Along the way, we come across a variety of animals; they add much to the experience. In fact, it has
opened a whole new vista for us. Fortunately, this dimension creates opportunity for studying the ways of
the four legged creatures, winged species and others. There's something special about being on land and facing,
stalking or searching for animals. Our editor draws the line when it comes to bears and mountain lions.
Who can blame her?
We had a discussion the other day when she mentioned that looking at antelope and other small herbivores was
not the same as watching the 'Big Five' of Africa. (Commonly known as Derek Lichter, Gary Sneag, Colin Bernstein,
Gary Lewis and Errol Grolman.) There are a few other special specimens but the 'number five' is limiting. Let's get
back to our discussion: Whereas the editor is more interested in those five, the idea of watching antelope in
motion is the ultimate in grace and poise or observing Bighorn sheep scaling cliffs has become, if not preferable,
something equally fascinating and enjoyable. We remember being close to the reeds at dawn near Kemno Lake and
viewing and listening to the birds. Besides the colorful clarity for our visual senses, they chirped in a manner
that spoke of their excitement of being alive to enjoy another day. Funnily enough, listening to their joy taught
us a lesson in appreciation.
Some of the animals and birds we've managed to capture on film this trip are set out below; you should have seen
those that 'got away'.
'Big Daddy, king of the rocks, stands high above the brood.
It was 'a hard day's night'. A touch of haughtiness, too.
The Stellar's Jay took 40 minutes of patience and frustrated the editor.
Peek-a-boo.
We stalked this fellow but were a little slow with the camera.
One of the most patient birds we've spotted.
'If I don't lie down...my arches are killing me.'
'Phew! That's better.' It was a rough night, this could be the missus...or one of them.
A cheeky little fella, Stellar's Jay.
Snow time, Bryce, poor deer.
A more contented and better fed fella.
Say 'hello' to the gang
The queen, quite regal. (Hope it is a female.)
At dawn, we stopped to say 'hi' on way to the Angels Landing.
What a hunt, what a sight. A supposedly intelligent human chasing after a little mite and
mostly put to shame.
Darting deer.
For our brother Mark, a 'lover' of reptiles. Sorry, Punksy.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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