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.
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!
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.
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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"
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