Observing a Family Group of Desert Bighorn Sheep

Ewes, Lambs and Immature Rams at Walker Lake

Coming across a large band of Desert Bighorn Sheep in early May, 2014 was such a thrill.  I was looking for wildflowers at the base of the canyons to the west of Walker Lake when I noticed a sheep standing watch on one of the protruding rocks.

 Just as I saw the ewe, she began to make a bleating call.  It is rare for Bighorn sheep to vocalize and they might make a coughing sound if alarmed but this ewe was calling to her lamb.  I quietly switched from my macro to the long Nikon 500mm telephoto lens and then set up my tripod.

What I had discovered was a family or ewe grouping of females and lambs.  A number of lambs were so small; they were still trying to nurse.

 Bighorn sheep are seasonal breeders, e.g. they successfully mate only during July through October which allows for birthing at the optimal time of year, when food and water are more plentiful and temperatures are most favorable.  Females usually produce just one lamb per season.

I settled my heavy tripod on level ground but close to the edge so that I had full range of viewing.  There were so many small groups of ewes and lambs; I could hardly believe what I had wandered on. 

 Some of the ewes were eating mallows and other native plants, with others were lying down in the shade of the rocks to chew their cud.  Bighorns are active and feed during the day.  At night they retire to the same bedding areas that have been used for many years.

Being a comfortable distance from the sheep allowed me the opportunity to witness the interactions of the lambs and ewes within this large family group.  Suddenly, a very young lamb came to nurse and then walked right over his mother to get in the best position.  Unperturbed, she stayed still and allowed her baby to suckle. 

Bighorn sheep are very gregarious with a social structure that is matrilineal--based on female associations.  Females remain with their maternal group for life and do not breed until they have reached the second or third year of age.

Mature males stay in separate ram groups most of the year, but move between ewe groups during the breeding season, from July through October.  Normally, males do not mate until they are at least 7 years old.
Within this family group were a number of immature males and one of the frisky youngsters appeared to be getting some practice at an early age.

While I was standing back observing the social behavior and clicking away with my camera, two small rams started to approach each other.  What happened next was the best part of the experience, they began to practice their butting skills and continued for me to focus and shoot  8 exposures.

After several hours, the sheep began to settle in and retire to the shade.  I took this as my cue to quietly make my departure and show my appreciation for being able to observe such a rare opportunity of social interaction with wildlife.  It is always my creed when in the presence of wildlife to never get so close that the animals are aware of me.  Take only photos and leave with just the memories!

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep Observations at Walker Lake

Ram Visiting the Ewes

On observing the Desert Bighorn Sheep at Walker Lake, Nevada during the fall of 2013, I noticed a large ram hanging close to the ewes.

Desert Bighorn sheep are gregarious animals with a unique social structure of related ewes banding together most of the time.

 Mature males establish separate bachelor groups in the close general area, except during breeding season when they travel between groups of females. 

The breeding season or "Rut" occurs during the late summer or fall, from July through November.  Dominance in mating is determined by horn and body size.  The mating competition of two rams running together and clashing their horns most often occurs during the pre-rut and along the upper, flat area of the cliffs. 

Both rams and ewes develop horns soon after birth, which continue to grow through-out their 10-20 year life span.

Annual growth rings on the horns indicate the sheep's age. Ram's horns develop much larger than ewes, curling to over three feet and weighing more than 30 pounds, after 8 years of growth.

Both rams and ewes use their horns to break open cactus which is consumed as part of their diet along with native grass and other plants. 
 

As the sun drops at day's end, the dominate male begins his trek almost straight up the steep cliff.   What a thrill it is to watch these sure-footed, agile athletes ascend the rugged terrain with their especially adapted shock absorbing feet.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Photographing Wildlife in Snowstorms and Freezing Fog

 

Winter Weather Adventures makes for Challenging Photography

The challenge of nature photography is greatest in winter when I have to protect my equipment and my body from the elements.  However, if the snow is falling animals tend to hanker down to conserve energy and avoid being attacked by predators.  By dressing in neutral colors and approaching quietly, I have been able to go unnoticed and catch some rare moments with wildlife.

Early one cold December morning after a snow storm at Walker Lake, Nevada  I happened upon  this large group of Desert Bighorn Sheep.  They were nestled down in a canyon, waiting for the storm to clear.  With my telephoto lens, I was able to get as many photos as I wanted and they were not even aware of my presence.
 

Several years ago in Southern Nevada, a cold front moved in bringing snow to the Mojave Desert. While I was driving through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, I spotted these 3 wild horses. I pulled off to the roadside.  They looked up just as I snapped the shutter but then continued to graze  through the fresh fallen snow.

Over the years Asian Doves have taken up residence at Walker Lake.  One snowy winter morning when I looked out my kitchen window, I noticed a dole of doves finding shelter in my neighbor's peppercorn tree.  Using my long Nikon 500mm lens, I was able to capture this special moment.

Eagles are definitely fair weather fowl and most often will remain perched high in the trees waiting for the skies to clear.  On a cold morning in Mount Carmel, Utah  I saw this Bald Eagle in the distance perched on a limb.  As I was focusing on the eagle, it spotted some prey and took off.  I was lucky to have my camera on autofocus for this rare shot.

Fog mixed with snow can present some challenging opportunities for wildlife photography.   On this cold and dark day, I noticed the outline of several large shapes up ahead in the desert. I wasn't sure what I might be coming upon and if I should turn back. Finally I realized this was a herd of horses.  I set my camera to under expose and silhouette the horses against the dreary background.  And then I quietly turned around and made my departure.

The weather phenomenon of freezing fog or Pogonip occurs in the Great Basin Desert on very cold mornings. On  this morning I traveled to the Stillwater Wildlife Refuge in hopes of getting some interesting photos. I was walking toward an ice covered stream when the crunch of my boots on the frosty grass spooked a pair of Red-tailed Hawks.  As fast as possible I pressed the shutter that was on continuous servo in hopes of getting the scene in focus. I was honored with a Third Place award of this photo, Quiet Retreat,  at the Opening of Umeå 2014 European Capital of Culture, Expo d'été à Paris.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Reno Open Studios Art Scholarship Fund

Nevada's Desert Bighorn Sheep Donated Art

  
Art touring with Reno Open Studios is just around the calendar, on September 7th. through the 9th. from 10:00am until 5:00pm.  I am privileged to share studio space with Sculpture by Michael Smith at 430 Sunnyside Drive.  For more information please follow the link posted below.

Along with demonstrating the art process and having selected products for purchase, the Reno Open Studios artists also provide funding for art scholarships for high school seniors that will be matched through the Ronald McDonald House.  To raise the funds, the individual artists donate original art creations that will be raffled during the Open Studios Tour.

My donated art is an 8"x10" photograph of Nevada's Desert Bighorn Sheep hunkering down in a winter snow storm.  The photograph is custom framed to 11"x14" in a rustic wooden frame.

Donation tickets will be available for purchase during the open studios with the winning ticket to be drawn on Sunday afternoon, just before closing at 4:45pm.  The winner will be notified by telephone and is not required to be present.

Come out and join us for a weekend of art touring.  For maps and information, please click on the links:

 

http://www.bonnierannald.com/events/ROSMaps.pdf

 http://www.sculpturebymichael.com/events.htm

http://www.sculpturebymichael.com/

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep at Walker Lake

 Photographing the Cliff Dwellers

  

A few weeks ago in January, early one Sunday morning as I was leaving the beach at Walker Lake, I spotted a Desert Bighorn Sheep standing on a ledge at the area knows as The Cliffs. 

Many years ago, the water level to Walker Lake was much higher and the area known as The Cliffs was underwater.  In present time the water level has receded eastward, way below the highway.

 After a short hike scrambling around the rocks, I noticed a group of at least 10 bighorns grazing on the dry desert grass. I quietly set my camera with the ISO at 800 for a faster shutter speed since the canyon was still in shadows with the morning light.

A closer look through the lens revealed that this was a herd of younger sheep and females.  Bighorn sheep have a gregarious nature and will stay together in large groups. The adult males, rams, will usually remain a part from the ewes and young in bachelor herds for most of the time.

Several sheep stop grazing to watch and a youngster peeks out from around the cliff. 

During winter, the sheep can be found in sheltered areas around the canyons and along the cliffs. 

In the warmer season, they will migrate to the upper areas.  Interestingly, the sheep may inhabit their same bedding area for many years. 

 

The rugged rocky cliffs allow the sure footed Bighorn sheep quick escapes from predators.   

 

Photographs Make Great Gifts

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Rare Moments in Nature Photography

 Ready When the Scene Appears

Now that the Holiday Season has arrived and Christmas Day is fast approaching, in this week's blog I would like to take some time and reflect back on some very rare moments in photography that are very endearing to me.

The wonder of photography is, it puts you in the moment and when you're in that moment on rare occasions, the scene just happens to come to you. As with when I was trying to get macro photos of cacti in the snow and saw the trunk of a pine tree standing out in the distance, accented against the falling snow.

Sometimes those special moments show up after the photos have been processed and you find surprises that a fast shutter has captured. For example, a bee appears to be coming in for a landing right behind a Western Tiger Swallow-tailed butterfly.

On very rare occasions, you might be out looking for photos of Walker Lake in the snow and happen across a herd of 26 Desert Bighorn Sheep nestling in against the early morning cold.

 

 When tracking wildlife with the camera, you never know what to expect, so being focused and ready with the finger on the shutter catches an event that is so fast, you just get that one click.  I was following the sorrel stallion at Cold Creek, Nevada with my Nikon 500mm 4.0 lens when the black stallion came out and offered the challenge.  The two wild horses reared, and then it was over.

Then there are those intimate moments when you are made aware of a tiny Calliope Hummingbird sitting on her nest at Pine Creek in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area.

I made the transition to wildlife photography when I was spending so much time in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area looking for landscapes and I was always coming across wildlife.  One day the rangers told me to take a look on the patio of the visitor center where a Say's Phoebe had built a nest on top of the outside light.  The newly hatchlings were waiting for mama and didn't notice as I clicked the shutter.

On other rare occasions, you get a nice surprise when two hawks take off near a frozen stream at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge on a cold, foggy morning in January. 

The real beauty of photography is being out there and sharing in those awesome rare moments that just happen.  With nature, you never know what scenes might occur, even in a wildlife sanctuary like the Animal Ark in Reno there are rare moments when a cougar bends down to sniff a tiny sage plant.

Many times I feel that I am led to the scene so that I can share those intimate details to create an emotional bond and bring the viewer closer to the natural world.  

Photographs Make Great Gifts

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Reno Elks Craft and Products Fair

 Shopping for the Holidays

To kick off the 2011 Holiday Season, I've been invited to participate and exhibit at the Reno Elks # 597 Craft and Products Fair this Saturday, November 12th. 

 The Craft and Products Fair is a fund raising project by The Elks, a national non profit organization that responds to community needs and events.  The funds from Saturday's event will go to benefit needy families, abused children and to finance Christmas food baskets.

 This should be a very nice event since it is also on Veteran’s Day weekend.  Reno Elks #597 Lodge is located on 597 Kumle Lane and the hours are from 10am till 4pm.

If you live in the Reno area, please come out and support this wonderful event and buy local!

For additional information on The Elks please visit:
http://www.elks.org/

 Photographs Make Great Gifts

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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