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!
A view of the prairie on the Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch on the first day of winter December 21st.
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.
Winters crystals cling to vegetation, turning them into ice sculptures...
New snow covers the buffalos coats like powdered sugared donuts.
The bison forage through the snow for food as they have done for thousands of years.
The occasional brilliant blue sky gives the illusion of warmth.
Ferruginous and other hawks soar through the skies in search of their next meal.
The snowflakes catch the light, turning them into a confetti of colors as they fall.
A coyote moves around the edge of the heard unnoticed.
The buffalo move over the winter ground kicking up snow as the go.
The bearded ones... they "herd" it was trendy!
Despite the cold, when the prairie meets the cobalt blue sky it is breathtaking in contrast.
The icy cold Cheyenne River exposes a cold stone heart.
Photo Credit: Jill O'Brien
Always beautiful pictures from Jill. Thank you so much for sharing. I am excited when I see that photos are included in my emails from Wild Idea, the absolutely best tasting meat on the planet!!
The spikes of frost on the gate chilled my bones, but, as you say, a bright blue sky above a frozen prairie in incomparable. Here’s to Spring, and baby bison kicking up their heels! and continued success to you all!
Jill, these are exquisite portrayals of the herd and the plain they roam on. You capture their rugged beauty perfectly. For those of us who have been lucky enough to be up close and personal with bison…well, it sends shivers. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of what I consider a very majestic animal.
They are truly amazing and it also shows what can happen when a creatures habitat is not messed with by man. Keep up work. It is appreciated by many I’m sure!
Jill – The photos are beautiful and tell a hopeful story about the weeks ahead! The image with the coyote is fantastic! Thanks for sharing with all of us. I’ll pick up my Wild Idea order this week!