Winter in the Rear-View Mirror

26 comments

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

Winter Storm Moving InWinters 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 TumbleweedWinters crystals cling to vegetation, turning them into ice sculptures... 

Bison bull shaking off SnowNew snow covers the buffalos coats like powdered sugared donuts.

Bison Herd Forage through SnowThe bison forage through the snow for food as they have done for thousands of years. 

Snow Covered Prairie Meets the Winter skyThe occasional brilliant blue sky gives the illusion of warmth.

Hawk in winter huntingFerruginous and other hawks soar through the skies in search of their next meal. 

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

Coyote by Bison HerdA 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. 

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

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


Heart Rock in the Cheyenne RiverThe icy cold Cheyenne River exposes a cold stone heart. 


Photo Credit: Jill O'Brien

 

 

26 comments

  • Posted on by Lore Pease

    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

  • Posted on by Lore Pease

    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

  • Posted on by Mary Flaherty

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

  • Posted on by Rebecca

    What gorgeous photojournalism. Thank you for sharing!

  • Posted on by Kathy

    Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos. They took me away to another place of wonder and tranquility. I really enjoyed the captions, too. The one where you made the comment about powdered sugar donuts, when I took another look at the photo, the buffalo on the right seemed to be smiling, like me! :) You are truly blessed to be where you are. Thank you for sharing your art and your buffalo. Happy Spring!

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