It was nice. Colton fell asleep before we even made it out the drive and Chad and I lost ourselves in meaningless conversation and singing to the Jackson Hole radio station (which is primarily country and pop). Bring on the Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood!
Our first drive of the day was out behind the National Elk Refugee, located in the town of Jackson. As we drove out onto the snow packed road we saw what many tourists miss and some locals take for granted, the big horn sheep. They make climbing all over steep, rocky, snow-covered slopes look easy. We saw baby sheep, papa sheep and probably some mamas, too, but I could barely tell the difference as they were 150 yrds away. I did get some really great shots even though it was overcast out. However, I had to lean over Chad to get them since the sheep were all on his side of the drive, even on the way back!
These were about 100 yrds away, but that is what zoom is for on my Canon PowerShot Camera...
These 3 blend in a little too well, almost, with the snow and shrubs.
Right before we left the sheep sighting, I yelled at Chad to stop. It was more like a squeal, but either way he gave me this look and then stopped. I had spotted what I thought was a wolf, but then after zooming in realized it was a coyote. He laughed at me and then made fun at the fact that I am a park ranger and should know the difference. Hey, when they are 200 yrds away even an animal specialist wouldn't be able to tell the difference, at least that is what I am telling myself!
He was looking down at what his next meal would be...
We finally left the Elk Refugee. (I didn't take any pictures of the elk because I have so many already. Yet, since it isn't all about what I have seen, maybe I will do a blog on them and the sleigh ride you can take here in Jackson out to see all the beautiful elk). Anyways, we left and headed north, towards Grand Teton National Park. I really wanted to take some pictures of The Grand (that is the tallest peak in the park), but it was still partially overcast. As driving north I freaked out and yelled, yes this time I really yelled, at Chad to turn around. He gave me "that look" and then said never again would he turn around for a dumb animal shot, but he took back his words and said sorry once he realized why I wanted him to turn around.
It was something you would see on the Discovery Channel or in a magazine. Something one could only dream of seeing and trying to get close enough to take a picture. It was absolutely breathtaking and something I had never imagined in all my life being able to catch a glimpse of, let alone take a magnificent picture...a bald eagle, the biggest one I had ever seen, eating on a deer carcass.
While it may sound gross, it is everything but gross. It is beautiful. Magnificent. Astounding. Breathtaking. Just GRAND!
He then looked up and gave me a glare...
Profile look...beautiful, just beautiful...
After about 20 minutes of staring at the most awesome wildlife sighting ever, we traveled further north for more pictures, of the Tetons and wildlife, but due to the cloud coverage and snow beginning to fall we didn't see anymore, except for on the way home I spotted another "wolf"..."It's a coyote, Ashley, a coyote". He was looking down at a herd of deer picking out the weak one of the bunch for dinner. Good hunting little coyote, good hunting.
Our day of Subaru Wildlife trekking was incredible and finally over after the little one started whimpering. I think he was sad he didn't get to actually see any wildlife himself, but one day soon he will be able to...in Jackson, the Tetons, Zion and various other National Parks!
Have fun today spotting your own wildlife and just remember, don't take for granted the little things, like little bambi that crosses the road in front of your minivan, or the chubby red squirrel who drives the puppy dogs crazy!
Glad you're loving the wild life of a mommy!
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