August 2018 Daily Journal for GTNP & JH

Summer Days—But with Hints of Impending Changes

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August 1st: Wednesday  – First of the Month!

Schwabacher Landing Sunrise Pano

Schwabacher Landing Sunrise Pano: Welcome to August. Check in regularly as I add photos daily throughout the month. Thick clouds in the east blocked most of the early morning sunlight, but then put on a nice show for the few that waited for the clouds to clear. (Click this image to see it much larger)  Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70 mm lens, Tripod. 

Monthly Overviews Banner

Click Here to view the 12 Monthly Overviews! August is the Bison Rut month. Be out early for Moose, Elk, and Deer. They will be growing their velvet covered antlers throughout most of the month. Some will begin stripping the velvet late in the month.

August Fires and Smoke:

Unless weather patterns change and the NW gets a lot of rain, I expect haze and smoke from regional fires throughout much of August. Don’t let that scare you away! The sunrise and sunsets can be even more dramatic and the haze can help soften the often harsh mid-day images.Fire Danger Increases to High

Bison Jumping Fence

Bison Jumping Fence: Bison are in the rut in August. If they are unpredictable any month of the year, but figure they can be even more so during the rut. It is not uncommon to see rows of tourists lining the fences along the highway near Elk Ranch Flats—with Bison only yards away on the other side. This shot should illustrate how the fences offer no protection. Look for Bison around Elk Ranch Flats and along Mormon Row in August. Nikon D850 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens, Handheld.

Uinta Ground Squirrel

Uinta Ground Squirrel: Mid-sized predators like Badgers, Foxes, and Coyotes prey on these small critters (AKA: Chislers) They are also a favorite target for Hawks and Eagles. Interestingly, Chislers spend roughly seven months of the year underground. Nikon D850 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens, Handheld.

Startled Pronghorn

Startled Pronghorn: I was following this Buck this morning when he spooked by a large bird. Nikon D850 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens, Handheld.

Scratching Pronghorn

Scratching Pronghorn: This Buck moved from tall thistle to tall thistle plant to scratch and thrash around. This one was spotted along Mormon Row. I missed a nice shot of a Northern Harrier on a Mormon Row fence post. He had a field mouse at the time, but I didn’t see him until it was too late. An American Kestrel let me drive up slowly, then flew as I lifted the camera. Nikon D850 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens, Handheld.

Pronghorn Buck

Pronghorn Buck: I saw around 20 Pronghorns in the fields north of Kelly and East of Mormon Row this morning. You can also find Pronghorns this time of the year in the Lupine Meadows area. Nikon D850 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens, Handheld.

Other Wildlife

Moose have been seen regularly in the morning at Blacktail Ponds Overlook and occasionally along the Gros Ventre River.

Hummingbirds: I have been hearing lots more Hummers in my neighborhood lately. It has been quiet all summer.

Baby Ducks: Watch for them at Schwabacher Landing and along Flat Creek. The Trumpeter Swans and three Cygnets are still parading by along Flat Creek.

Fly Fishing opened August 1st along Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge, along with the springs at Blacktail Butte and along Cottonwood Creek below Jenny Lake and onward to the Snake River. There were lots of vehicles along the highway this morning with hoards of fishermen heading out to the fish.

Current and Upcoming Events and Social Activities

  • Talon Tuesdays: See the Raptor Center’s hawks, eagles, kestrels, and owls up close and personal. Noon to 2:00pm at the Visitors Center. Free.
  • People’s Market at Snow King:  Held each Wednesday. Food, vendors, music. Free!
  • Farmer’s Market: Each Saturday morning to noon on the Town Square. Free!
  • Music on Main: Each Thursday in Victor, Id. – Small donation requested.
  • Concerts at the Commons: Free concerts on Sundays at Teton Village.

Compare Months! The first part of August will resemble the last week or two of July. Click any of the months below to compare months or use them to plan your trips to JH.

Daily Updates Archives: ~
2018: Aug: | July:June: | May:Apr: | Mar: | Feb: | Jan:
2017: Dec: | Nov: | Oct: | Sept: | Aug: | July: | June: | May: | Apr: | Mar: | Feb: | Jan:
2016: Dec: | Nov: | Oct: | Sept: | Aug: | July: | June: | May: | Apr: | Mar: | Feb: | Jan: 
2015: Dec: | Nov: | Oct: | Sept: | Aug: | July: | June: | May: | Apr: | Mar: | Feb: | Jan:
2014: Dec: | Nov: | Oct: | Sept: | Aug: | July: | June: | May: | Apr: | Mar: | Feb: | Jan:
2013: Dec: | Nov: Oct: | Sept: | Aug:

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