October 2016 Daily Journal of Photos & Comments for Grand Teton National Park & JH

“October: Fall’s amazing colors pass and usher in the first hints of Winter”

October 17, 2016 – Monday

Sparring Moose: Overnight, we had slushy, wet snow in most areas of the valley. I was out this morning hoping to get a few shots. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Moose in Snow: Bull moose in cottonwoods along the Gros Ventre River bottom. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Resting Bull Moose: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Sparring while Resting: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Peach House: A moody morning along Mormon Row. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Highway Barn: Taken from a spot along the highway between Jackson and Wilson. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Orange Leaves: A contrast of seasons. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Several openings are available in October and November. Just ask!

Teton Photo Excursions. I offer LICENSED One-On-One Photography Excursions in Grand Teton National Park, with emphasis on helping clients with their camera and gear. Each trip is customized based on client needs and requests. (Note: It says One-On-One, but I take two people on a trip for the same price). We find some of the best locations for scenic photography, and look for wildlife in the process. Check out some of the Client Comments. (Teton Photo Excursions is an Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service)

October 16, 2016 – Sunday

Resting Doe: I found this group of Mule Deer while hiking around looking for Moose. I took a few shots and moved on. The doe never got up!

Maple Leaf: On my way home, I stopped for a few leaf shots and then brought home a few of the large leaves. I sandwiched the leaf between two thin pieces of glass and photographed them in my office. This one has light on the front, while the one below was lit from behind.

Maple Leaf:

I added a few new shots on this page: Foliage Reports September/October 2016 :

October 15, 2016 – Saturday

Last morning, the temperatures had dropped to 22 degrees. Today, the temperature was 40 degrees, with light rain and drizzle.

Just in case you missed it, check out this new Feature Post: RKO Road & Bar B C Road

Morning Moose: Taken through a sheet of drizzle and at a long distance. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm.

Sparring Moose: Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm.

Sparring Moose: Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm.

Antler Admiration: Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm.

Bull and Cow: This pair of moose were along Flat Creek here in town. Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Bull Moose: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Cow Feeding: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Afternoon Lip Curl: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Calf Splashing: Also seen in Flat Creek.Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Bull Near Flat Creek: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

October 14, 2016 – Friday

A Few Notes: Keep an eye on this “sister page” during early October: Foliage Reports September/October 2016 :

The southern 2/3rd of Mormon Row Road and part of Warm Springs Road is now closed.
The Elk Reduction Program (Elk Hunt) begins this weekend. I checked the GTNP web site for a link with more info and maps, but there is nothing current available.
Many of the campgrounds will be closing soon. The GV campground closes at 11:00 am on October 16.
Deadmans Bar Road, parking area and ramp will be closed beginning at 8:00 a.m. on October 3.
Teton Park Road (Inner Park Road) and part of the Moose-Wilson Road closes at midnight on October 31.
Temporary Closure Scheduled for South Jenny Lake Area.pdf Map of Closed Areas at South Jenny Lake.pdf
The cones have been removed along the Moose-Wilson Road.

Bull Moose Near Gros Ventre: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Bull Moose in Thicket: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm.

Today’s Lens and Body Combination: For many years, I used a Nikon D300 (DX crop) and paired it with a Nikon 70-200mm lens. It seemed to work well for my moose shots. When I bought a FX body, I switched to a Nikon 200-400mm lens for my Fall moose images. Today, we had heavy, dark clouds, so I decided to pull out the 70-200mm F/2.8 lens and put it on the new D500 DX body. Déjàvu!

Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens Notes: Last Friday, the new G2 version of the Tamron 150-600mm lens arrived. I did some AF Fine Tune tests with it on all three bodies…D5, D500, and D810. I’ve used it off and on all week using all three bodies. As it turns out, my copy of the lens varies considerably over the 600mm length and 150mm length. Yesterday, I adjusted the AF Fine Tune “on the fly”, meaning I set it to -16 when at 600mm and -4 (back focusing lens) at 150mm, and then adjusted it to -10 when close to 400mm. Those shots came out fine. This afternoon, I contacted Tamron USA. They sent a shipping label by email and I sent the lens in for adjustment. Hopefully, the adjusted lens will be “neutral” throughout the zoom range when it is returned.

October 13, 2016 – Thursday

Washakie in Morning Light: Captured along the Gros Ventre this morning. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Lip Curl: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Mule Deer Doe: Also found along the Gros Ventre river basin. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

Moose in Rut: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Cow and Calf: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens.

October 12, 2016 – Wednesday

String Lake Outlet: I went out this morning, hoping to find elk, but ended up spending the sunrise period at String Lake taking landscape photos. Nikon D810 and Nikon 24-70mm

Teewinot and Grand Sunrise: Nikon D810 and Nikon 24-70mm

Teewinot and Grand with Down Timber: Nikon D810 and Nikon 24-70mm

Four Elk: After the sunrise shots, I decided to check out the RKO Road before it closes. I found a variety of large game animals. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Gray Wolf in Sagebrush: And…I was fortunate to see a pair of wolves crossing the valley floor. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Running Elk: This is one of several individual bulls were heading north towards Signal Mountain. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Pronghorns: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Bison Bull: Also found along the RKO Road. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

The plan is to create a new Feature Post about my morning on the RKO Road. Take a second to sign up to follow this site to be one of the first to see it

October 11, 2016 – Tuesday

Four Moose Crossing: Taken along the Gros Ventre River this morning. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Drinking Moose: Also along the Gros Ventre. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Young Buck: Captured in the cottonwoods along the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Young Moose Crossing River: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Young Moose Crossing River: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

October 10, 2016 – Monday

First Light: Bull Elk grazing in early morning light near Jenny Lake. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

Morning Elk: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

Bull Elk: Taken near Jenny Lake Junction. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

Bull in Sage: Near the String Lake Junction. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

Cathedral Group: Taken on the road entering the String Lake and Jenny Lake drive. Nikon D5 and Nikon 24-70mm

String Lake: Nikon D5 and Nikon 24-70mm

Scratching Moose: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

Afternoon Moose: Taken along the Gros Ventre this afternoon. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

Washakie: Resting moose along the Gros Ventre. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm

October 9, 2016 – Sunday

Sunset: I took this shot late yesterday and processed it last night. I had hoped the clouds would turn pink or red, but by the time it should have happened, most of the clouds had disappeared. I shot this as a HDR pano and then stitched and processed it in Lightroom. Nikon D810 and Nikonn 70-200mm.

Cow Moose in Morning Light: Nikon D810 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Wilson Barn: There are still pockets of color in the Wilson area, and south along Fall Creek Road. Nikon D810 and Nikonn 70-200mm.

Tractor Wheel: Taken just south of the Town of Jackson. Nikon D810 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

October 8, 2016 – Saturday

Teton Range: I added this photo to show the fresh snow on the Teton Range. Nikon D5 and Tamron 100-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 1000}

Washakie: Nikon D500 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 720)

Interested Cow: Found in the sagebrush along the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D500 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 200)

Pumpkins: Today is the annual pumpkin sale on the town square. I was there just after the pumpkins were spread out, but before the crowds arrived. Nikon D500 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 720)

Grizzlies: A couple of days ago, grizzly “Blondie” and 399 showed up along Pilgrim Creek Road. I didn’t go up, but I heard a few people got photos. 399, unfortunately, now has a tracking collar.

Afternoon Image:

Evening Moose: I have been shooting with my three Nikon bodies on the new lens. This afternoon, I paired it up with my Nikon D810, but didn’t find enough subjects to really test it. Nikon D810 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

Moulton Barn: Nikon D810 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens.

October 7, 2016 – Friday

Morning Introduction: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Passing Bull Moose: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Cow and Calf Crossing the Gros Ventre: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Freemont: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Yawning Small Moose: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Afternoon Images:

Pronghorn Profile: Taken along Gros Ventre Road. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 1400}

Head to Head: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 1400}

Sparring Young Bulls: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 1400}

October 6, 2016 – Thursday

Fighting Cows: Cow moose are quick to fight if one approaches another cow’s youngsters. Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Lip Curl: This one occurred in thick willow cover. Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Sparring Youngsters: I spent the morning with a group of moose along the Gros Ventre. These two appeared to be the same age and size. Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Resting Calves: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Two Calves: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Gros Ventre Crossing: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Washakie and Calf: In a Gros Ventre side channel. Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Calf In Side Channel: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Bull Crossing Gros Ventre: Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Note: I added a few more fall photos on this page: Foliage Reports September/October 2016 :

Tamron 150-600mm G2 (Generation 2) Lens

UPS delivered my new Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens late this afternoon. (I purchased mine from Perfect Light Camera and Supply). I did AF Fine Tune adjustments on three bodies with it, then headed out to see if I could find some sort of subject to photograph. It was late in the day, and ISOs were high, I managed to get a few intro shots.

Perfect Light Camera & Supply
2169 E. 17th St. Idaho Falls, ID 83401
Phone: (208) 523-6789Fax: (208) 523-3484
perfectlightstore@gmail.com

Cow and Calf Kiss: These images were taken with a Nikon D5 and the new lens “wide open” with shutter speeds of only 1/100th second and high ISO in the 1400 to 5000 range. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 1400}

Washakie : Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 5000)

Get Up!: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 2000)

Lip Curl: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens. (ISO 2800)

October 5, 2016 – Wednesday

Canada Geese: Overnight snow transformed the valley! This was captured at the Jackson Lake Dam. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

A Couple of Coots: Thousands of Coots were gathered at the Jackson Lake Dam. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Coots: Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Black-billed Magpie: While waiting for the Coots to fly, this magpie landed in a nearby tree. Quick spin and shoot! Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Cottonwood Creek: Nikon D500 and Nikon 70-200mm Lens

Aspen Leaves: Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Bull Elk: Taken near Antelope Flats Road. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Pronghorn Buck: Taken at the Kelly Warm Springs parking area. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Murphy Barn: Taken from Antelope Flats Road. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Note: I added a few more fall photos on this page: Foliage Reports September/October 2016 :

October 4, 2016 – Tuesday

Lip Curl: Yesterday, I saw this bull along the Gros Ventre. Today, I found him roughly five miles away on the East Boundary Road. Nikon D5 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Oxbow Bend Hold Outs: Most of the front aspens are bare now, but a few colorful trees remain behind them. Nikon D810 and Nikon 70-200mm Lens

Golden Eye: Found at Schwabacher Landing. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Mallard Duck in Flight: Also at Schwabacher Landing. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Moulton Homestead: Taken at a long distance from Antelope Flats Road. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Last Leaf: Taken at Oxbow Bend. Nikon D810 and Nikon 70-200mm Lens

October 3, 2016 – Monday

Mule Deer Doe: D500 at ISO 4500. We had thick clouds this morning, making everything feel very dark. I spent a while looking for “low hanging fruit” (bull moose visible from the road), then began hiking along the river. I’d say I walked 3 miles and another 3 miles back. Instead of carrying a heavy body, tripod and lens, I took the new D500 and a 28-300mm lens…same as early yesterday. Six miles with that combo was tolerable. I found a couple of families of Mule Deer along the river, but the only large moose I found were on the south side of the river and too far away to photograph. The photo above was taken in Manual Mode with Auto ISO turned on. Today was a good test for the body, but I knew my D5 does a much better job with Hi ISO values. Nikon D500 and Nikon 28-300mm Lens

Rose Hip: 1/160th second, F/5.6, ISO 1250 Nikon D500 and Nikon 28-300mm Lens

Area Notes: It appears we are in for a few days of “bad” weather. Rain and snow are in the forecast…Great! The mountains already have a new layer of snow, and at least some of it should hang around this time. Another couple of days and nights of snow in the high country will be welcome, and should make the remaining foliage photos that much better. I’ll definitely be out in the “bad” weather!

October 2, 2016 – Sunday

Night at Moulton Barn: I took a client out last night for some evening and night shots. Nikon D810 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens

Eastern Skies: Along Mormon Row. Nikon D810 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens

Moose on Gros Ventre: Nikon D500 and Nikon 28-300mm Lens

Cody Crossing Side Channel: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Cody in the River Bottom: Taken along the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D500 and Nikon 28-300mm Lens

Pronghorn Buck Lip Curl: Captured near the Gros Ventre Junction. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Box L Ranch in Rain: Along Spring Gulch Road. Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500mm Lens

Recent Additions: More Options! My wife brought home a Nikon D500 last Friday! My other camera bodies are full frame (FX), while the new D500 is DX, or 1.5 effective crop. I spent some time with my LensAlign to do the AF Fine Tune on each lens. This morning, I took off into the river bottom with the light weight 28-300mm lens and Nikon D500. I found a bull moose on the move and was able to take a lot of photos. It worked out well today!

October 1, 2016 – Saturday

Washakie in Gold: Taken early in the morning along the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Intro: Washakie and an interested cow. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Cow and Calf Crossing: Remnant fog over the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Washakie Crossing: The rut is in full swing as we enter the first days of October. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Chipmonk: A few minutes earlier, I was taking photos of a 1000 lb. bull moose. This little Chipmonk poser weighs only 2 ounces. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Spider Web: Taken along the fence next to the National Elk Refuge. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

Trumpeter Swan: The two Cygnets now appear to be about the same size as their parents. Their beaks are mostly gray, while the adults have black beaks. I found all four near the observation platform along Flat Creek as I made my way back into town this morning. Nikon D500 and Tamron 150-600mm Lens

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