In July of 2010 I made a trip out to Simpson Springs in Tooele County, Utah hoping to find some birds to photograph in the West Desert.

Pronghorn family, West Desert, Tooele or Juab County, UtahPronghorn family – D200, f6.3, 1/750, ISO 400, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

There are a lot of wide open areas there dotted with free range cattle, wild mustangs, sagebrush, junipers and grass lands. It was pretty hot that day in the desert so heat waves rose from the long gravel road to Simpson Springs. I saw more than a few Pronghorn that I took images of.

This might be my favorite shot from that day.

A small herd of Pronghorn does crossed the road in front of me. When she stopped moving this doe stopped and turned to face me. The Pronghorn doe may have been in that same spot for nearly 5 minutes as the rest of the does grazed behind her.

Of course I couldn’t resist photographing her.

For me there is something very serene and peaceful about this west desert Pronghorn image.

It could be her doe-eyed look or her relaxed posture and the out of focus does in the background.  I can’t seem to put a finger on it but I do know that this image captivates me.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Pronghorn photos plus facts and information about this species and here to see more of my West Desert photos.