simon_allenby

Bob,

Not discounting the post by Johnny, Wyoming does have some fantastic photographic possibilities/opportunities and he is truely fortunate to reside where he does. However, Yellowstone, Tetons and I might add Glacier (not an unrealistic drive from Yellowstone) offer tremendous photographic opportunities, particularly for someone with a limited time frame, in fact there are few places anywhere which offer both the diversity and number of opportunities in a relatively small area. Your original question delt with Spring versus Fall, this question may be best answered by asking the question what subjects and types of images you are looking for, the answer will determine which season is best for you. If your concern is the number of people, as stated in my above post, I believe there is not a lot of difference between the two times. However I have found there are still many parts of Yellowstone which are relatively uncrowded ie. the old stage coach road and the road out to Gardiner cemetery (old Gardiner Livingstone road) to name a few, and if you are willing to hike the list is almost endless (99.9% of visitors stay within 100 yds of the road). You indicate you have made several trips to Yellowstone in the Fall, I am fairly certain you will not be disapointed by a Spring trip. Incidently something I suggest adding to your itinerary, regardless of fall or spring, would be a side trip to the Bear Tooth easily accessed from the northeast corner of the park. If I can add or provide any further advice please feel free to contact me.

Regards --- Simon

Bob,

For the last eight plus years I have been fortunate to visit Yellostone in both the spring (usually the visit duration is from mid May to the second week of June) and the fall (mid September to mid October). Though I have no personal preference, depending on your photographic interests, both times offer outstanding photo opportunities. The number of visitors seems to be about equal between spring and fall, and as you may expect the crowd grows each year. Though the number of people in the Park is probably about the same between spring and fall, with Dunraven pass not usually opening until late May or early June (dependant on funding for plowing and the amount of snow fall) tends to isolate the North east corner i.e. Lamar Valley. For this reason in the spring I stay in Gardiner (if you have an interest I can provide you with an introduction to an exceptional place to stay).

For me autumn usually revolves around photographing the rut or fall color, spring around new borns, bears, spring flowers.

From my prospective the benefits of a spring visit are as follows:

1) .Calving -- obviously each year has slight variances but I have found the following dates to be a reasonable guideline -- averages taken from my past notes (this year looks to be early):

a) Elk calving begins around May 22

b) Bison early May

c) Pronghorn June 3

d) Bighorn Sheep May 27

e) Moose June 5

2).Bears -- large snow pack, winter kills, and elk calving keeps grizzly population at lower elevations and thus easier to spot and photograph (my best sucess has been in Lamar valley and Hayden valley). Generally the pelts are in good condition.

3).Wolves -- as adults are collared I don't find them to be a good photographic subject. However, last year the rose creek packs den was visible from the road (Lamar valley) and I was able to get some good photographs of the five pups.

4).Birds

a) Osprey -- good opportunities in the canyon for soaring birds, nests. Over the last several years have photographed a particular nest site which has provided shots of adult chick feeding, and fledging.

b) Trumpter Swans -- seem to always be viewable on the Madison river.

c) Great Gray Owls -- have done very well with these subjects though they can be hard to spot.

d) Sandhill Crane -- not a large population but good photo opportunities exist.

e) Pelican -- lots of opportunity particularly on the Yellowstone river and at Oxbow (Teton).

5).Herbivores -- the coat condition (poor/shedding) of most of these adult subjects requires you to be creative i.e. silhouettes etc.

6).Flowers -- if interested I can send you a detailed listing of times and locations which I have found to be sucessful -- as it will be rather lengthy did not want to bore readers by including it here.

I highly recommend a spring visit. Please contact me directly if I can be of any help.

Regards -- Simon

Although, I both enjoy and have taken some of my best images during the winter months, I have also found dealing with the associated cold temperatures to be challenging. In particular I have yet to find a glove which both provides adequate warmth and the sensitivity of touch necessary in operating a camera. Ideally I am looking for a glove which will perform between 15 to zero degrees and allow me to reasonably operate, i.e. change film, make setting changes, pan, focus, fire, etc., a camera (in my case a Nikon F5 with relatively small buttons). To date I have tried the following with less than terrific result: 1) Lowepro photo gloves -- adequate sensitivity but lacking in cold temps. 2) Fingerless (right thumb and index finger) great sensitivity but the exposed fingers freeze. 3) Polartec 200 and 300 gloves good warmth but limited sense of touch. 4) Mitten type gloves where in the part covering the fingers fold back - bulky and the exposed fingers freeze 5) Layering two gloves the Lowepro (inside) with Polartec 200 which the right thumb and finger have been cut off -- this has been the most effective so far.

On the suggestion of a friend I am going to try gloves which incorporate a chemical warming package, as I have yet to try them can't comment on how well they work.

I would appreciate both your suggestions and input.

Regards -- Simon

Lumping all zoos in the same catagory as abusers of their wards is particularly dangerous. Having no direct personal knowledge of other institutions I will not comment on their situation. However I am very familiar with the program at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo and feel very comfortable defending its program. In addition to a great job of public awareness and education through its seminars, programs and the like, the raptor recovery program has been responsible for rereleasing in excess of seventy (70) bald eagles to the wild. Those birds entering the center which cannot be rereleased because of limitations which preclude their living in the wild are sometimes used in public education programs. Their keepers/handlers are extremely knowledgable and conscience and do an outstanding job. Both "Montana" and the bird photographed by Marc are part of this public education program, neither are releasable to the wild nor are they suffering any physical pain. There are some who may argue that this being the case they should be summarily euthanised. However I feel strongly that with greater public knowledge in part provided by these birds in educational programs that the birds in the wild are better served for the future.

My favorite would be the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Operated by the B.C. Waterfowl Society, this approx. 850 acre refuge is located six miles west of Ladner on Westham Island. At the mouth of the Fraser River, this estuarine marsh site supports Canada's largest wintering population of waterfowl. Shore-birds start arriving in mid-August, followed by mallard and pintail ducks. During the months of September and October the numbers and varieties of birds increase, reaching a peak in early November. Of particular interest, at least to me, are the incredible concentrations of snow geese. Additionally there are many photo opportunities for a great variety of birds, over 230 species either reside or visit during the year. The refuge is well maintained and includes blinds and pathways. Let me know if you require further info.

 

<p>

 

Regards --- Simon

I have found the Wyoming Handbook By Don Pitcher (Moon Publications) to be helpful. Contains reviews, pricing, phone numbers etc., of available accomodation by town location. From this source you should be able to determine what meets your criteria. In addition it also contains much other useful information. If you don't want to purchase the book ($13) it should be available at your local library. My personal preferance is to stay at the Yellowstone Village Inn located in Gardiner during the spring (primarily as Dunn Raven pass is closed at that time), and at Al's Westward Ho Motel in West Yellowstone in the fall. If you want any further info please feel free to contact me directly. Regards --- Simon

Though a clear cut distinction of appropriate subject matter in some instances may at times be difficult to access. It is my feeling that it is important not to dilute this forum, and as such a strict policy of Nature Photography only be adhered to. Thanks --- Simon

I am in the process of planning the photo itinerary for an upcoming trip to Grand Teton National Park. I understand the NPS has eliminated the great photo reflection area at Schwabacher Landing. Can anyone confirm if this is true? If so, I would be greatly appreciative for any suggestions or information of any other similar photo opportunities.