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