Skip to content
Buffalo moving through a snow storm Buffalo moving through a snow storm

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

A view of the prairie on the Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch on the first day of winter December 21st.

Winter Storm Moving In

Winters first storm moved in blocking out the sun and dropping the temperature to below zero.

 

The buffalo move over the bitter cold prairie tundra unaffected with their thick, insulated coats. 

Ice on Tumbleweed

Winters crystals cling to vegetation, turning them into ice sculptures... 

Bison bull shaking off Snow

New snow covers the buffalos coats like powdered sugared donuts.

Bison Herd Forage through Snow

The bison forage through the snow for food as they have done for thousands of years. 

Snow Covered Prairie Meets the Winter sky

The occasional brilliant blue sky gives the illusion of warmth.

Hawk in winter hunting

Ferruginous and other hawks soar through the skies in search of their next meal. 

Buffalo in Snowfall

The snowflakes catch the light, turning them into a confetti of colors as they fall.

Coyote by Bison Herd

A coyote moves around the edge of the heard unnoticed. 

 

Bison Hooves Kicking up Snow


The buffalo move over the winter ground kicking up snow as the go. 

Bison standing in snow

The bearded ones... they "herd" it was trendy!

Prairie plant crusted with ice against a blue sky

Despite the cold, when the prairie meets the cobalt blue sky it is breathtaking in contrast. 


Heart Rock in the Cheyenne River

The icy cold Cheyenne River exposes a cold stone heart. 


Photo Credit: Jill O'Brien

 

 

26 comments

  • These photos are amazing!! It feels like the true life of the buffalo and the people who live with them are one — We have plans to stay this year – and experience all there is in the wide spaces you depict in the pictures. What a pleasure to envision these incredible animals roaming the hills. Thank you for making my day – Lore

    Lore Pease
  • Pictures are truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Always like your writings too.

    Mary Flaherty
  • What gorgeous photojournalism. Thank you for sharing!

    Rebecca

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published