Bison herd on Antelope IslandHerd of Bison on the grassy slopes of Antelope Island State Park –  Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, handheld, 18-200mm VR at 60mm, natural light

As much as I love going to Antelope Island State Park to photograph birds I also enjoy going there to see and photograph the furry animals that can be found there. The Bison herds on the island are fun to photograph at all times of the year. These images were taken in June weeks after the cows had given birth to the calves. There are natural springs that flow near the edge of the island and quite often during the summer the herds will gather and head down there to get fresh water. It is not unusual to see over 200 of them in the same general location.

Bison Calf

Bison Calf (Bison bison)  –  Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, handheld, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 200mm, natural light

I especially love seeing the lighter colored calves, they really do have such innocent looking faces. Bison calves stick close to their mothers but I’ve seen them kicking up their heels in what looks to be play. I think this one was curious about us sitting there photographing it because it came so close I had to lay down my D200 that had my 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC and pick up the spare D200 with the 18-200mm VR lens on it because the calf was getting too close to get it all in focus.

I think Utah rocks with all the birds, animals and stunning scenery throughout the state. Am I happy I moved here?

You betcha!

Mia