Bison Bull showing sun bleached winter coatBison Bull showing sun bleached winter coat – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It was beautiful yesterday on Antelope Island, the sun was shining plus the sky was clear and after days of rain that felt marvelous. Curlews and coyotes were calling, birds were singing from the top of bushes, pronghorn ran across the grasses and bison grazed on shoots of fresh green grass. Very soon the calving season of the bison will begin and there will be “little reds” next to the cows.

The bulls hang around this time of the year in small bachelor groups. While photographing some Long-billed Curlews I couldn’t help but notice this grazing Bison bull’s sun bleached winter coat. Soon it will shed that faded winter coat but I kind of like how the sun has lightened it and left that one dark streak on its back.

Springtime Bison bull head onSpringtime Bison bull head on – Nikon D810, f8, 1/640, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I didn’t take many photos of this bull because I was more interested in the curlews but how could I pass on taking a head on shot of him? I simply couldn’t. As much as I love (or am addicted to) photographing birds I also love all things wild and wonderful.

American Bison bull grazing on fresh grassAmerican Bison bull grazing on fresh grass – Nikon D810, f8, 1/640, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Seeing this Bison bull grazing on fresh grass isn’t an unusual occurrence for me because I see them so often on Antelope Island but I also realize that there are quite a few people who haven’t had the pleasure of seeing them in the wild like I do. They see them in zoos.

My life is good.

Mia