Spring Returns with Snow
At the end of February, fences are checked and we begin to lookout for the buffalo that are across the Cheyenne River on their winter grazing grounds of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. When there are sightings of them, we will start to bring them home.
Intuitively, the bison know it's time to return to the ranch and luckily this year, it went well.
Other than a two week cold snap with a skiff of ice and snow, we hadn't had much of a winter. But... it was on its way.
We moved the herd through a series of gates before they got to their final destination.
![bison walking on the prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Moving_Buff_Run_rs_2048_c2657bf8-abef-41d8-bcc9-2ccdb8bf9ef7.jpg?v=1616254425)
They love to move and once they arrived to the designated pasture - they put their heads down and started grazing.
![bison grazing on the prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Eating_After_Gate._Crp_rs2048.jpg?v=1616254231)
Six hours later, snow was falling. We would receive and happily welcome two snow storms before the first day of spring.
![snow covered bison on the prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Buffalo_Eating_In_Snow_Grass_rs2048.jpg?v=1616254612)
Unpredictable weather patterns are common on the Great Plains - which the buffalo are well adapted for.
![snow covered buffalo laying on the prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Snow_Covered_Bull_rs2048.jpg?v=1616256130)
Winter photos can be difficult to capture, as often the buffalo are far away and getting stuck in severe weather in the middle of nowhere without cell service is not my idea of a good time. With the bison now closer to home, I set out and captured some images that I hope you enjoy.
![bison on the snow covered prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Herd_in_Snow_Storm_rs2048.jpg?v=1616254969)
On the move to a treat of grass hay.
![closeup of snow-covered buffalo](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Snow_Cover_Yearling_Hay_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255447)
Hay - I'm a buffalo - I can take the snow - no worries.
![buffalo moving through falling snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Buffalo_Catching_Snowflakes_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255842)
Catching snowflakes.
![lone buffalo covered in snow on the prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Single_Buff_in_Snow_rs2048_tif.jpg?v=1616258719)
Assessing the situation... Or, "Can you hear me now? Yes, I can... but the roaming charges are killing me."
![two bulls butting heads](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Butting_Heads_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255900)
Boys will be boys.
![buffalo walking on the snowy prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Buffalo_Pack_Running_Snow_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255593)
Dashing through the snow...
![buffalo walking through the snow with a winter calf](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Winter_Calf_Running_Crp._rs2048tif.jpg?v=1616257122)
A winter calf (very uncommon) runs to catch up to its mother after seeing me.
![young buffalo in the snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Mom_w_Winter_Calf._Crp_rs2048tif.jpg?v=1616255543)
This beautiful young buffalo paused for a photo shoot.
![snow covered buffalo on the prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Group_Snow_Run_Crp_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255375)
Bring it on.
![closeup of buffalo in the snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/2_Year_Old_Profile_Snow_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255289)
Pretty.
![antelope on the snowy prairie](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Antelope_Bucks_Crp_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255714)
Hold still now so I can take your picture....
![buffalo in the snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Family_Group_Walking_Snow_Crp_rs2048.jpg?v=1616255147)
A family group on the move.
Spring is on the horizon, with the snow mostly melted into the earth for the promise of green grass to come. Happy Spring!
Thank you so much for your newsletter, updates / and these beautiful, precious photos. I appreciate you passion and commitment!
What WONDERFUL photos, Jill! You bring the plains and buffalo to life! THANK YOU!
I love how intimate your images are – your love shows up in every one of them!