Bison drinking water from a puddle – Nikon D300, f11, 1/640, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 350mm, natural light
I photographed this Amrerican Bison bull a few days ago on Antelope Island State Park as he was drinking from a freshwater puddle formed by rains over the weekend. I wanted to capture photos of him as he lifted his head and show the water running down fron his bearded jaw.
So he drank and I waited. And waited. The bull must have been powerfully thirsty because he kept on drinking. And I waited some more. I believe he could have drank a bathtub full of water.
Finally his thirst must have been quenched and he lifted his massive head and stared at me with water dripping from his beard. I think this image was worth the wait.
Mia
PS: I was inside of a vehicle when I photographed this Bison, it is far safer doing that than by photographing on foot. Bison can be extremely dangerous.
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Very nice! That puddle must have been deep enough to get the whole muzzle wet.
Thank you Julie,
I agree the puddle must have been deep enough to get the whole muzzle wet, there may have been a rut in the road right there.
Stunning photo, you captured the powerful size of the animal so well.
Thanks Dan, they are very powerful.
Definitely worth the wait! What a magnificent creature! You capture wildlife behavior like no other, Mia. Awesome photograph!
Thanks Julie, I thought it was worth the wait but he was very thirsty!
What a cutie pie!!! I am sure that he would not appreciate that comment, however he is very sweet and good-looking!!
Thanks Nicole! He really did look cute.
I’m sure you were a great distance away. I can imagine how large he is. I was somewhat close to elk last year and watched to make sure they weren’t being disturbed by me. Love that water running down is jaw. Wow what a head on that guy. Carol
Carol, I was a respectable distance away from the Bison and I was inside of a vehicle. These massive Bison are wild and can be dangerous. He didn’t care that I was as close as I was but if I had gotten out and tried to get closer on foot I might have been trampled. They do have huge heads! Thanks for commenting.
Wonderful shot, Mia! Glad you could wait it out. We saw many bisons when visiting Yellowstone Park many years ago. Such magnificent animals! We felt safe watching them from our car as you probably did too.
Hilke, I was inside of a vehicle, I should have mentioned that in my post. These huge Bison can be dangerous when they are provoked, when the rut is on or when they feel threatened. They are magnificent animals. Thanks so much for your comment.
What a gorgeous animal, superb photo.
Thanks Bob, American Bison are gorgeous, impressive animals.
Definitely worth the wait! Wow!
Thank you for your comment Beverly
Worth the wait indeed Mia! Beautiful shot and your depth of field is perfect! The look in his eye is very gentle. Is he?
Larry, thanks for commenting on this image. I think the bull does have a peaceful look in his eye but I sure would not want to tick this 1500+ pound beast off!