For me, taking photos is another way to connect the landscape and wildlife with our food supply. Often, they just help tell our story, but sometimes they can be beautiful too. I hope you enjoy this new collection of random images.
This big bull is on the move after a mud dusting. Buffalo roll in wallows for a few reasons: 1) to assist in removing winter coat, 2) to rid of insects and 3) they urinate in the wallow and then roll to scent themselves during the rut... a perfume of sorts. The females do it as well.
By mid June, the calves start to venture a little further away from their moms and are often found in play groups with other calves.
A yearling continues to nurse from its mother, as this year's calf has not yet been born. Typically, when a new calf is born, the mother will kick the yearling away.
A honey bee hive forms in a Cottonwood tree on the ranch. You hear the buzzing long before you ever see them.
Welcomed pollinators!
The herd on the move to the bottom ground.
Two geese swim by a well established beaver dam on our sourcing partner's ranch, the Diamond4D in Montana. Beavers play a critical role in water movement and healthy ecosystems.
Growing up and getting with the grazing. You will also notice the buffalo calves' ears, which will soon become invisible in their woolly coat as they grow.
Stock dams are throughout the ranch and this year, thankfully they still have plenty of water. All species rely on these important watering holes.
When the rut begins, the bulls get on the move, accentuating their strength. They will hash out the hierarchy early on, but will continue to fight thereafter for females. The females have a say in who they want as their mate too, if they aren't interested they will make it well known by kicking the males and moving away.
Sunrise over the Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch.
An August calf blends into the changing summer forage.
When you start to look at buffalo close up, you will notice their differences that give them their own personality. They can also look a bit like a big ol' teddy bear too. The tongue comes out when they are making their rut grunts, which sound a bit like a lion.
Burrowing Owls nest in prairie dog towns. If I spend enough time with them, they become curious and I find them to be most entertaining.
A cow and her calf head into the sunset on a hot August night.
A bull on the move during the rut, grabs mouthfuls of grass to keep his strength. It is not uncommon for a bull to lose 100 pounds or so during the breeding season
Water ripples from a buffalo bull nuzzle as the calves wait their turn to water.
A prairie vista. Home.
16 comments
Thanks again for the great photos Jill.
Very glad you have the time to dive into the photography world. Love the landscape shots but all are great. Been enjoying Ken Burn's American Buffalo documentary also. Our American history is often frustrating to endure but that's what helps with the lessons that need to be learned. Keep on Truckin' you guys. We all need you all in many ways.
Love the pictures thank you
Your photo composition is enjoyed. The work you put in to bring out the color and contrast makes it so wonderful. The sky, the grassland, the life is all there.
Jill, you have become a fine art photographer with a discerning eye.
Your photographs are always beautiful, Jill. Thank you for sharing with us.
Full of wonder, wonderful pictures! Thank you, once again, Jill.
Stay safe,
Pat
Thanks for the photos.
I see wisdom in the eyes of the buffalo.
Awesome photos of awesome subjects. Keep em coming…
Great photos, Jill! Always love seeing your photos and watching your videos. They are a real treat – make me want to be back out there.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos!
You always make my day. Thank you!
Hello O’Brien family,
Dan, you have created a real paradise, both by the reintroduction of bison and by the fauna and flora as well as by this gastronomy that you make me discover through your
BRAVO O’Brien family, especially don’t let go of anything, I know it’s your temperament.
Other people should follow your example and follow you.
Thank you, very kindly, Pascal (ALSACE-FRANCE)
Thank you so much for sharing. Beautiful photos!
Wonderful shots. Wonderful work you’re doing. Loving the meat we’ve been buying. The film recently posted (Ghosts) we’ve watchednthree times now.
Nice
Thank you for the pictures