March 31st, 2020 – Tuesday
Please take a minute and register to follow this site. I’d love to have another couple hundred new subscribers from the group visiting the site this Spring! MJ
Blue Jay: A few of these interesting birds are still around. I can usually tell if they are around because of their distinctive calls. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Blue Jay: I saw a couple of Steller’s Jays, but they weren’t close enough. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Blue Jay: This Blue Jay was mostly interested in peanuts. Most grocery stores sell them. I usually buy mine at the local Dollar Tree store. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
I haven’t heard any of major changes or additions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch for a new April 2020 Daily Journal tomorrow!
March 30th, 2020 – Monday
“Lucy Has a Split Personality”
Once a month or so, I try to add a new project at Teton Textures. This one is fairly involved with lots of layers and effects. At the end of the project, I included a “How-To” for adding a Stroke to a Path. Check it out! These projects give me a reason to stay home and out of trouble! MJ
New Feature Post: Sigma Sport 60-600mm : Tamron 150-600mm G2 : Nikon 200-500mm Lenses This post could have been written a couple of months ago, but I just got around to making it! If you have been paying attention to the attributes under each photo since late November, you probably noticed the Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens being used almost exclusively for both wildlife and landscapes. In this new post, I identify a few pros and cons of the three lenses.
Black-capped Chickadee: I didn’t leave the house today, especially after taking so many photos yesterday. Chickadees and Juncos are common now. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Mallard Duck: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard waddled up again today. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 29th, 2020 – Sunday
Mousing Coyote: I did a quick run today, finding this Coyote mousing along Spring Gulch Road. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose: The animals in the area go about their business with no concern for the pandemic sweeping the world. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Traffic was light in the Snake River Canyon. Chalk that up to being Sunday and the virus slow down. I saw a lot of fishermen all along the highway. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: This Nanny posed numerous times for me this morning. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Mountain Goat: I took a lot of photos today! Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat Nanny and Kid: I had been waiting for a Billy to stand up when this Nanny and Kid moved to the edge of the cliffs. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Steller’s Jay: When I made it home, I went to my back yard to fill the bird feeders. I spotted a Blue Jay, so I put out a few peanuts and set up my tripod and camera. As it turned out, there were three Blue Jays and two Steller’s Jays. Both are welcomed subjects! Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Steller’s Jay: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Steller’s Jay: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Blue Jay: I had one or two of these birds last year, but they haven’t been in the area for any of the prior years. A friend in Montana let me know they had a lot of them last fall. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Blue Jay: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 28th, 2020 – Saturday
COVID-19 Updates
Jackson [Town Council] approves ‘shelter in place’ ordinance: Source JH News and Guide
“It exempts people experiencing homelessness, as well as victims of domestic violence who may be seeking safe haven somewhere besides their home. The decree also allows people to leave for certain things like going to the grocery store, seeking medical care and supplies, and recreating outdoors with six feet of distance between themselves and others.” Click the link to view the entire article.
Bighorn Ram: The National Elk Refuge is still open so I drove there this morning. I only saw a couple of rams but I saw roughly 30 ewes and lambs. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
There were a dozen or so Bluebirds at the Refuge. They are moving into the area in numbers.
Bighorn Ewe: The south facing slopes of Miller Butte are clear, but the valley floor still has snow. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Trumpeter Swans: This group of swans were in the pond north of the Visitor’s Center. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Trumpeter Swan: The group eventually took off, flying directly in front of me. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Trumpeter Swan: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Belted Kingfisher: This elusive bird was moving around on the buck rail fences near the pond. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Red Squirrel: Back at home, I had a lot of activity. Several Red Squirrels have been chattering and chasing each other. Yesterday, I saw Macey chasing a Mink down the creek behind my house. A Chipmonk or two have also been spotted, along with a small pocket gopher. So far, I haven’t seen any Marmots. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Oregon Junco and Black-eyed Junco: You can click on this image to see it much large. I wanted to create an image comparing them side by side. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Mallard Hen: “Mr. and Mrs. Mallard” have been regular visitors to my yard for six or seven years. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Black-billed Magpie: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 27th, 2020 – Friday
Mountain Goat: I found a few Mountain Goats in the Snake River Canyon this morning. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: It was -10°F early this morning after a clear night. By the time I made it down the Canyon, the temperature was tolerable. This Mountain Goat has a broken horn. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
March 26th, 2020 – Thursday
COVID-19 Update:
Other than the changes on the national level, there wasn’t a lot of local news or closures that I heard of today.
Jackson Peak: Afternoon photo showing the valley’s south mountain. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Coyote: Captured along Spring Gulch Road. I’ve been watching for Owls on the road, but haven’t seen them this year. The Great Horned Owls are probably on their nests now. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mousing Coyote: In the air!…he didn’t come up with a mouse, however. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mule Deer: Also captured along Spring Gulch Road. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mule Deer: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Sleeping Indian: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Black-billed Magpie: I spent more time in front of the computer today than out trying to capture the back yard birds. I saw my first Chipmunk of the year today. I would expect to see a few Uinta Ground Squirrels and even a Marmot or two in the next couple of weeks. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
American Tree Sparrow: There are probably a dozen of these birds in my back yard right now. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 25th, 2020 – Wednesday
COVID-19 News and Updates
- Yellowstone, Grand Teton are closed and off limits JH News & Guide : “Activities like wolf watching in Lamar Valley, cycling out of West Yellowstone, peeping grizzlies at Willow Flats and ice fishing at Jackson Lake are on hold. Even recreating within parts of the park that are not gated, say skinning up and skiing down Blacktail Butte, is no longer permitted as of Tuesday.Rangers will actively enforce the closures and work with gateway community residents to understand them, Teton Park Acting Superintendent Gopaul Noojibail said. “There are some folks who are local who may not have the same type of access they had a couple days ago,” Noojibail said, “but from our perspective there’s not a fair, appropriate or safe way to grant access to a national park for some visitors but not all.”
- Idaho governor issues stay-at-home order for 21 days amid coronavirus spread
- JH Travel & Tourism Board asks visitors to rebook and stay away this spring
Feeding Moose: I might not be able to use the park for a while, but I can still find subjects! This Moose was grazing across the street from our home. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Moose Cow: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: I found six or seven Mountain Goats in the Snake River Canyon. They were fairly far away, but I managed to get two or three worthwhile shots. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Immature Bald Eagle: This raptor was sitting in a tree about half a mile from the Mountain Goats. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Black-billed Magpie: Back at home, I caught a few of the visiting birds. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Oregon Junco: This species has a much more pronounced cape. The seem to stay back more than the Dark-eyed Juncos. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Spotted Towhee: Another shot of this less common bird. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 24th, 2020 – Tuesday
News Break:
“NPS: Effective immediately, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are closed to all park visitors until further notice. There will be no visitor access permitted to either park. State highways and/or roads that transcend park/state boundaries and facilities that support life safety and commerce will remain open. Both parks will cooperate on the implementation of the closures.”
What does that mean for me?…and you? I will not be able to drive into GTNP for new photos until the park is reopened. One month? All summer? The rest of the year? Who knows! For now, I can still drive around in the county, but there may be a time when we get a “stay home” order like many other large cities and some entire states. I hope people will still visit Best of the Tetons regularly as I will be adding photos of subjects I can still get to, and with photos from previous years.
Back in 2013, the US Government shut down. I created this page on my site with alternative places that people might go during the shut down. I don’t know how long it will be before Teton County or Wyoming initiates a “stay home” command, but until then, this page might give you a few options. Note…some of the spots will be inaccessible until the snow melts and some of the roads are open again. Click the link below.
Outside the Park: Alternative Places to Visit, Hike, Fish, and Photograph
Downey Woodpecker: This felt like a good day to stay home and photograph some of the birds coming to my back yard. This female was milling around looking for suet. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
House Finch: One of my current birds with a “little” bit of color. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
House Finch: I managed to be able to include a little color in this photo. This female House Finch came in with the male. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
White-breasted Nuthatch: I almost always hear these little birds long before I see them. They sound somewhat like a kid’s squeak toy. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Spotted Towhee: I’ve seen these birds a few times over the years, but they are not easy to photograph. They skitter back into heavy cover after any kind of warning chirps or fast motion. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
American Tree Sparrow: There a lots of species of Sparrows…I compared this one to my books and online and original identified it as a Song Sparrow, but John Gerlach correctly identified it. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Downey Woodpecker: This female returned this afternoon. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 23rd, 2020 – Monday
Southern Range: I took this long distance photo from the East Boundary Road near the Kelly Warm Springs, aiming West/SW. The Tetons were covered with clouds. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Cow and Calf: This morning, I saw at least a dozen Moose on my drive to Kelly. This pair was in some dense clutter originally, but crossed the Gros Ventre and then into a nice, open backdrop. This would have been a better shot if the clouds weren’t blocking the morning sun. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Other Wildlife: I saw a few Coyotes and a few Sage Grouse this morning, but not in good locations for photos. The snow pack is dropping quickly now, so I would expect to see a few herds beginning to move around.
At least for now, it is possible to get out for a while, take a few shots and get back home without any contact with strangers.
Spotted Towhee: I saw this bird from my back window, then spent a while hoping he’d come back when I was behind my camera. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Black-billed Magpie: The adaptable birds are always looking for a meal. They like suet and peanuts, but have no interest in sunflower seeds. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 22nd, 2020 – Sunday
Dark-eyed Junco: I finally got a shot of one of these little ground feeders. I’ve also seen Oregon Juncos, but in shooting range. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Gros Ventre Night Sky: A few days ago I mentioned Sigma replaced my Sigma 24mm F/1.4 Art Lens. The sky was clear in the sough end of the valley late in the day, so I went out for check it out. The bright area of the photo is from the lights in the Town of Jackson. This was taken from the big pullout along the Gros Ventre. The Tetons were covered with clouds so I didn’t need to go any farther north. Nikon D850 and Sigma 24mm Art Lens, Tripod.
Gros Ventre Night Sky: My Nikon D5 is at the service center in Los Angeles. That’s my preferred body for night photography, but the entire state of California is under “stay home” orders. I doubt I will see it for several months. Nikon D850 and Sigma 24mm Art Lens, Tripod.
Elk Antler Arch: There wasn’t a single car or truck parked around the Town Square tonight. Besides the fact it’s Sunday, the town has few tourists walking the streets. All restaurants are closed except the ones with either drive-thru or take-out. The Cowboy Bar sign is dark. Nikon D850 and Sigma 24mm Art Lens, Tripod.
March 21st, 2020 – Saturday
Coronavirus Notes:
- A week or so ago, Moab, UT closed itself to tourists, fearing people from the region would flock there and spread the virus.
- Today, I received a report that the mayor of Estes Park, CO asked for Rocky Mountain National Park to be closed for similar reasons. The Park Service closed the park.
- Bridger Teton National Forests announced they were locking all restrooms.
- As of today, GTNP and Yellowstone are still open, but with no services.
Mountain Goat: I went down the Snake River Canyon. I found a few Mountain Goats, but they were higher on the mountain than some days. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat Nanny and Kid: I took all of my shots out my truck window using the zoom lens set to 600mm. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Willow Snacks: A friend called to let me know a Moose was in the neighborhood. I was eating golden willow branches. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
March 20th, 2020 – Friday
Coronavirus Notes:
- Hand sanitizer is almost impossible to get now, but a group is giving it away. I got 12 oz, poured into my own bottle. (4 oz per family member). They will be giving it away again tomorrow at the High School Parking Lot between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. They said they would be doing it again sometime next week, too.
- I unexpectedly found some examination gloves today. I’ll wear them at times when I fear touching suspect surfaces.
- Some stores are open, but you place your order from your phone and they bring it to the front door.
- One store only let two people in at a time. One out, then a new person can go in.
- Across the board, JH is doing a very good job of virus prevention.
Grizzly Tracks: Word got out that “Brutus” was seen today. I saw only his tracks. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Dead Standing Lodgepole Pines: Taken on the Rockefeller Parkway. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Rockefeller Parkway: Nice cloud over Jackson Lake. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mormon Row: This stitched pano was taken from Antelope Flats Road. It is plowed all the way to the asphalt, but is still gated. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Murphy Barn and Homestead: Another stitched pano. This one only took two shots at 600mm. If you walk to the barns, I’d suggest snow shoes if you plan on getting into the snow. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose: I took this from the Gros Ventre Bridge along the highway. It looked like he might cross the river, but after feeding for a while, he plopped down into the snow for a rest. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
March 19th, 2020 – Thursday
Mountain Goat: It’s pretty easy to exercise “social distancing” in NW Wyoming…just go to where the animals are and the people aren’t! I drove down the Snake River Canyon for photos of the Mountain Goats. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: The snow pack is noticeably less near the mouth of the Canyon since I was there last. Some areas of the south facing slopes have melted completely. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: There were around a dozen Goats down close to the road when I got there. They were just beginning to head back up hill, which was perfect. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
COVID-19 Updates
I stopped at the Market on my way back home. The shelves for bread, toilet paper, paper towels, and disinfectant lotion were all bare.
March 18th, 2020 – Wednesday
Back Yard Birding: Yesterday, Corey helped me rotate my “grill gazebo” to face some of my feeders and tree stumps. Later today, I will be wrapping the gazebo and setting it up for this year’s migrating birds. If you are forced to stay close to home during the virus pandemic, consider setting up a blind in your back yard! Below are some previous Feature Posts on the subject.
- Back Yard Birding in Jackson Hole:
- Attracting and Photographing Wintering Back Yard Birds:
- Hummingbirds: The Teton’s Tiny Winged Visitors
- Western Tanagers:
COVID-19 Updates
- The JH and Greater Yellowstone Visitors Center on North Cache is closed
- The Sleigh Rides on the National Elk Refuge are closed
- The Teton County Library is closed
Kudos to Sigma
Last year, I bought a Sigma 24mm F/1.4 Art Lens for my night photography. It did a pretty good job, but was always sharper on the right side than the left. Before we left for our Spring Break to Cancun, I sent it to Sigma to let them correct the issue. Yesterday, UPS delivered a brand new lens to replace the earlier one. I also sent my Nikon D5 into their service center to have the shutter replaced. To bring my D5 up to factory standards, it cost $600.95. Hopefully, it will be back soon. Just before I sent it in, I checked and the D5 had over 890,000 actuations. The shutter was replaced once at around 500,000 actuations.
Snow King: I have been going through folders of images. I processed this one from last October, taken along Flat Creek here in town. It will be mid-August before many them will have substantial antler growth. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Bird Blind: I spent a couple of hours setting up my bird blind today. The core is a Grill Gazebo we bought on sale one of the home centers. The front panel (on the left) is a wrapped frame with a hinge at the top two corners. The panel is fastened to the metal posts with a C-Clamp. It allows me to adjust the height if need. The front panel tilts out to allow for the splay of the tripods.
Wrapped Bird Blind: I bought some camo tarps at K-Mart a few years ago. I wrap it around all four sides, along with some camo netting wrapped on three sides. The netting lets me see incoming birds but hide my presence. The blind keeps me dry on rainy and snow days.
Bird Blind: The back side has a soft door, made from a packing blanket I bought at Harbor Freight. It is soft and relatively heavy and doesn’t make noise when I go in and out. When I set up my first bird blind, I didn’t have a panel on the back side initially. However, if you were to look into the blind without a back side covering, it was much easier to see a photographer inside. I usually wear a dark jacket or shirt for the same reason.
You can also buy a blind like this or under $50. Click Gear Guide for more info, or search “bird blind”.
March 17th, 2020 – Tuesday
Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico
Normally, when I create a new “Feature Post”, all subscribers get an email letting them know about the new post. Since this new entry isn’t really about photography and travel in Jackson Hole, I opted to make a Page. Pages don’t get sent as emails. With that said, I think any reader here would enjoy the photos on the new page. Click either photo or the link to view it!
Afternoon in the Park
Sleeping Indian: An opening in the afternoon clouds let the sun light Sleeping Indian. I took this photo from Spring Gulch Road. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Red-tailed Hawk: I took this shot along Spring Gulch Road, too. I’ve seen several Red Tails lately. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Canada Goose: Most geese leave the Valley during the winter months. They are beginning to return in good numbers. I took this photo late in the evening at the Kelly Warm Springs. I was hoping to see a few Sage Grouse in the area. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Cow Moose: Not a great shot, but I stopped just to get a shot of something with fur. This cow and her calf have been seen regularly near the highway, south of the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
March 16th, 2020 – Monday
Coronavirus Notes
Obviously, the world is going through a tough period. We are beginning the second half of March with a lot of changes, listed below. As of today, we are still able to drive into GTNP.
- Schools and Churches are closed
- All three area ski resorts are now closed
- The Snow King Snowmobile Hill Climb is canceled
- The National Museum of Wildlife Art is closed
- The hockey games are canceled
- Some restaurants are closed. Some, including McDonalds, have drive-in and take-out only
- Grocery stores are still open, though shoppers are finding limited supplies
- Gas stations are still open. Gas is $246.9 per gallon for regular self-serv at numerous town stations
- The JH and Greater Yellowstone Visitors Center on North Cache is closed
- The Sleigh Rides on the National Elk Refuge are closed
This Site and My Photo Tours
Currently, I don’t have any tours booked until May, so I have a bit of a cushion. Knowing the tours help me pay for keeping this site active, I might have to limit my drives into the park. You might see me posting more back yard bird photos this year.
The Bright Side?
Flying into Jackson Hole might be an issue. Visitors driving to Jackson Hole and into the Park may find it relatively deserted. There will be no large tour buses for a while. Services and visitor’s centers will likely be closed. If people are looking for places to go to get away from the crowds, this area might be a good option. It has wide open spaces and an abundance of fresh, clean air.
Useful Resources
CDC website
CDC Informational Videos
CDC Factsheets and Print Materials
World Health Organization (WHO)
U.S. State Department
Best of the Tetons Options
Please keep this site in your “radar” as you spend more time at home. I’ll continue to add photos, comments, and updates. I have numerous ideas for new Feature Posts. If you have specific topic requests, please let me know!
Bighorn Ewe: I did a quick run to the National Elk Refuge where I saw this ewe standing over a rock face. There were a lot of elk fairly close to the road and a winter kill west of the Miller House. It was covered with Magpies and Ravens, along with a few Eagles. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Birds: I’ve been seeing a few Red-tailed Hawks in the valley again, along with my first American Kestrel of the year. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
South Park Barn: I made a quick loop south of town looking for Great Horned and Great Gray Owls, along with Foxes and Ermine. I’ve also been watching for a Belted Kingfisher in the area. Low clouds and patchy light kept me interested in some of the barns down there. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
South Park Barn: I’ve been liking the flexibility and range of my Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens as seen in the two photos above. I can stand in one spot and get a variety of captures. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
South Park Barn: I had to wait a while for the light to bathe this barn and rolls of hay but liked the way it worked out. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
South Park Horse: This rusty orange horse was grazing near the barn above. I might have left home earlier today, but had to run the snow blower to get out of the driveway. That can take 30 minutes to an hour if there is a big bank behind my truck. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Coronavirus Follow Up: Hopefully, I didn’t bum you out with my virus report today! We are all having to face our new reality and then try to figure how to adjust to what we have available! Stay Safe – Stay Healthy! MJ
March 15th, 2020 – Sunday
Pinwheel: Overnight, we had a new layer of heavy snow. The snow settled on the blades of this decorative windmill in my back yard. I used a Cube to light it over a 2 second exposure early this morning. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Lume Cube and Snoot: This photo shows one of the first generation Lume Cube with the metal housing and one of the newer generation “snoot. The snoot concentrates the light, keeping it from spraying in all directions. The snoot should snap to the magnets on the metal housing, but for some reason, the polarity of the magnets are not matched up. I had to use a couple of strips of gaffer’s tape to hold it on. This standard snoot works fine, but I also have an extension for the snoot made out of white plastic PVC, painted black. The Lume Cubes have 10 variations of intensity, making it a fairly good option for close-up light painting.
Snow Banks: We had big snowfall on Saturday, but the town snowplows didn’t run. Last night we had an addition six inches. When the plows came through this morning, they piled a double load of heavy, clumpy snow in every driveway. It took me a long time to knock it down. This kind of snow paralyzes the valley for several hours. iPhone 11.
In case you missed it, check out this post from last February. Our Move to Wyoming: A Tongue-in-Cheek Diary
Shane Cabin: I stood on my truck’s tailgate to take this photo. It would take snow shoes to get much closer. The new snow covered much of the sagebrush again. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Hansen Barn: On the way home, I drove down Spring Gulch Road and stopped for a few shots of this beautiful old barn. Over a period of about 15 minutes, the weather changed several times. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Hansen Barn: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Hansen Barn:Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
The Searcher
I just uploaded a new composite image on my Teton Textures web site. To see it and a some information on how I created it, CLICK HERE!
March 14th, 2020 – Saturday
Black-capped Chickadee: Wow! Following last night’s snow (still snowing), Mother Nature transformed the valley again. I tried moving my “grill gazebo” to a better spot in my back yard, but it is still frozen to the ground. I use the grill gazebo as my bird blind during the winter and spring. Yesterday, I was pretty sure I saw a few Juncos and today I am positive I saw a couple. They are some of the first yearly birds to migrate back to the valley, especially to my back yard. Juncos are ground feeders, so they are not that easy to photograph. Robins, Bluebirds, and Red-winged Blackbirds are also in the list of returning birds. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Bighorn Ewe: I did a quick run out to the National Elk Refuge after lunch. Thankfully, they had just plowed the roads. I found around 30 Bighorns but none of them were the bigger rams. So far, it looks like we received around 9 inches of new snow here in town. The weather reports call for 50% to 80% chances of snow through the rest of the day and through the night. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
BackBlaze Update: I have been uploading my files to a remote server called BackBlaze. As of this afternoon, it still has 396,000 files in the queue to upload. It may still take another month! After that point, it will constantly mirror two of my local drives to their off premise storage. Considering I started with 2,300,000 files (26TB), I can feel fairly good about being down to 386,000 files.
March 13th, 2020 – Friday
Moose along Gros Ventre: I saw half dozen Moose this morning on my drive from town to the Kelly Warm Springs. This cow was grazing along the Gros Ventre river. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose: This bull was feeding on the small branches of a cottonwood near the Kelly Warm Springs. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose: Much of the snow has melted off of this hillside, revealing some of the Bitter Brush. Sage Grouse were also in the area but too far out for me today. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Antelope Flats Road: I guess this is good news! I am not sure when they will open the gates. Snow is in the forecast for much of the rest of the week. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
March 12th, 2020 – Thursday
Jackson Hole Notes: My wife saw a video clip showing a black bear moving across the ski slopes at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Teton Village). I haven’t heard of any grizzly sightings in GTNP yet.
Black-capped Chickadee: A late evening visitor to my back yard. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Mountain Chickadee: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
Steller’s Jay: Over the years I have been taking photos in my back yard, I’ve only had three or four Steller’s Jays. They are a welcomed sight! Hopefully, it will hang around and I can get a few good photos. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Tripod.
March 11th, 2020 – Wednesday
Snake River Overlook Pano: (Click this image to view it much larger) I’ll include a few extra photos from today, trying to catch up a bit after being out of town for a week. The full moon was still a little high at alpenglow, but it was nice to include in this shot. I took it with a Nikon D850 in vertical orientation with five captures, later stitched in Lightroom. Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm lens, Tripod.
Snake River Overlook Pano: (Click this image to view it much larger) I framed this one to show off the alpenglow and disregarded the moon. Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm lens, Tripod.
Grand and Moon: By the time the moon neared the Grand, most of the beautiful color was gone. I processed this is black and white in Lightroom. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Oxbow Bend: We’ve lost a lot of snow in the southern portion of the Park, but there is a lot of snow still on the ground in the north. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Oxbow Bend: As you can see, most of the “bend” is frozen over, along with Jackson Lake. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Coyote and Magpie: The coyote was digging for food at Oxbow Bend. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Golden Eagle: Also seen flying around at Oxbow Bend. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Moose and the Snake River: I haven’t seen a lot of Moose in the Willow Flats area in the past few years. This one was feeding near the Snake River. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Bluebird: This is a “record shot” showing a male Bluebird. I saw two of them in the marshy area along the Moose-Wilson Road. I didn’t see any when I went south to Alpine yesterday, but it shouldn’t long before we start seeing them in numbers in Jackson Hole. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Red Fox: This Red Fox crossed in front of me, then headed deep into the trees. I only got a couple of shots. I hung around for a while but never saw it again. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Trumpeter Swan: One of eight Trumpeters seen at the pond north of the Visitors Center. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Trumpeter Swan: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
March 10th, 2020 – Tuesday
Mountain Goats: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
A Morning in the Snake River Canyon
I took the “gamble” and drove down the Snake River Canyon in search of Mountain Goats. I found three, but it really only takes one if it is in the right zone. This nanny and kid gave me quite a few photo opportunities. The other one was resting atop a ledge.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Nanny and Kid: This nanny is still fairly clean, even though the melting hillside is quite muddy. The youngster is much more dirty. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, Handheld.
Additional Mountain Goats Feature Posts
I have numerous tour openings available in March & April.
The photo tours help me pay bills and continue to add content to this site. Keep me in mind if you are going to be in the valley! My tours are licensed by the National Park Service and National Elk Refuge.
I offer year round photo tours in Grand Teton National Park. Seasons are changing! Book now! Click the image for additional information.
Client Comments: “As a published and passionate photographer, I recognized Michael Jackson’s extraordinary skills as a photographer. Today I learned more about composition and creative technical ideas than I ever could have imagined.” G.S., Jackson Hole.
March 9th, 2020 – Monday
Red-winged Blackbird: When I stepped out of the house yesterday, I heard a few Robins chirping. I drove around today and heard the distinctive call of a few Red-winged Blackbirds in the marshy areas south of town. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens.
“No cigar”: I drove around some this afternoon and spotted a few potential subjects. Three moose were in the river bottom along the Gros Ventre, but too far out. I saw another fox and another coyote near Kelly, but too far out. There were at least two eagles on posts along Spring Gulch Road, but also too far out and only on fence posts. I was ready to take a photo of a kingfisher at a reasonable distance, but it flew just as I lifted my camera. Mule Deer were on a few hillsides, but none of them were interesting. We had a few snow flurries today, but the clouds kept the Tetons covered. I am sure I could have found a few subjects, but nothing was jumping off the page. Close, but no cigar!
March 8th, 2020 – Sunday
Red Fox: Seen north of Kelly. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens.
We’re Back!
Darla and I spent a week in the sun in Cancun Mexico. Sorry for the lapse in entries, but I didn’t have a good way to post from down there. I DID take a lot of photos.
Sage Grouse: This is the time to begin seeing some of the males strutting their stuff. I didn’t see it today, however. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens.
Coyote: Seen along the Gros Ventre Road. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens.
Elk Herd: Captured on the National Elk Refuge. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens.
Other Notes
- Mountain Bluebirds are in the valley now. Watch for them.
- I heard of a few Bison heading north near Deadman’s Bar.
- I saw a couple of Bald Eagles along the Gros Ventre.
- I heard of a couple of people seeing Otters while we were away.
- No reported sightings of Great Gray Owls.
- We lost a LOT of snow while were were away. It could be an early Spring.
- Numerous people are watching for Grizzlies. The first one could be seen soon.
- Unless we get more snow, the sleigh rides on the Refuge may switch to wagons.
Koi: As I get time, I will be making a “page” of shots from Mexico. I saw a lot of subjects we don’t see here, like these Koi packed tightly when there was food. Nikon D500 and Tamron 18-400mm lens.
March 1st, 2020 – Sunday
You’ll find Winter in full force for the first half of March but there will likely be hints or indicators of less harsh days ahead!
Each year, Darla and I try to take a week or so and go somewhere warm. This year, we will be in Cancun for a week or so. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use the information from the initial entry and the last few weeks of February’s Daily Journal for general info on the first of March.
Daily Updates Archives: March 2019: March 2018: | March 2017: | March 2016: | March 2015: | March 2014:
Sleeping Indian:
Winter landscapes are often wonderful if you are out early or late on cold March days. There can be new Winter storms on any day, but usually the bitter cold arctic blasts are behind us.
Winter Bison:
March usually offers up a few surprises like these frosted Bison at the Kelly Warm Springs. Swans often take advantage of the warm water, along with Mergansers, Geese and a variety of Ducks.
Steamy Bison:
Coyote:
Wildlife can elude some people on some days, but the search will always be part of the fun. Coyotes and Foxes are usually pairing up on early March. Bald Eagles may be seen adding sticks to their nests. Ermine, Badgers, River Otters, and Porcupines are additional Winter prizes. Take the sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge for an almost guaranteed chance to see wildlife. Wolves are being seen on the Refuge this year. As I write this, at least one Grizzly has been seen in Yellowstone, but they are not commonly seen in GTNP until April. Mountain Bluebirds are usually some of the first colorful birds to reenter the area.
Snake River Overlook:
Many areas of the Park, especially the northern sections, are snow covered. Only the very tops of the sagebrush will be visible in the southern portion of the valley. Much of the river bottom along the Snake River will remain closed until April 1st.
Great Gray Owl:
It seems we begin seeing a few Great Gray Owls in March (some years anyway). Great Horned Owls winter in Jackson Hole, too. Sage Grouse are often visible in March and hopefully some will be “displaying” by the middle of March. Red-tailed Hawks often begin returning to the area in March. Golden and Bald Eagles are often seen in March.
The Grand:
If you are trying to “catch the color”, be at your location by 6:45 am. Then subtract a couple of minutes each day as the month progresses.
Coyote:
I’ll be back by March 8 and will resume the daily updates. For now, check out the previous years:
Daily Updates Archives: March 2019: March 2018: | March 2017: | March 2016: | March 2015: | March 2014: