'action' this year...  Stay tuned for new images soon!
Moose - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
September 11, 2008
As this date marks the end of wildfires in Yellowstone during the
summer of 1988, I thought it fitting to show one of the wild animals
that is making a comeback in the park with the 20-year regrowth of
forested areas.  On this day, I saw 4 moose within just one-mile of
roadway.  Moose are estimated to be about 300 within
Yellowstone National Park. On this date in 1988, one-quarter inch
of snow finally supressed the flames that burned 36% of the park!
(Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!)
Blacktail Pond Reflections
Window of the Earth, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park, WY
September 18, 2008
Aspens are changing color, the elk mating season is in full swing and the
park is beautiful!  On this particular morning, the water was still on ponds
and the reflection was perfect and eye-catching.  
I enjoyed the look at a small view of the park in the reflection of the water.
Blacktail Ponds Reflection - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Blacktail Reflections, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park, WY
September 19, 2008
Aspens are changing color, the elk mating season is in full
swing and the park is beautiful! As I will be away from
Gardiner for a week, teaching out of the Yellowstone Lake
area - this will be the image of the "week" for a few days...  
Check back after Sept. 27th for a new look at Yellowstone!
Mary Bay Grizzly - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Hyperphagia Phase, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park, WY
September 26, 2008
It is time for bears to bulk up for the long winter that's soon to come.  
This very healthy grizzly bear (400+lbs) was working his way across
Mary Bay on the north shore of Yellowstone Lake.. As the Whitebark
pine crop is not great this year, bears are lower in elevation searching
for other sources of food before the denning time.
Line o' Rams - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Line o' Rams, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park, WY
October 11, 2008
Nearing the mating season of Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep,
larger groups of rams can be seen together.  14 total forage in a
line, three younger rams try to work in amongst the bigger boys.
In a few weeks the sound of "cracking horns" will echo along
Yellowstone's northern range.
Mouse over the image to see it from another angle!
Twin Lake Grizzly Bear - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
October 22, 2008
This bear found and claimed a bull elk at North Twin Lake.  Wolves
were on the scene earlier, but on this cold morning the bear was busy
keeping the ravens off his food.  Take a close look at his left paw - it is
missing the middle claw!  Broken from some interesting moment in his
long life... He was a large grizzly bear, and I am sure a very happy bear to
have a full belly before his long sleep in the den.
Winter Sets on Swan Lake, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park, WY
November 7, 2008
This image was taken about a year ago while attending a
photography seminar with David Muench.  I decided to
place this as the 'picture of the week' due to the fact that
I have been busy with my day job or
re-certifying as a Wilderness First Responder, unable to
get out and shoot.
I appreciate the similarities in this original composition -
circular shapes in the clouds as well as in the water.  
Notice the natural shape of a swan in the clouds!  
Tomorrow Lucy and I leave for the U.S. Virgin Islands &
the Eastern Shore of Maryland - so more pictures upon
our return!  
Stay tuned, but don't expect any updates until December
6th.  
Winter Swan Cloud - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Cinnamon Bay Sunset - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
November 11, 2008
The flower name is White Frangipani. It blooms here in the light
of the setting sun on the north side of the island of St. John in
the US Virgin Islands. Fungi Passage and Whistling Cay are in
the background.  This area of the island is just a small part of the
bigger Virgin Islands National Park.
Customs House & Kayak - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Customs House & Kayak, US Virgin Islands
November 14, 2008
The now deserted island of Whistling Cay is visited mostly by
people who want to be under the water.  A short 1 mile kayak
from Cinnamon Bay on St. John will allow spectacular diving and
snorkeling opportunities!  Watch out for the barracuda... This
stone built Customs House dates back to the mid-1700's.
Redfooted Land Touroise - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Redfooted Land Tortoise Race, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
December 5, 2008
In the rain forest of St. Croix, we found a
wonderful hideaway to camp
for a few nights...  In an old 1841 school house ruin, we discovered some
land tortoises. Eager for attention, these two
"raced" to get to us!  
These two are part of a successful 20-yr. captive breeding program.
Click here to see more "weekly pics" from the U.S. Virgin Islands
In a week or so I should have a few more images from the islands that will
be found under the
Wafaring Images Section of this website.
Mountain Cottontail - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Mountain Cottontail, Gardiner, Montana
December 15, 2008
As the Montana mercury drops into the negative, all
creatures, great and small take a moment to conserve much
needed energy.  This morning the temperature was -14
degrees here in Gardiner. This small Mountain Cottontail
is the western counterpart of the Eastern Cottontail. This
could be one of two that we see regulary in our yard, on the
edge of Yellowstone.
Winter Solstice Grizzly - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Winter Solstice Grizzly Bear, Yellowstone Nat'l Park, WY
December 21, 2008
We woke before dawn in Gardiner to drive the Northern Range of
Yellowstone.  The temperature was -6 F or more, while we watched
this grizzly eat on a cow elk, killed by wolves.  Bears should be
hibernating by now, but this big boy was content in the cold with his
food.  He was yawning & stretching often between his naps.
Move your mouse over the image for another view of this bear.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Lone Star Geyser Snow - Copyright MacNeil Lyons Images
Christmas Storm, Yellowstone Nat'l Park, WY
December 28, 2008
The image of snow at Lone Star Geyser was taken on
December 26th.  We certainly had a white Christmas this year
in Yellowstone!  
About 17" of new snow fell at Old Faithful during this storm.  
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next update will be after January 4th as I will be out of
town for a few days celebrating the new year in Las Vegas &
Death Valley.
Stay tuned for exciting new images and changes to this
website!
Happy Holidays Everyone!