When I can find Shoshone, none of the other bulls matter!He’s big, mature, and beautiful!
First You Have to Find Him!
Legendary Yankee catcher, Yogi Berra, is credited with hundreds of quotes…. Some people call them Yogi Berraisms. Here are just a few:
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
“The future ain’t what it used to be.”
When it comes to my favorite GTNP moose, Shoshone, Yogi’s sayings come to mind.I can create one he might have said: “If he ain’t where you are looking, look somewhere else.”
Over the span of around 14 years of photographing Grand Teton National Park’s moose, I’ve witnessed bulls gathering in small groups, both before the rut and after the rut. I’ve overheard tour guides telling their clients that moose live a solitary lifestyle, but across the board, that is not my observation.
While still in velvet and biding their time, I’ve often seen groups of four, five, and six bulls together. After the rut, I’ve seen as many as 28 bulls clustered in an area of the sage flats no bigger than a football field. That count didn’t include the cows and anterless bulls mixed in with them!
When not courting a cow during the September rut, Shoshone seems to prefer the isolation. For a photographer, Shoshone creates a conundrum. Should I bushwhack across a couple of miles of river bottom looking for him, or go to areas where there might be four or five moose in a more reliable area?
The risks and rewards of searching have to be balanced against each other. IF I find him, I will likely have him to myself for hours. As a result, my shots will likely be unique. Conversely, you might also imagine how it feels to “waste” a morning looking for him, only to find out later that three or four of the other bulls were putting on a great show somewhere else.
My Favorites
Shoshone is my “current” favorite Moose. I’ve had other favorites, including Gaston, Washakie, Elvis, and Custer. Unfortunately, their time at the top of the hierarchy pyramid is short. They either grow too old to compete, are killed by vehicle, or meet their end by a pack of wolves or even a hunter’s bullet. (More on Washakie and Gaston later)
Any follower at Best of the Tetons probably already knows that moose are my favorite wildlife subject. There are several reasons, of course. First, they can be found relatively close to my home. They save gas! Second, unlike the bears, there are a lot of them and are generally visible all year. Lastly, they “do stuff”. They cross rivers, fight, spar, and generally interact with each other.
Heck…they are even interesting when they are bedded down!
Our Shiras Moose are smaller versions of the Alaskan Moose—inhabiting areas of the Northern Rockies. They are “in scale” with other wildlife in the area. Growing up in a National Park, they are not hunted and effectively become accustomed to sharing their environment with the hoards of tourists visiting the Park each year.
“What is the lifespan of a moose?” I’ve looked over numerous sites for the answer. Depending on the site, the average response is around 15 years, though I saw a couple suggesting as long as 25 years. I doubt that! Some also suggest the average lifespan in the wild is only 8 years. Likewise, I doubt that number. Based on my years of following them, I’d stay with 15 years in the wild.
Velvet Time
Most moose lose their antlers sometime in mid to late December, while a few lose them in January. By Spring, you’ll start seeing light bulb sized new growth on the shaggy monsters. In late July and early August, I begin to see enough velvet covered antler growth to begin to speculate “who” they are. By late August, the mystery is over. Each year, they grow their antlers back in almost the exact pattern as the previous year. They’ll often add an extra a point or two as they reach their prime.
Besides the antler pattern, some moose have cuts or splits in their ears,or noticeable scars on their shoulders or muzzle. A few of them, like Shoshone have “lazy” ears. When not needed, the lazy ear rests back on their neck. (See the previous photo) Shoshone can still bring both ears perk when he hears a threat.
Despite their gangly appearance, Moose are quite nimble, even in thick cover. While still in velvet, they are very careful not to cut their soft velvet supplying the calcium needed to grow their antlers.
Prior to stripping their velvet, bulls have little interest in the cows. That’s not always the case for the cows. The down ears indicate “approach with caution”. Cows often find one of the big bulls and hang close, but other than their company, bulls seem to prefer their pre-rut private time.
Stripping Time
Last year, I was lucky to witness and photograph Shoshone stripping his velvet. This year, I missed the big event my maybe an hour. When I found him, he had only a small patch of velvet clinging to one paddle.
Moose paddles remain red for a few days as they continue to scrape them against any small tree or appropriate branch they can find. Later, they thrash the trees to attract the cows or alert another male of their presence.
The Rut
Once their antlers are stripped and polished, moose enter the rut in earnest. “Dependable” bulls seem to disappear for a week or two. I’ve equated it with a high school kid getting a new set of chrome wheels for his Camaro and then cruising Main Street to show them off. (Okay, I know I am showing my age. Watch American Grafitti if you are not sure what I am talking about)
If you haven’t been following me on Instagram, you might consider it!A friend talked me into posting a video once in a while that shows a bit about how I get these photos. This link is just one example.
Shoshone spent most of his velvet time along the Gros Ventre River,but afterwards I heard of him being seen along the Moose-Wilson Road and near Moose Junction. I saw him briefly at Blacktail Ponds overlook one evening, then heard numerous reports of him being at Schwabacher Landing. Later, he was back at the Gros Ventre River.
During the rut, large bulls isolate a cow and stay with her until she comes “into season”.They move from cow to cow as the season progresses. They can find a cow miles away, even with the wind blowing the wrong direction! In most cases, the secret to finding a bull during the rut is to go to where the cows hang out.
In my years of observing and photographing moose, I’ve only seen one serious fight. This year, I received reports of Shoshone and Laramie squaring off. I was told Laramie won the battle. (I was doing a photo tour that day)
Late Season Rut
Late October brings two changes. First, the primary summer food source, willow leaves, along the river bottoms thin out or fall off. They move to the sagebrush zones to feed on bitter brush mixed in with the sagebrush. Second, the moose reassemble in even larger numbers than before. Bulls sniff the cow’s urine for a chance of a late season breeding opportunity, but otherwise, become much less aggressive towards each other. Sparring between bulls is almost a given.
Shoshone and Firecracker are often seen paired up for gentle sparring.
Instead of moving back to the trees for the daytime shade, moose will often plop down in the middle of the sagebrush during the cooler days of late fall or early winter.
Water
Besides a good food source, moose also need a water source. They typically go to water at least once a day. Depending on whether some of the old irrigation ditches are open or not, moose in the sagebrush will eventually go to a stream or river. If a cow crosses the river with a bull nearby, you can almost bank on him following her. Otherwise, they move to the edge of the water for a quick drink, then return to the willows or sagebrush zones.
A Little Back Story
While this post is about Shoshone, you might enjoy a little localized history. Two bulls come immediately to mind…
Washakie
One of my earlier “favorite” bull moose was Washakie.
I started photographing Washakie in 2006 and continued to do so until the fall of 2016. His distinctive brow tines set him apart from all others. He hasn’t been seen since 2016.
Gaston
Back in 2006, I photographed and named “Gaston”—the largest bull in the area. At the time, my kids were watching Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. The Beast’s name was Gaston, so it seemed fitting. Gaston was the top bull back then, mating with the cows along the river. The odds are very good that I photographed Shoshone, Bannock, Laramie, and Slim Jim when they were babies. If you compare photos of Shoshone and Washakie against this 13 year old photo of Gaston, I can at least speculate that some of today’s top bulls are offspring of Gaston. Compare Gaston above with Shoshone below!
Shoshone: 2019
Shooting Information
All of the images on this page were taken in 2019.Most of them were taken with a Nikon D5. It’s my “go to” body for early morning and late evening wildlife photography. Many were taken with a Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens. Not long ago, I added a Sigma 60-600mm lens and used it with both the Nikon D5 an also my Nikon D850. River crossings are also a good time for the D5, knowing can handle a couple hundred captures before hitting the buffer. The D850 hits the buffer at around 14 photos (I’d have to refer to the manuals for exact numbers). The bulk of the moose images were taken using a tripod.
I didn’t keep track of the numbers, but I am sure I took 15,000 photos of Shoshone so far this year. I cull the number considerably, often by 90%, but that still leaves me with 1,500 keepers! I was only able to include part of them, and I know I will get a lot more between now and when he sheds his antlers in December.
Even though I mentioned that “all” images on this page are from 2019, I’ll sneak in one more from late October of last year. It’s a preview of what I hope to see in November and December.
More Moose Images:
Here’s a list of additional Feature Posts on Best of the Tetons with moose, and even a link to my artistic images as Teton Images.
I have numerous openings available in November and December!
The tours help me pay bills and allow me to keep updating this site. Please refer me when you can…MJ
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
Please take a minute and register to sign up to follow this site. I’d love to have another couple hundred new subscribers from the group visiting the site this fall. MJ
Subscribe to Best of the Tetons!
Happy Halloween! Here are a couple of archived Feature Posts!
Mt. Moran:I had planned on going to String Lake if clouds were in the forecast, however weather reports called for clear skies. I stayed home until the clouds started rolling in. I went there because this is the last day of vehicle access to the middle section of the Teton Park Road…sometimes called the Inner Park Loop Road. Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens, Handheld.
Frozen String Lake and Mt. Moran: There is still a thin ribbon of open water in String Lake, but it is mostly frozen. The area will reopen on May 1st. Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens, Handheld.
Mt. Moran: Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens, Handheld.
Mt. Moran and String Lake Pano: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens,Handheld.
Ice Patterns: Taken at String Lake. Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens, Handheld.
Feathery Ice Clump: Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-70mm Lens, Handheld.
Moose on Ice: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moose On Ice: These big boys have a lot of trouble slipping across a frozen stream. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Trumpeter Swan: There are quite a few wild Trumpeters along Flat Creek now! Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 30th, 2019 – Wednesday
Hey! Today and tomorrow are the last two days to access the middle sections of Moose-Wilson Road and Teton Park Road (Inner Park Loop Road).
The Elk Reduction Program begins this Saturday! Hint: Be prepared to wear hunter orange in the hunt zones.
McKenna Pro Metallic Print Sale: (Ends Tomorrow) Buy 2 Get 1 Free 12×18 Metal Prints: Promo Code M1218: “Photographers and their customers alike love our vibrant metal prints. This October buy 2 get 1 12×18 metal print for free! We use high-heat technology and ChromaLuxe metal to create luminous prints with glossy, semi-gloss, metallic, or matte finish.” I ordered 15 prints this morning along with some non-sale panos.
Badger and Ground Squirrel: I went out to the National Elk Refuge to check on the Bighorns. I saw a few initially, but they were way too far out. I drove on through the Refuge and spotted a Badger carrying around a Uinta Ground Squirrel. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Badger and Ground Squirrel: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bighorn Lamb: When I drove back through, Bighorns were near the road. I counted 23 of them. The only large ram in the group had already crossed the road and was working his way up the butte. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bighorn Lamb: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 29th, 2019 – Tuesday
LensAlign: Okay…I’m a wimp! When I woke up this morning, it reminded me of a Quaker Oats commercial with low temperatures, snow flying, and wind howling. I stayed home and tried to keep warm. Later in the morning, FedEX delivered my Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens. I sent it in for service at the Tamron Service Center. The paperwork mentioned they had cleaned it, replaced a couple of parts, and calibrated it. I waited until the wind died down a little and made initial adjustments with the lens on my D5. Normally, I’d AF Fine tune my Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 at the same time, but didn’t want to brave the north wind any longer.
Trumpeter Swan: I did a quick run over to the Boyle’s Hill Swan Pond to test it out on something with either feathers or fur. The Wetlands Society guy was there so I asked him a few questions. A few wild Swans are moving into the valley already. He said that normally starts after the first week of November. There are 13 captive breeders at the pond right now. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Elk Herd: Most years, there is a herd of Elk hanging around west of town. I saw them on my way to Boyle’s Hill, but they were bedded down. I went back to find them up and moving around. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Elk Cows: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Elk Bulls: I didn’t see any huge bulls, but there were a couple of nice ones along the back edge of the herd. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Elk: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 Lens, Handheld.
Other Wildlife: I heard Grizzly 399 was seen on Sunday. I also heard of a few more sightings of Bighorns on the National Elk Refuge.
I have numerous openings available in November and December!
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
October 28th, 2019 – Monday
Schwabacher Landing Pano: In can either blame or credit my wife for this photo. I had to get up at 5:00 am to take her to the airport. I decided to stay out and get a few morning shots instead of heading back home to catch the last hour or so of sleep. It was a nice morning! Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-24mm Lens, Tripod.
I mentioned it was a nice morning, but it was also very cold! My truck thermometer read 1ºF when I was taking the early morning shots. I created this video for Instagram which talks about taking photos in the cold. Check it out!
Schwabacher Landing: Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-24mm Lens, Tripod.
The Bull and Buck Mountain: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Bull Moose: This bull was along the East Boundary Road…that’s great because I didn’t really want to hike too far from the truck today! Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Yesterday afternoon, I noticed it was snowing heavily in town so I jumped in the truck and headed into the park. I had hoped to find moose with heavy snow falling. When I found the moose, it was snowing “lightly” with gusty wind. It was a day most people would have preferred sitting in front of a TV watching college football. The photo below was taken while trying to do the short video I posted on Instagram. I have to admit, I’d much rather be on the back side of a camera than IN the lens of a camera, but maybe I am getting into it a little now. The videos on Instagram are not professionally produced…just me and my iPhone! You see the photos here, but these little clips give you an insight on how they were taken.
Slim Jim: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
I drove down the Canyon today hoping to photograph a few Mountain Goats, and hoping there would be a layer of snow on the ground. I made the drive but didn’t see a single goat.
I like to challenge myself to take at least a couple of photos each day so I poked around the little town of Alpine.
Catch As Catch Can: Definition: “The best one can do with whatever is available; by whatever means or in any way possible. Catch as catch can is used as an adjective used to describe using whatever methods or materials are available.” Well…that’s what I did today! Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Caboose Details: I don’t think there ever was a railroad in Alpine, but one of the saloons down there has a caboose next to it. I doubt the people that designed and manufactured these elements ever thought anyone would ever consider them photo worthy but I see the art in their efforts. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Wagon: I stopped at Hoback Junction to take a photo of this old wagon. I’ve photographed it in other years, but usually when it is covered with snow. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Wagon: Instagram seems to work best with squares. I’ve been “seeing squares” a lot more lately. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
This new page has lots of Moose photos, including some I never posted. Click the link above or the photo below!
Great Horned Owl: I have been working on a new Feature Post about Shoshone (my favorite moose). Sign up to follow this site to get a notification! This owl was in a cottonwood tree south of Jackson. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Red Leaves: These leaves were in a small bush near the Great Horned Owl. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
October 25th, 2019 – Friday
Bull Moose: I received a notice they Mountain Goats were out early, but decided to go for Moose again today. Good call! I found seven or more bulls and numerous cows along the Gros Ventre. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Bull Moose with Mt. Moran Backdrop: I put my Nikon D850 on the Sigma lens today. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Lip Curl: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
On the Sage Flats: I only needed 210mm for this shot, but like the option to spread out to 60mm if needed. I sent my Tamron 150-600mm lens in to Tamron Service to get it cleaned and tuned up. The shipping was $27 and they pay to send it back. There was no charge for the cleaning and new collar. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
On the Sage Flats: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Bull Moose: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Backlit Bull: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Wigeons: I stopped at the pond north of the Visitor’s Center on my way home. This group of ducks found an opening in the frozen pond. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Cattails: Also photographed at the pond. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 24th, 2019 – Thursday
Mountain Goat: Kerry Singleton let me know she has been seeing a few Mountain Goats showing up in the Snake River Canyon. I drove down this morning and found three nannies and one kid. This one was taken while everything was still in shadows. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Mountain Goat: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Mountain Goat Nanny: Right now, two of the three nannies were nice and white with their new winter fur. One was already a bit scruffy. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Mountain Goat: Given the choice, I would prefer to photograph Mountain Goats with a layer of snow and on the rocky faces. Snow is in the forecast for Saturday night. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Mountain Goat: A few Bighorn Sheep have been seen on Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge already. I am looking forward to good photo opportunities this year for both! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
This page contains a lot of information, including maps, for finding the Mountain Goats. Also, don’t forget this site’s Search tool. It can be found either in the right navigation bar (on a desktop computer) or at the bottom of each page if on a smart phone or pad.
Mountain Goat Country: Mountain Goats were introduced in this area. Some of them have made their way into Grand Teton National Park where a program has been announced to eradicate them. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Miller House: This shot was still in my camera from yesterday afternoon. I was checking to see if I could find any of the Bighorns there. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
October 23rd, 2019 – Wednesday
Sparring Bull Moose: Lots of Moose photos today! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Shoshone: It was great to see this big bull again today. I found five bulls and two cows. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Shoshone: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Sparring Bull Moose: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Shoshone: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Bison Bull: A nice sized herd of Bison were scattered on both sides of Mormon Row. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bison Bull: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Rolling Bison Bull: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Rolling Calf: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Irrigation Ditch: I took this one at the TA Moulton Barn during a short break in the clouds. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Peach House: A few seconds of light on the John Moulton Homestead. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Chambers Homestead: This is a “stacked” focus image, created from two photos. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Today, I obtained my Winter permit to guide on the National Elk Refuge this year!
I have numerous openings available in October and November!
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
October 22nd, 2019 – Tuesday
Moose – Slim Jim: I did a quick run into the Park. Thick clouds made for dark shots at slow shutter speeds. This bull was cross the Gros Ventre Road near the roundabout. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Pronghorns: I was just thinking I hadn’t been seeing many Pronghorns lately…then saw this small herd in the sage flats north of Kelly. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Pronghorn Trio: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Ring-necked Duck: I spotted a few Buffleheads along Flat Creek, so I stopped to check them out. They flew off before I had a chance to get a good image. This Ring-necked Duck was swimming by so I snapped off a few of him. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Great Horned Owl: This owl was tucked into a willow tree. Besides the fact it was sleeping, I couldn’t find a clean shot. I think of these kinds of captures as “record shots”. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
I was only out for two hours…finding a few subjects, but none of them were “portfolio quality” images. Still, I was out and I gave myself a “chance” to capture something better than something I already have.
October 21st, 2019 – Monday
Note: These Moose photos were taken Sunday afternoon, then processed and uploaded for Monday’s post.
Resting Moose in the Snow: Tip!!!!! If you shoot during a snow storm, shoot a lot of photos! Often, a flake will be covering the eye of an animal. It helps to be able to choose one with a clear eye or eyes. This photo was taken hand held at 1/50th second. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Snow King in Snow Storm: This one was taken at 1/80th second. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Snow King and Cow: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Cow Moose in Light Snow: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Snow King Lip Curl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Snow King: This is a beautiful Moose! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Snow King: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Antique Clock: This group isn’t really a Tetons set, but kept me busy this afternoon. I kept walking by this beautiful old clock and thinking it deserved a few photos. Nikon D850 and Nikon 80-200mm Zoom Micro Lens, Tripod.
Clock Cherub: These images were captured with a vintage Nikon 80-200 zoom micro lens. Nikon D850 and Nikon 80-200mm Zoom Micro Lens, Tripod.
Clock Face: A Nikon D850 has built in software to capture “stacks” of images, but in this case, I liked the idea of having out of focus areas on each side. This was a single shot capture at 3 seconds, F/9, and ISO 100. I turned on the 3 second shutter delay, too. Nikon D850 and Nikon 80-200mm Zoom Micro Lens, Tripod.
October 20th, 2019 – Sunday
Bannock: Taken from the Highway near Antelope Flats Road. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
TA Moulton Barn: It occurred to me today that I have been taking all of my photos lately with my Nikon D5. This morning, with the new layer of snow, I put the new Sigman 60-600mm lens on my Nikon D850 to give it a test drive. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
TA Moulton Barn: The extra 90mm on the short end of this lens makes it a strong “all-in-one” landscape/wildlife lens! Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Peach House: It also works great as landscape lens at long distances. I shot this one from Antelope Flats Road. Notice the leaves still on the aspens as late as October 20th! Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moulton Barn Outhouse: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moulton Barn Outhouse: Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
John Moulton Homestead Barns: Telephoto lenses allow me to “see” shots differently. Today’s fresh layer of snow helped make each shot more interesting. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Murphy Homestead: This is a handheld four shot Pano set shot with the Sigma 60-600mm Lens, stitched in Lightroom. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bison Bulls: Ahhh! A more traditional use of a telephoto lens! It took this photo along Mormon Row Road. Nikon D850 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 19th, 2019 – Saturday
Bull Moose – Snow King: I was lucky to spot this bull, early this morning. He finally moved to an area I could shot without too many distractions. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose -Snow King: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose – Snow King: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bull Moose – Snow King: This bull is hanging around in town. I’ve heard of a couple of Black Bears around town and even a Mountain Lion. I woke up in the night a couple of nights ago to see a Raccoon in the back yard. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 18th, 2019 – Friday
Moods of the Morning: I looked for the bull Moose this morning, then switched gears and found a few moody landscapes. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moods of the Morning: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moods of the Morning: The Grand was covered with clouds, so I concentrated on some of the other peaks. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moods of the Morning: This group of images was taken along Spring Gulch Road. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Moods of the Morning: Several of the barns and structures at the Box L Ranch on Spring Gulch Road. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Red and Orange Leaves: After the Spring Gulch landscapes, I drove around looking for the bull Moose again. Along the way, I stopped to record a few splashes of color. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Mountain Ash Berries: If I am lucky, Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings will find these berries at some point during the winter. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Grunge Wheel: I spotted an old GMC truck along one of the side streets and took a couple of “grunge” photos using the new lens. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
GMC Truck Grill: These two shots were taken handheld at slow shutter speeds with the image stabilization turned on. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 17th, 2019 – Thursday
OMG! I took close to 4000 images today!
Snow King: Yesterday, my wife let me know about a “big” bull moose in our neighborhood. I rushed home, but he had already moved into the recesses of the area. This morning, I stayed home. He was back! When I took this shot, I had no idea if I would see him again. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Streaking Aspens: While killing time, I did a few of these streaking aspens photos. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Local Moose Cow and Calf: The bull spent part of the morning looking for this cow and calf. I waited for a while, but apparently didn’t stay long enough! When I returned, the big bull I named “Snow King” was resting in the spot where the cow and calf had been earlier. Very cool! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Snow King Resting: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Snow King Crossing Flat Creek: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Snow King: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Snow King: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
This is a very solid looking mature bull. I’d like to see him side by side with Shoshone to be able to say whether one looks largest. It probably won’t happen knowing there are roughly 17-20 miles from each other. It’s not uncommon to see a cow and calf in my neighborhood in the winter, but it’s much less common to see a bull of any size.
Sigma Sport 60-600mm Lens Notes: In short…I like it! I mentioned earlier that the space it tight between the front of my lens and the collar when using my Wimberley Sidekick. I ordered a new Wimberley Gimbal head and used it yesterday and today. When I removed the Area-Swiss Z-1 Ball Head and Wimberley Sidekick and replaced it on the tripod, it added roughly a half pound. The Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens is a little more than 1.5 lbs more than my Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens. When everything is assembled, I am now carrying around an extra 2 pounds. Last evening, I carried the gear over 2 miles and I can honestly say, my back paid the price! Otherwise, I am getting used to the reverse twist zoom I am used to on my Nikon and Tamron lenses.
October 16th, 2019 – Wednesday
Old Patriarch Tree Pano: Just a quick reminder that the Teton Park Road will close at the end of the month between the Taggart Lake Trail Head and Signal Mountain Lodge. This includes vehicular access to Jenny Lake, String Lake, and areas like BarBC, RKO Road, and the Old Patriarch Tree. I hiked out to the Patriarch Tree this morning. Nikon D850 andNikon 24-70 Lens, Tripod
Old Patriarch Tree and Moon: Nikon D850 andNikon 24-70 Lens, Tripod
White-breasted Nuthatch: The Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Head II arrived yesterday. I took it out to the back yard for a few shots. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
White-breasted Nuthatch: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Shoshone: This is a group of photos I took late last evening. I looked through them and processed a few before heading to bed. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Fall Rut: Shoshone and one of the cows in the area. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Shoshone: This angle shows Shoshone’s imposing brow tines. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Lip Curl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Afternoon Drink: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Afternoon Drink: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
Evening in the Willows: Moose are spending more time feeding on bitter brush lately. The willows along the river are thinning out now. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod
October 15th, 2019 – Tuesday
Shoshone: It was nice to get back out into the Park this morning! That’s easy to say when I managed to find my favorite bull Moose…Shoshone! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Cows: When two cows get close to each other, their ears go back on their neck. It’s a sign they both recognize as “stay back”. Occasionally, they’ll rear up on their back legs in an attempt to strike the other cow with their hooves. The cow on the left backed off and the confrontation ended with no damages. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Rut: It might be six or seven years before this smaller bull will really have a chance to mate with a cow, but at this age, they already know the drill. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Rut: Cows seldom let a small bull mate with them. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Lip Curl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Firecracker and Shoshone: This is why I love Moose! A couple of days ago, the smaller bull above had bedded down in the sage when one of the smaller bulls pestered him until he had to get up to confront the smaller “challenger”. Today, Firecracker did the same thing to a resting Shoshone. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Firecracker and Shoshone: Firecracker was persistent enough to finally force Shoshone up. After a brief “stare down”, Firecracker retreated and both bedded down for the morning. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Pronghorn Buck: Similar to the smaller bulls, young pronghorns have little chance to mate or build a harem of does. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Pronghorn Buck: Instead, they hang around the edges hoping to peel off a doe. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 14th, 2019 – Monday – Columbus Day
Clark’s Nutcracker: Instead of driving into the Park this morning, I opted to stay home, get some paperwork done, and take a few photos in the back yard. It’s a good time to practice and test the new lens, too. There are at least two Clark’s Nutcrackers in the area and they are quick to find peanuts I put out for them. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Clark’s Nutcracker: These birds have little interest in sunflower seeds or fruit, but will eat the suet I put out for the Flickers and Woodpeckers. If given a choice, they’ll concentrate on the peanuts until they are depleted. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Clark’s Nutcracker: Over the years, I’ve had as many as 15 Clark’s Nutcrackers in my yard at one time. They seem very intelligent. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Black-billed Magpie: I saw a few Yellow-billed Magpies while in California a few years ago. Those birds never look quite right to me! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Black-billed Magpie: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Northern Flicker: In just a short period of time, I had quite a variety of birds visiting my back yard. A male Downey Woodpecker hung around the edges, but never seemed willing to put up all of the traffic. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
If you like the smaller birds,check out these earlier Feature Posts:
Smoky Mountains— Jackson Hole Style: Late in the afternoon, I headed south to look for Owls and spotted this interesting scene. There are a few controlled burns going on right now, and apparently adding a little extra haze to the mountains. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Great Horned Owl: I found this female fairly high in a cottonwood tree. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
October 13th, 2019 – Sunday
Park Facilities are Shutting Down for the Winter!
By the end of the day, many of the facilities inside Grand Teton National Park will be closed. You should still be able to buy gas at some of the automated pumps, but don’t expect to find many open stores. The one exception is the privately owned restaurant and store at Dornan’s. (It will close on November 3rd). Some of the rest rooms will still be serviced, but be prepared otherwise. The only other “cafe” in the region is at the Heart 6 Ranch along the Buffalo Valley Road. The convenience store on the road to Togwotee Mtn is usually open in the winter, but their food services are closed for the season.
The cones and brown stakes have been removed on the Moose-Wilson Roadand all Wildlife Brigade Volunteers are gone. Rangers will still be patrolling the Park.
Also, the section of the Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake trail head and Signal Mountain and the middle section of the Moose-Wilson Road will close at midnight on October 31st. Antelope Flats Road will be open through about the middle of December. All campgrounds inside Grand Teton National Park are closed for the rest of the winter.
In short, “plan ahead” and bring your own food, snacks, and have a full tank of gas if heading into the Park.
Sparring Bull Moose: I saw 15-20 moose today. They were more scattered, however. These two were sparring after feeding for about an hour. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Antler Envy: This was another test day for the Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens. I like it! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Frosted Leaves: Temperatures have been dropping to around 12°-17° F in the morning. It’s a good time to capture a few morning details. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
TA Moulton Barn: This is a “stacked” image. I focused on the close grass on the first shot, then on the barn for the second image. They were merged into a single image in Photoshop. I took these images at 60mm on the Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens, handheld with their image stabilization turned on. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
TA Moulton Barn: This one was shot with the Sigma lens, captured as a two shot pano. You can see the status of the cottonwoods along Mormon Row in this photo. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Grunge Gears: I shot this photo with the Sigma lens “wide open” to let the background soften. I could have image stacked this one, too. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Grunge Spring: All of these “grungy” images were taken at the Chambers Homestead along Mormon Row. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Hay Hook: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Grunge Pulley: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Changing Aspens: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
White-breasted Nuthatch: I haven’t been feeding the birds in my back yard all summer, but filled the depleted feeders today. I set up the tripod and took a few photos. Besides this White-breasted Nuthatch, I saw a Red-breasted Nuthatch. Both species of Chickadees were active on the sunflower feeders. Clark’s Nutcrackers were around along with Black-billed Magpies. I am fairly sure I heard a Bluejay. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
October 12th, 2019 – Saturday
Moose Bulls: Watch for Moose in the sagebrush feeding on bitter brush as their summer food sources dry up. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Young Bull Moose: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Cow and Calf: Crossing the Gros Ventre River. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Cow and Calf: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Calf: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Cow: Pausing for a drink. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Pronghorn Buck: I went back out this afternoon, starting at the National Elk Refuge. I heard of a few Bighorns showing up at Miller Butte, but I didn’t spot any. I heard there was a bull near the Gros Ventre Road, so I went there. Unfortunately, he was bedded down when I got there. This Pronghorn was seen near Kelly. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Sleeping Indian and Rising Moon: I was in the right place at the right time, however the moon actually came up 20-30 minutes too late. When the moon finally did come up, it was too dark and the moon was a bleached out white ball. This is a composite consisting of a shot of the mountain at the right time, a placeholder image showing where the moon cleared the mountain and to establish the correct size, and a properly exposed version of just the moon. It’s not that uncommon to see an image where the photographer composited an image with a moon two or three times the correct size—and even put a moon into a scene that simply couldn’t have a moon there. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
October 11th, 2019 – Friday
Firecracker: My primary goal today was to get some “fur and feathers” in a few shots to try out the new Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens. Found a few! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Lip Curl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Laramie and Mount Moran: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Laramie Against Gold: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Moose Trio Sparring: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Bison Bull with Cowbirds: Seen near Mormon Row. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Great Gray Owl: I’ve been “north” several times looking for Great Grays and came up empty. Today, I got lucky and stumbled upon one. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Great Gray Owl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Great Gray Owl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
Sigma Sport 60-600mm Lens Comments
I shot most of the images todayat F/6.3 (wide open) at roughly 600mm. Most people suggest stopping down one stop, but I wanted to use it the way I typically use it in low light. It seemed plenty sharp in those cases. This was also the first day I used a tripod. Over all these years, I’ve used a Wimberley Sidekick to hold my telephoto lenses (I never owned a heavy prime 500mm or 600mm lens). I discovered this morning that the space between the front of the camera body and the back of the collar is barely large enough for my fingers. It is workable, but slightly annoying. I didn’t really have it in the budget, but I ordered a Wimberly Full Gimbal head. I looked at all of the different full gimbal options, and ended up spending the extra money for the industry standard device. It should be here on Tuesday. I bought the lens from B&H, knowing they offer the option to return it for any reason. After using this one for a few days, I doubt it will be going back!
Duck: I am not sure what kind of duck this is…it’s a diver. I photographed it along Flat Creek. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Great Horned Owl: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Tripod.
October 10th, 2019 – Thursday
Lots of Photos Today!
Hoback Canyon Highway: Yesterday, I picked up a new Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens at FedEx. Today, I gave it a good workout. The extra 90mm on this lens makes it a great all-around tool! Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Windmill: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Bald Eagle: Taken at around 90 yards in the Hoback Canyon. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Corrals and Barn: I drove up the Gros Ventre for a few more photos. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Red Hills: The upper Gros Ventre River flows into Slide Lake. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Red Hills: Most of the leaves on the aspens in this area had fallen, but the snow on the red hills made it well worth the trip. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Red Hills: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Red Hills: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Murphy Barn: Captured as a band of light hit the house and barn on the north end of Mormon Row. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Tipi: Seen north of Antelope Flats Road. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Tipi: I took a lot of photos today at long distances and at 600mm. Some of the long distance shots had some thermal shimmers, but that would be the case with any lens in the same situation. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Macey: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
The Sigma Sport 60-600mm performed well today! It weighs a little more than a pound and a half more than my Tamron 150-600mm lens. That’s noticeable but generally tolerable. Any Nikon user will notice the zoom twists opposite their other Nikon and Tamron lenses. It includes the Area-Swiss grooves in the collar, same as the Tamron lens. It comes with a case, unlike the Tamron. The collar is MUCH smoother than the Tamron (actually that’s lousy on the Tamron…one of my biggest gripes). It seems plenty responsive, but I didn’t have any chances for birds in flight. This lens covers the same zoom range as my Nikon 70-200mm lens, but it’s an F/2.8 where this lens is F/4 at 60mm and F/6.3 at the 600mm end of the zoom. I shot a lot of today’s photos at F/9, but need to take a good sampling at F/6.3 knowing I use the lenses early in the morning when there isn’t much light.
October 9th, 2019 – Wednesday
Moose in Snow: I love “bad weather”! It started snowing this morning, prompting me to zip into the Park. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Moose in Snow: The rut is still on…not affected at all by the early season snow. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Moose in Snow: If your camera is having trouble focusing in the snow, try “group”. It seems to grab the moose more than the flakes, if they are not too thick. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Moose in the Gros Ventre: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
River Crossing: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
River Crossing: I took close to 4000 images of Moose this morning! A large percentage of them will get culled, but I should have a couple hundred keepers. My keeper ratio is usually higher during a river crossing. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Melody Ranch: Color is still good south of town. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Munger Mountain: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 8th, 2019 – Tuesday
First Clouds: I often stop to take this photo when clouds look interesting over the Tetons. The spot is south of Blacktail Butte along the Gros Ventre Road. I looked for Moose initially. I found four or five cows and one young bull, but opted to look for landscape and foliage opportunities. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Early Light at Ditch Creek: I posted this photo on the Foliage Report: September/October 2019 Foliage Reports. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Motion Blur!: Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens,Tripod.
I posted this short tutorial on Instagramonly a few minutes ago and it already has 155 likes. Check it out and Follow Best of the Tetons on Instagram.
Great Horned Owl: I’ve been having good luck finding a couple of Great Horned Owls lately. Others have seen Great Gray Owls in GTNP, but of course, they are seldom in the same area from day to day. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
TA Moulton Barn: Yellow leaves are adding color to the ground at the Barns. The cottonwoods on Mormon Row will not be prime for another few days. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Macey: A few of the readers at Best of the Tetons got to see Macey when she was only 8 weeks old. She has been growing fast!…now weighing over 55 lbs and showing more of her Golden Retriever characteristics. I took her with me today and let her run in the National Forest. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Red-tailed Hawk: I spent part of my day driving around some of the side roads near town. I spotted this Hawk near one of the barns I was photographing. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Red Barn: This shot shows a variety of stages of foliage around the valley. It is a good time to revisit familiar subjects like this barn in South Park. The rolls of hay give this shot a nice balance and more or less “time stamps” the image. I’ll shoot it again when it is covered in snow! Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Bridge Over Flat Creek: Trees in town are a combination of prime, past prime, and pre-prime. This bridge is only a few blocks from my house. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Tripod.
October 7th, 2019 – Monday
Please take a minute and register to sign up to follow this site. I’d love to have another couple hundred new subscribers from the group visiting the site this fall. MJ
Subscribe to Best of the Tetons!
Moose-Wilson Road to Close Tuesday Night for Grading Operation
The unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park will be temporarily closed for road grading beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 and will reopen by 6 a.m. Wednesday, October 9. If the road maintenance work is not completed during this one night, the road will also be closed the following night during the same timeframe.
Closure Notes:
The Jackson Lake Lodge closed a few days ago.
Signal Mountain Lodge will close on October 13.
All in-park campgrounds will be closed on October 11.
The Teton Park Road and part of the Moose-Wilson Road will close on October 31st.
Dornan’s should be open for all of October. The Buffalo Valley Cafe at Heart 6 Ranch should be open most of the winter.
Bull Elk: Seen along the Teton Park Road early this morning. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Elk Herd: This group as fairly far off the road into String Lake. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Red-tailed Hawk: Captured on my way up Togwotee Pass. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Fall Barn: Aspens are still bright in most area along the highway to the top of Togwotee Pass. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Grizzly: Well…I saw one! Felicia and Pepper were 200-300 yards off the highway on this record shot. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Togwotee Pass Pano: Snow makes this shot so much more interesting! The sky was “bluebird” clear all day. I’d prefer at least a few thin clouds.
Brooks Falls: The small stream leaving Brooks Lake creates this wonderful waterfalls along Togwotee Pass. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Turpin Meadows Pano: Turpin Meadows is at the far upper end of the Buffalo Valley Road. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
Pronghorn Does: Taken near Elk Ranch Flats. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Pronghorn Buck: Also at Elk Ranch Flats. The Bison were too far out for photos. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
October 6th, 2019 – Saturday
Bull Moose Portrait: I found two nice bulls near the Gros Ventre this morning. Yesterday morning was a landscape morning, while today was a good moose morning! Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Stream Crossing: Similar sized bull, but seen crossing the Gros Ventre. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
Stream Crossing: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Tripod.
October 5th, 2019 – Saturday
Slide Lake: Is some of you “favorite locations” are not working out, check out other opportunities. With the Tetons covered with clouds, I headed “up the Gros Ventre” this morning. Color is great there! Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Slide Lake: After uploading today’s photos and comments, I hope to be able to work on an Instagram Video about this area. Check there later. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Jumping Rocks: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Gros Ventre Slide: Aspens sprinkled in the slide area. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Mallard Duck: I took a few photos of aspens on Snow King Mountain, then stopped for a shot of this Mallard Duck tucked into the shadows along Flat Creek. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
October 4th, 2019 – Friday
Alpenglow: Click this panoramic image to see it much larger! This was stitched from several vertical captures. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Tripod.
Oxbow Overlook Pano: Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Tripod.
Spread Creek and Tetons: This scene near Spread Creek is still a few days away from prime, but it looks good now! Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Tripod.
Oxbow Bend Corner: Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Tripod.
Cottonwood Creek: Taken near Jenny Lake. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Cottonwood Creek: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Keep an eye on the September/October 2019 Foliage Reports. I have been adding to that page for several weeks, and should continue to do so until around the middle of October.
October 3rd, 2019 – Thursday
Alpenglow Pano: Click this image to see it much larger. Taken from Ditch Creek Road.
Aspens and Tetons: Taken near Spread Creek.
Teton Range: Taken near Elk Ranch Flats.
Ice Detail: It was 23° in the Tetons this morning. Puddles were frozen solid…including this detail.
Hedrick Pond Overlook:
Bison and Coyote: Taken at Elk Ranch Flats.
Five Bison: Seen at Elk Ranch Flats.
Corral Detail: Taken at the John Moulton Barn.
Young Bull Moose: Seen near the GV Roundabout.
October 2nd, 2019 – Wednesday
Sparring Young Moose: I took numerous nice shots of these two sparring. I’ll post just a couple. They were in the sage flats north of Kelly. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Sparring Young Moose: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Young Bull Moose: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Two Ocean Lake Aspens Pano: Aspens in some areas are absolutely stunning! Watch the Foliage Reports 2019 for updates and additional photos. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Buck Mule Deer: Seen near Signal Mountain Lodge. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Pronghorn Buck: Captured near Elk Ranch Flats. Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
October 1st, 2019 – Tuesday
Teton Sunrise: Click this image to see it much larger!Nikon D500 and Tamron 18-400 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Welcome to October!
This is a particularly good year!Recent snow storms dusted the Tetons just in time for peak foliage!
Oxbow Bend Hillside: Nikon D500 and Tamron 18-400 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Oxbow Bend begins the month at Prime Foliage! Get there soon or miss it…but if you do, there are plenty of other zones with great color.
Keep an eye on the September/October 2019 Foliage Reports. I have been adding to that page for several weeks, and should continue to do so until around the middle of October.
Shoshone: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Moose are in the rut! They are a feature subject in September, along with Elk. Moose are along the Gros Ventre, along the Snake River, and in the willows around Willow Flats and Two Ocean Lake. Elk are mostly around the base of the mountains and in forested areas.
Teton Morning: Stitched Pano. Click this image to see it much larger!Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Moose are feeding on fresh willow leaves in the river bottoms and bitter brush mixed in with the sagebrush.
Many beginning photographers yearn for long telephoto lenses to fill their frame with a single animal. We’ve all been there! But…you might eventually find that your favorite photos are ones with a smaller animal in a larger landscape. Zoom lenses can be used for both, of course.
Teton Sunrise: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Bison Pair in Gold: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Bison and Pronghorns are currently hanging around Elk Ranch Flats and in the river bottoms along the Snake. Pronghorns are scattered all over the valley floor and appear to be in the rut.
Great Horned Owl: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Keep a keen eye out for Great Horned Owls and Great Gray Owls. GGOs have been seen in several areas of the park lately.
Great Horned Owl: Nikon D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 Lens, Handheld.
Oxbow Bend Upper Parking Lot:
Foliage is good right now in many areas. The cottonwoods near the Mormon Row Barns will be prime later in October. Don’t forget to pay attention to smaller subjects like leaves and berries. Watch for dew coated spider webs, rain soaked pine bows and cones.
Other Wildlife: Several of the area’s Grizzlies have been seen around Willow Flats, Pilgrim Creek, Pacific Creek and so forth. Black Bears are still feeding along the Moose-Wilson Road, but be prepared for heavy handed wildlife volunteers, large sections of closed or no-stopping, cones and barriers. Photography along that road is tough to impossible now. Foxes, Badgers, Coyotes and other critters are still in the area.
Teton Park Road: Remember, the Inner Park Loop Road closes on October 31st. If you want photos at String Lake, Leigh Lake, Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake, Bradley Lake and so forth, you have only one month to access them. The Moose-Wilson Road will also close at the end of the month.
Weather: Expect cold mornings and crisp afternoons. Remember, “bad weather” can be “good weather” for photography! As the month begins, sunrise is at 7:20 am and sunset is at 7:04pm.
During September, I’ll work on two pages simultaneously. This September Foliage 2019 post will contain more specific information about the ever changing foliage status in the area. The September 2019 Daily Journal for JH and GTNP page will contain some foliage information, but will focus more on wildlife and landscapes. You’ll want to go to both regularly.
Click this link to find a variety of Feature Post from earlier years!
Foliage Scale 2019
Note: Peak Fall foliage is not a one day event! It evolves over several weeks. Some areas go first, then lose leaves while others are just beginning. You should be able to find colorful foliage anytime from around the 10th of September to the first week in October.
Click the link above to view an informative page written by the US Forest Service
October 20th, 2019 – Sunday
Please take a minute and register to sign up to follow this site. I’d love to have another couple hundred new subscribers from the group visiting the site this fall. MJ
Subscribe to Best of the Tetons!
Still color in some of the willows!
Interestingly, many of the aspen leaves and cottonwood leaves along Mormon Row are hanging onto the branches. They are burnt orange and didn’t turn bright yellow this year.
October 17th, 2019 – Thursday
Aspens: For most of Grand Teton National Park, I’d say the foliage season is over. For town, there are quite a few aspens worth attention.
I am not sure about the scientific botany, but many of the aspens and cottonwoods turned either rusty brown or dark brown this year instead of vivid yellow. I may still add a few more photos on this page, but most of my dedication to this page is over for the year. Hope it helped some of the readers! MJ
October 14th, 2019 – Monday
Clark’s Nutcracker: While “green” is not the dominant color now, there are still green and pea green trees around town.
Young Magpie: Some of the remaining leaves are still colorful enough for a nice background.
October 13th, 2019 – Sunday
TA Moulton Barn Pano: In some years, the cottonwoods behind the TA Moulton barn turn bright yellow. This year, they are more rusty orange. This is typical in many areas of the valley now. There are still some green aspens along the Moose-Wilson Road.
October 11th, 2019 – Friday
Oxbow Bend: Not much left at Oxbow now. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Oxbow Bend: The upper lot still look “okay” but the leaves are now burnt orange and not as vivid. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Country Road: Look around and you can still find pre-peak and peak colors. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 10th, 2019 – Thursday
Munger Mountain Aspens: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Upper Gros Ventre: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Peach House on Mormon Row: I included this photo today to show the aspens along Mormon. Row. It will be a few days to prime there. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
October 9th, 2019 – Wednesday
Munger Mountain: Nice stands of aspens south of Jackson. Taken with a Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens. Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Munger Mountain: Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600 Lens, Handheld.
Melody Ranch Barns: Taken with a Nikon D5 and Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens.
October 8th, 2019 – Tuesday
Ditch Creek: Even though SOME of the early foliage opportunities are behind us, there are still lots of them available to us.
Country Road: Taken near the old Teton Science School.
Aspens: The valley is in a state of transition. I like all of the variety!
Fiery Red Leaves: There are many additional foliage opportunities “in town”. I shot this one next to Kmart!
Click the link above to see how I shot the blurred image above and below!Be sure to follow me on Instagram while you are there.
October 7th, 2019 – Monday
Notes: The “Classic” shot at Oxbow Bend is mostly past prime. The Upper Parking Area is Prime. There is PLENTY of yellow all around the valley. The cottonwoods and aspens around Mormon Row is still beginning to change. Aspens in and around Jackson are prime or near prime.
Buffalo Valley Barn: Most of the Buffalo Valley is outside of Grand Teton National, on your way over Pass towards Dubois.
Buffalo Valley Aspens: Color is pretty good there! Some are still on the greenish side.
Buffalo Valley Aspens:
October 6th, 2019 – Sunday
Hillside Gold: The aspens in some areas are partially prime, and partially pre-prime.
Oxbow Bend: Generally speaking, it looks like the west end of Oxbow is now past prime.
Oxbow Bend Upper Lot: Prime!
October 5th, 2019 – Saturday
Shane Cabin: It snowed some overnight, frosting the valley. I looked for Moose early, the switched hats to my “landscape hat” and headed up the Gros Ventre. The Shane Cabins were along the route.
Gros Ventre River Ranch Cabin:
Slide Lake Pano: When the Tetons are covered with snow, I usually look for something else. Right now, the cottonwoods, willows and aspens in the Slide Lake area are prime or near prime. More than likely, the aspens on the west end of Oxbow Bend will be well past prime, or even blown off by the time we see Mt. Moran again. That’s possibly the bad news, but the good news is there are plenty of other good areas with great color!
Slide Lake:
Slide Lake:
Snow King Aspens: The hillsides closer to town are just now firing up, as seen in this photo on Snow King.
Snow King Aspens:
October 4th, 2019 – Friday
Oxbow Bend Shoreline: Finally…Some nice morning clouds!
Oxbow Bend Shoreline Pano: Some of the leaves in the middle section of this band of Aspens are missing now. There was a lot of wind later in the day, so I suspect many more leaves will have fallen by Saturday morning.
Oxbow Bend Upper Lot Pano: Prime.
Floating Leaves: Don’t forget the small shots!
October 3rd, 2019 – Thursday
Oxbow Bend: Good color!
Oxbow Bend: The upper lot is almost peak.
Snowy Aspens: Fresh show this morning! Aspens are looking great now.
Two Ocean Lake Aspens:
Two Ocean Lake Aspens:
Arizona Meadows: These aren’t quite prime, but getting there! This meadow is near Arizona Creek (the bridge is under construction).
Mt. Liedy: Taken near Elk Ranch Flats.
The lower part of Oxbow Bend is still okay.Hurry! The upper parking lot’s aspens are prime. Hopefully, people will see mountains tomorrow.
October 1st, 2019 – Tuesday
Oxbow Bend: I’d say it is a prime as it will get before the left side leaves blow off!
Oxbow Bend Upper Parking Area: Prime enough!
Shoshone: This one show a few of the aspens at the south end of Blacktail Butte.
The wind has been blowing a lot of the willow and cottonwood leaves off.
September 30th, 2019 – Monday
REMEMBER!!!!! The Jackson Lake Dam will be closed on October 1st.
Peak Aspens: Lots of color right now, especially the Aspens! Some of the Willows and Cottonwoods are losing leaves.
Aspens at Oxbow Bend: These are Aspens visible from the “upper parking lot”.
Two Ocean Lake:
Two Ocean Lake Road:
Cottonwood Creek: This is the small stream coming out of Jenny Lake.
Two Ocean Lake Road:
September 29th, 2019 – Sunday
Yellowing Hillside: Just a quick shot of a hillside north of town. It’s “game on” in most of the valley.
Sleeping Indian and Cottonwoods: This was taken along the Highway across the Gros Ventre River.
Cottonwoods, Willows, and Aspens: I took this one along the Gros Ventre river bottom.
Lip Curl: I stayed south today, but have a feeling Oxbow is looking great now.
September 28th, 2019 – Saturday
Red Leaves of Fall: Depending on where you were in the valley this morning, you would find either rain or snow. I took this photo along the Moose-Wilson Road.
John Moulton Homestead: Most of the valley floor was wet, but snow covered hillsides and mountainsides around it.
Snow on Shadow Mountain:
Shadow Mountain: Aspens on Shadow Mountain are close to peak.
Cottonwoods and Aspens: Taken along Antelope Flats Road.
September 27th, 2019 – Friday
Aspens: Better wear shades! The valley is turning yellow! This was taken near Snake River Overlook.
Bison in Gold: Captured along Elk Ranch Flats.
Upper Lot at Oxbow Bend: These trees have changed a lot in just a couple of days. They are not prime yet, but getting there.
The Weather: Some news and weather reports suggested we would get a big early season snow storm. As of tonight, it looks like they have pulled back some from those predictions. We should have rain most of Saturday, and likely snow in the high country, though we will not see it until after the storm passed.
Great Gray Owl: No matter where you look, you can still find some green leaves.
Great Gray Owl:
Moron Row: A few of the cottonwoods are beginning to turn along Mormon Row, but most trees are still essentially green. They are usually not prime until the first week or so in October.
September 26th, 2019 – Thursday
Mt. Moran Reflections:
Oxbow Bend:
Riverside at Oxbow Bend:
Wind, rain and even snow are in the forecast for the next few days. The wind is the WORST! Keep your fingers crossed!
September 25th, 2019 – Wednesday
Oxbow Bend: Getting close!
Buck Mountain: Taken from Pacific Creek Road.
Colorful Hillside: Taken near Elk Ranch Flats. You can find bright colors in many areas now. You can also find stands of green aspens.
Colorful Hillside:
Polarizer in Use: This is about the only time of the year I use a circular polarizer. It darkens the sky, brightens the white clouds, and brightens yellows. Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld…with polarizing filter
No Polarizer: Nikon D850 and Nikon 70-200 Lens, Handheld.
September 24th, 2019 – Tuesday
Oxbow Bend: Still a few more days.
Aspens Pano captured near Moran Junction. These are prime!
Aspen Stand Pano captured near Spread Creek.
Gold Cottonwoods near Elk Ranch Flats.
Gold Cottonwoods at Spread Creek.
IMPORTANT ROAD INFORMATION
The North section of the Moose-Wilson Road is still closed due to grizzly activity.
Temporary Road Closures for Bureau of Reclamation to perform maintenance work of Jackson Lake Dam beginning Sept. 24, with intermittent road closures through October 25.
Closures will occur on the Teton Park Road across Jackson Lake Dam between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday for a period of up to four hours for each closure. No evening or weekend work is planned at this time.
During this time, travelers will not be able to make a through-trip on the Teton Park Road. Those wishing to access the northern part of Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park may want to take U.S. Highway 89/191/287. Access to the Snake River, including the boat launch and fishing area below the dam will be available north of Jackson Lake Dam during this time.
Tentative Schedule (subject to change):
Tuesday September 24
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday October 1
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday October 7
11 a.m to 3 p.m.
Tuesday October 8
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday October 15
11 a.m to 3 p.m.
Wednesday October 16
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Schwabacher Landing: Not prime…but changing. There are lots of aspen stands nearing prime in various parts of the park now.
September 22, 2019 – Sunday
Please take a minute and register to sign up to follow this site. I’d love to have another couple hundred new subscribers from the group visiting the site this fall. MJ
Subscribe to Best of the Tetons!
Moose at Schwabachers: A quick shot to show the colors at Schwabacher Landing.
Oxbow Aspens:… Probably the update shot people are wanting to see! Some of the aspens are starting to change.
Oxbow Aspens:
Red and Orange Aspens at Willow Flats
September 21, 2019 – Saturday
Gros Ventre River: Willows and Cottonwoods along the Gros Ventre River.
Schwabacher Landing: Willows, aspens and cottonwoods.
Snake River: This was shot through the haze, but you can get an idea of the color along the Snake near Triangle X Ranch.
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
September 20, 2019 – Friday
Aspen Stand: Each day there is more color and in more areas. This was taken along Elk Ranch Flats.
Aspen Stand: This group was taken at the Moran Junction area. They aren’t quite prime, but getting there fast.
North End of Elk Ranch Flats: Just a status photo.
Oxbow Bend Approach: The aspen stands at the West end of Oxbow Bend and at the Upper Parking lot are still mostly green, but there has been a considerable amount of changes above that area.
Oxbow Bend Hillside: This photo was taken from the Cattleman’s Bridge Road, pointing back to the Oxbow Bend Parking Area.
Cottonwood Creek: Taken below the Jenny Lake tail out. This should be fairly bright in a few more days.
Red Leaves: Some of the bright colors in the ground cover.
September 19, 2019 – Thursday
I didn’t take photos of the foliage todaysince things are essentially the same as yesterday. With that said, I can see a change over every couple of days. Much of the valley is still in the 1, 2, 3 or even 4 stage of my color chart, but there are patches of color. Check out the areas near Triangle X Ranch, Cunningham Cabin, and Moosehead Ranch. Foliage always looks brighter if you can catch it backlit. The Moose-Wilson Road remains closed. You can still access the LSR Preserve from the south entrance at Teton Village. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and part of Saturday.
If you are “needing” aspen color, consider a drive to Green River Lakes. The altitude is higher there. Aspens usually start turning right after Labor Day. The area is roughly 100 miles from Jackson. The last part of it is over rough roads, but it is definitely photogenic and worth the trip! Of course, I love the Tetons, but this area probably comes in a close second. Head south towards Pinedale, then look for the road going north through Cora. Follow it all the way to the end. There are no services. Stock up on food, snacks, and gas before heading into the region. The area has good fishing along the Green River, Dollar Lake, and in the lakes. Watch for grizzly bears, moose, wolves, deer, and elk. This is a popular access point for back country hikers and hunters.
A few friends that drive the Snake River Canyon have been telling me the Mountain Maple are finally starting this year near Alpine Junction. They typically fire up before our aspens, cottonwoods, and willows.
September 18, 2019 – Wednesday
This is the same stand of aspens I photographed on September 12th (at Willow Flats).
Foggy Snake River: You can see how some of the cottonwoods are beginning to turn near Triangle X Ranch, north of Snake River Overlook.
Numerous aspens are turning yellow at the Jackson Lake Lodge.
September 17, 2019 – Tuesday
Snake River Willows and Cottonwoods: This is a good example of current foliage. You can find good color in patches, with green all around. Notice the willows at the bottom and cottonwoods behind them. There seems to be more “color” south of the Snake River bridge at Moose than north of there. Color is better near the Snake River bridge in Wilson.
Gros Ventre Willows and Cottonwoods: Similarly, the Gros Ventre River drainage is making a major shift. These are some of the brighter ones I saw when driving home.
Variegated Colors: I always like to find examples of the wide range of colors like this leaf along the Moose-Wilson Road.
The Black Hawthorn leaves along the Moose-Wilson Road are still green. They often become colorful as the season advances. As of today, the northern portion of the Moose-Wilson Road is closed due to bear activity.
Fall Fishermen: Bundled for the much cooler weather we had today. They were headed towards the Snake River at the Wilson Bridge.
Wilson Bridge: This is the bridge over the Snake River near Wilson, WY. Foliage in this area is ahead of the river bottom north of the Snake River bridge at Moose.
East Bank of the Snake River near Wilson.
West Bank of the Snake River near Wilson
Spring Gulch Aspens: Aspens are much farther behind in almost all areas. I took this photo from Spring Gulch Road. I’d call them the exception to the rule so far.
September 15, 2019 – Sunday
It was a little hazy when I took this photo this morning, but you can get an idea of some of the color. Across the board, it looks like the foliage season is very late this year!
This essentially the same shot on September 16 of last year.
I drove by the Gros Ventre this afternoon. Yes…there is a bit more of a shift in color there! Far from peak, but more 4.5,6 on my scale than only a few days ago.
September 13, 2019 – Friday
I took this photo Thursday afternoon along the Gros Ventre River. As you can see, there is a variety of color stages, but not many leaves are really bright yellow. As I keep saying, most of the valley is “shifting” colors.
September 12, 2019 -Thursday
Changing Aspens: Taken from one of the Willow Flats turnouts.
Mountain Ash Berries: Photographed at the Jenny Lake Overlook drive.
September 11, 2019 -Wednesday
Moose Cow and Calf on the Gros Ventre: I posted this photo on the September 2019 Daily Journal for GTNP and JH, but thought it might fit here, too. It shows the shift in color for the grasses and some of the willows.
Choke Cherries: Berries are ripening around the valley. I get report suggesting the Black Hawthorn berries along the Moose-Wilson Road are less this year than some other years. There have been bear sightings along the narrow road, but rangers and wildlife brigade volunteers are keeping people away from them. I also hear reports of people seeing black bears along the trails farther up the mountain trails.
Yellow Leaves: I took this photo of some leaves along the Gros Ventre yesterday.
September 9, 2019 -Monday
Gros Ventre Willows & Cottonwoods: There is a noticeable shift in the color of trees around the valley, but it is far from prime.
Gros Ventre Cottonwoods: I took these to backlit shots along the Gros Ventre this morning. They always look a little brighter with light on them! There was a fair amount of haze in the air this morning…but I don’t believe it was smoke from any area fires.
September 6, 2019 – Friday
Ferns: Nice color after a light rain at String Lake. Some of the underbrush is very vivid.
Oxbow Bend: The stand of aspens at Oxbow Bend are still green but a lot of the surrounding low willows are turning. There are a few aspens in the area beginning to change.
Arizona Meadows: Similarly, the grasses at Arizona Meadows (Kamas Meadows) are nice and golden in color. Aspens are barely shifting color.
September 5, 2019 – Thursday
I snapped this photo yesterday of a grove of aspens— not far from Snake River Overlook. Most of the valley is still in Level 1 or 2, but you can find smatterings of 6 and 7. The low willows in some areas are shifting in color.
September 2, 2019 – Labor Day Monday
If you want to find “color”, it’s out there! Don’t get too excited, however, as the bulk of the valley is still green. The leaves above are part of the ground cover along the Gros Ventre, taken today.
These aspens were seen near Jackson Lake Lodge yesterday.
Berries are ripening and turning deeper in color. Black Hawthorn leaves along the Moose-Wilson Road are beginning to change. This photo was taken in late August.
If you are in town right now and want to find larger groves of aspens, consider a drive down to Pinedale. That area is roughly 1000 feet higher in elevation than Jackson. Green River Lakes is close to 2000 feet higher than Jackson and can be beautiful. When our kids were young, we camped there. I remember noticing the big changes in the aspens over just the four days of the Labor Day weekend.
Reports indicate the Mountain Maple trees in the Snake River Canyon and along Palisades Reservoir are not colorful yet, but that should happen soon.
Several people tell me about the beautiful color in the meadows on Togwotee Pass right now. The willows at Willow Flats have shifted to burnt yellow in the past week or so.
As the month begins, the sky is clear of smoke. I read a recent article that talked about controlled burns south of town. This could pump smoke into the valley at times this year. This smoky photo was taken on September 29th last year.
Remember, this is the Initial Entry for the 2019 Foliage Reports. I will be adding more photos and updates fairly often throughout the foliage season.
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
The first day of Spring (on the calendar) was on March 20th, but most of the valley still looks like Winter! We had several warm days at the end of March, which began melting the heavy snow pack on the valley floor. Elk will eventually leave the National Elk Refuge, and expect Wolves to follow them. When the migration begins, you can often see more wildlife in a single day than any other month of the year. Moose are often in the river bottoms at this time of the year, but many are moving back to the sage flats. Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, and Kestrels have been spotted in March. Songbirds are also beginning to move through the valley. Bohemian Waxwings have been stripping the berry trees in town. I would expect April to be very active this year.
Other Wildlife for Early April: I didn’t see as many Mountain Goats in the Snake River Canyon this year as in other years, but that may have been a result of the heavy snow pack. Still, I would expect to see a few through the middle of April. April is also a good month to see Grizzlies in Grand Teton National Park. Watch for Foxes, Marmonts, and Badgers. Trumpeter Swans will be leaving the valley at some point. Other birds, like White-faced Ibis might be seen for a day or two before they move on north. The Bison I photographed with frosted faces last month are still around, but are seldom next to the steam now.
metal to create luminous prints with glossy, semi-gloss, metallic, or matte finish.” I ordered 15 prints this morning along with some non-sale panos.
