Evening At Grand Prismatic Spring

photograph of the board walk around Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park

The sun hung low in the sky as I made my way toward the Grand Prismatic Spring, in Yellowstone National Park.  I liked the strong contrast of the sun reflecting off the water and the silhouettes of the mountains and other park visitors.

Resting Elk

photograph of three male elk resting in a meadow in Yellowstone National Park

These three elk bulls relax at the edge of a meadow.  With velvet still on their antlers they seem like three friends, just hang out together.  Once mating season begins their will definitely be more rivalry between them.

Grand Teton Peaks

photograph of the peaks of the Grand Teton mountains with wildflowers in the foreground

The views of the Grand Teton range are spectacular enough on their own.  Throw in a few blooming flowers in the foreground and it’s hard to imagine a better landscape opportunity.

Yellowstone Traffic Jam

photograph of a herd of bison taking up the road in Yellowstone National Park

We were traveling north from the Old Faithful area in Yellowstone National Park when we encountered three bison traffic jams in the space of about 1 mile.  The kids thought it was hilarious to watch them walking down the road, holding up traffic.  The bison took their time and would occasionally stop to look at a vehicle as if the cars were out of place.

Weekly Photo Challenge: The Golden Hour

It’s Lonely At The Top

photograph of a single tree growing at the top of a cliff

This lonely tree grows on a rock outcropping in the Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone.  I photographed it one cloudy morning but the result was even, flat lighting, leaving the photo without much of a sense of perspective.  The next day I was lucky enough to return at just the right time.  The cliff face and tree were bathed in the warm, direct morning sunlight but the opposing canyon wall and the foreground elements were still in shadow.  As a result, the subject is literally highlighted.

Banded Hairstreak

photograph of a banded hairstreak butterfly on wild flowers

This little Banded Hairstreak was busily drinking nectar when I encountered it in a forest meadow.  I didn’t seem to mind me taking photos.  In fact, it didn’t even seem to notice I was watching it.

Rat Snake Resting on a Branch

photograph of a rat snake resting on the branch of a tree

The Rat Snake is quite a capable climber.  This individual took to the trees when we met each other on a lakeside trail in Central Virginia.  It seemed to be just as happy making its way through the branches as it was winding across the forest floor.

Mason Wasp

photograph of a wasp with blue wings

When I think of the color of bees and wasps, I think of yellows, oranges, and reds.  This little Mason Wasp is black and white with beautiful blue wings.  Sadly, it flew away before I could get a another photo showing more of the wing.  From what I’ve read, they mainly feed on nectar and caterpillars.