Good to be back in Yellowstone!

Start back to work tomorrow! I’ll be doing tours again this summer and look forward to that, but it’s been wonderful to enjoy the Park before the summer crowds. The past five days we’ve just revisited our favorite spots.  Yellowstone really is such a magical place. It doesn’t matter what critters you have a chance to see, it is always spectacular and certainly never boring.

The obligatory tourist shot!

Our first day of course was spent in the Northern Range up to Cooke City.  Got to see the new wolf pups. A few pictures, but it’s quite a distance. I have a new camera this year and have gotten some great shots, but couldn’t really make out the pups in most.

Hanging out, guarding the den waiting for the pack to return
Mom and pups on den porch

The ospreys had returned to their nest again and enjoyed watching as they were both on the nest.

Ospreys on the Lamar River Canyon

We’ve enjoyed lots of other birds as well . . .

Western Meadowlark in Lamar Canyon
Common Merganser in Lamar Valley
Northern Flicker in Madison Canyon
Mountain Bluebird in Madison Canyon
Bald Eagle on partially-frozen Yellowstone Lake
Harlequin Ducks at LeHardy’s Rapids

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One late afternoon we enjoyed watching the bison moms teaching the new reds (babies) how to swim the Lamar River.  It was amazing to watch as they started racing down the river in the current until they were able to get a foot hold. Once out of the water they’d kick up their heels and race toward the moms as if to be shouting, “I did it! Look at me!”

The pronghorn are always enjoyable to watch.

Male pronghorn showing black cheek patches

And then, of course, so special to get to observe the bears.

Baby Black Bear exploring
Black Bear mom and two cubs

And grizzly bears

Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear

I’m looking forward to a wonderful summer exploring more of this amazing place I call home for half of every year . . . Yellowstone National Park.