MacNeil Lyons Images Picture Of The Week Page - 2008 |
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... |
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. |
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, 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. |
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! |
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! |
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. |
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. |
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 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! |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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, 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 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. |
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 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" - 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, 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, 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 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! |
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 - 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 - 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. |
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...." |
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, 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 - 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! |
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!) |
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 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! |
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, 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! |
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. |
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, 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 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, 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 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! |
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! |