Jackson (Grand Teton NP 3)

Today I devoted to seeking moose. I drove out early to the antelope flats area. Cars were already parked at the turnout and when I pulled in I could see about a dozen moose out in the sage brush. While it was nice to see a large group, they were at the far side and ultimately did not make a good photo. I took a walk down the creek and found some nice ice crystal formations, but no moose.

I went back to the turn-out and found that most of the moose had already bedded down. I decided to wait them out rather than running around. Eventually about eight of them got up. I saw a cow among the bulls, which was unusual. One of the bulls seemed to be interacting with her, but I couldn’t tell exactly what they were doing. There was also some mild sparring. But again, they were too far away for a good photo. As well, it was already midday and, although it was cloudy, there was still heat distortion in the background, ruining any photo. Others came and left while I was watching the herd. I chatted for a while with Dene and Jim. After a while, we all decided to go back to the dirt road, where I could see some cars and people. Sure enough, there were two moose there, but just as we arrived they decided it was time for their midday nap.

We decided to go together to check out another spot that had been recommended. We arrived to a gated road. Since this took us in the direction of Jackson, I suggested we try the Elk Refuge road to see if we could find some Big horn sheep. We did find a small group, mostly ewes with one young ram. We decided to return to the antelope flats area to see what the moose were up to. A large crowd had gathered on the dirt road to watch Hoback and Fremont who were hanging out close to the road. At one point there were more than a doze photographers spread out watching these two moose. One by one they started leaving until only a few of us diehards were left. They provided some nice moments, which was a good send off for me.

Over the last three days, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of photographers who frequently visit this area, as well as Montana. Everyone remarked how it was unseasonably warm and, because of that, a lot of the animals had not yet been driven down from the mountains in search of food. It has been in the 40s or even 50s by the afternoons and it has not snowed since that one freak snowstorm the last week of august. Everyone who hoped to photograph bison, elk, moose, bear, antelope etc. in the snow has been disappointed. Just another sentinel weather event in a sentinel weather year.

This is my last day in Wyoming. Tomorrow I drive west to Idaho. One state away from the west coast.