Winter in the Rearview Mirror
When it comes to winters... we are more than happy to see this one go. Here are a series of photos captured this past winter from around the ranch. We hope Jack Frost is in the rear-view mirror!
![The South Dakota Prairie in Winter](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Sunrise_over_Frosted_Gate_rs725.jpg?v=1703628398)
A view of the prairie on the Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch on the first day of winter December 21st.
![Winter Storm Moving In](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Storm_Moving_In._1K.jpg?v=1703625508)
Winters first storm moved in blocking out the sun and dropping the temperature to below zero.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Cow_w_Buff_in_Prairie_Tundra.jpg?v=1700255838)
The buffalo move over the bitter cold prairie tundra unaffected with their thick, insulated coats.
![Ice on Tumbleweed](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Ice_on_Tumbleweed_rs725.jpg?v=1703625625)
Winters crystals cling to vegetation, turning them into ice sculptures...
![Bison bull shaking off Snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Buffalo_Shaking_Snow_1K.jpg?v=1703626252)
New snow covers the buffalos coats like powdered sugared donuts.
![Bison Herd Forage through Snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Winter_Buffalo_Eating_in_Snow_1K.jpg?v=1703626750)
The bison forage through the snow for food as they have done for thousands of years.
![Snow Covered Prairie Meets the Winter sky](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Praire_Meets_Winter_Sky_rs725.jpg?v=1703628160)
The occasional brilliant blue sky gives the illusion of warmth.
![Hawk in winter hunting](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Hawk_on_WingXL_cropped_rs725.jpg?v=1703626938)
Ferruginous and other hawks soar through the skies in search of their next meal.
![Buffalo in Snowfall](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Pixie_Dust_on_Buffalo_rs725.jpg?v=1703627186)
The snowflakes catch the light, turning them into a confetti of colors as they fall.
![Coyote by Bison Herd](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Coyote_By_Buffalo_1K.jpg?v=1703627772)
A coyote moves around the edge of the heard unnoticed.
![Bison Hooves Kicking up Snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Hooves_in_snow_rs725.jpg?v=1703627854)
The buffalo move over the winter ground kicking up snow as the go.
![Bison standing in snow](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Snowy_Buffalo_Beards.jpg?v=1700255828)
The bearded ones... they "herd" it was trendy!
![Prairie plant crusted with ice against a blue sky](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Crystal_Ice_Plant_in_Blue_Sky_rs725.jpg?v=1553273927)
Despite the cold, when the prairie meets the cobalt blue sky it is breathtaking in contrast.
![Heart Rock in the Cheyenne River](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/3794/files/Rock_Heart_rs725.jpg?v=1703625109)
The icy cold Cheyenne River exposes a cold stone heart.
Photo Credit: Jill O'Brien
Thank you Jill for posting the pictures of the buffalo. We just love them, keep posting and writing.
Jill, I recommended Dan’s book to a couple of book clubs on Vashon Island, Wa. Everyone loved them and some ordered meat from you. I was treated to The delicacy when I visited my friend Carla last fall. Keep us all posted on the work you are doing for the Buffalo.
See you this summer !
Beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing them.
Thank you for posting the beautiful pictures..i can only imagaine what the buffalo look like close up..So glad spring is on its way..