Yellowstone | Tony's Takes Photography

A big, bad bison bull – other than the tree branch hanging from his horn and the fact he is licking his nose

July 27, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Yeah, I might have been intimidated as this massive beast ambled down the hill toward us but instead I couldn’t help but chuckle. Perhaps he had a bit of a hangover from hanging out with his buddies the night before? The image was taken on a Monday so maybe a bit too much weekend partying. 😉

I didn’t take many bison pics on our recent trip to Yellowstone. We have easy access to bison here so short of them doing something unusual, like this shot, I didn’t bother. I had high hopes of again photographing overall views of the massive herds in the valleys but the haze and smoke really didn’t allow for good captures like that.

Hope you have a fantastic Tatanka Tuesday!

“Hello there, baby!”

July 24, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

I had just remarked to my wife that it was odd we hadn’t seen many pronghorn when this little one and a bunch more appeared. Two bucks, three does and four fawns helped wrap up our tour of our favorite are of the park.

As is typical for the species, none really wanted anything to do with us but this one was quite curious, walking closer while the others maintained their distance.

Black bear cubs stands tall

July 23, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Check out this cutie – one to hopefully put a smile on your face as you head to the weekend!

While many people visit Yellowstone National Park and never see a bear, we usually have pretty good luck, at least with the black bears. In a span of a few hours, we spotted three adults, two had cubs (one with one, another with two).

This little one was initially hiding in a tree while its mom grazed nearby. We didn’t even know it was there until we saw it scamper down. Both mom’s and the cub’s attention soon focused on a bison bull that was working its way closer.

At different points, both stood up to get a closer look and keep watch on the big fella as he approached. It was interesting because they seemed to purposefully position themselves so that our car was between them and the bison (smart on their part!). This was pretty cool as that allowed us some fantastic views of them.

Eventually they decided it was better to depart the area but we were happy to have been able to spend a good bit of time with the pair.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Happy birthday to the always amazing Yellowstone National Park

March 1, 2019 by Tony

It was 147 years ago today that this place became the world’s first national park. From its landscapes to its geothermal features to the wildlife, it is nearly 3,500 square miles of the most beautiful country you could imagine.

I have memories of the park from when I was five years old up to two years ago when this image of the Lower Yellowstone Falls was taken.

Naturalist John Muir said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” That is especially true of this place.

Bison graze at ease along the Madison River

July 27, 2017 by Tony Leave a Comment

This beautiful scene kickstarted our visit to Yellowstone National Park last month. Winter had been harsh up there with a great deal of snowfall and the spring was a wet one. However, all that moisture made for a lush, green landscape and rivers flowing full and quick.

Soon after arrival we set out for a quick exploration trip and found a herd of bison grazing along the banks of the river. Above, a cloud-dotted sky with spots of bright blue peering through. Truly a scene showing nature at its finest and a scene I will never forget.

An American Bison herd grazes along the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. (© Tony’s Takes)

Refreshing Waterfall in Yellowsone National Park

September 3, 2014 by Tony Leave a Comment

Denver hit over 90 degrees today, perhaps signs that summer isn’t quite done yet. Back in July it was much cooler in the nation’s first national park. This waterfall is up near Sylvan Pass toward the east entrance to the park. Taken July 14, 2014.

Water rushes down a waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. (© Tony’s Takes)

Still Standing

August 24, 2014 by Tony Leave a Comment

This gnarly tree and those behind it are the few left standing in one spot along the East Entrance road to Yellowstone National Park. Black and white helps to add some drama to the image.

Wildfires have at different times scorched much of the land in the park (most notably in 1988) and these trees served as a reminder of the devastation they leave in their wake. However, fires are an important part of the life cycle of a forest helping to renew the ecosystem.

A gnarly tree, burned by a wildfire, remains standing in Yellowstone National Park. (© Tony’s Takes)

A peaceful Madison River valley

August 7, 2014 by Tony Leave a Comment

Taken along the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park not long after sunrise. Most folks skip this area of the park but it is very scenic despite the burned trees still remaining from the devastating 1988 wildfire. Elk oftentimes are found along the river as are osprey. This past winter saw a great deal of snow and spring was wet so the landscape, even in July, was lush green. Couple that with the beautiful blue skies and it made for a gorgeous scene.

A peaceful Madison River valley. (© Tony’s Takes)

Flowing Firehole River

July 30, 2014 by Tony Leave a Comment

Flowing through many of the geyser basins at Yellowstone National Park, the Firehole River is one of two major tributaries of the Madison River. This image, taken two weeks ago, shows the river as it winds through a gorgeous canyon south of the Madison.

Using a slow shutter speed allowed the water to be blurred and look almost like fabric draped across the rocks. It was truly a beautiful scene and well worth the hike down a small canyon to reach.

The Firehole River flows is one of two major tributaries of the Madison River. (© Tony’s Takes)

Bubbling hot water at Yellowstone National Park

July 27, 2014 by Tony Leave a Comment

Taken at the Midway Geyser Basin, water in excess of 180° was bubbling up in this thermal feature. Rudyard Kipling visited the park in 1889 and famously called this basin, “Hell’s Half Acre.”

Excelsior Geyser is in the basin and used to be the world’s largest with 300+ foot eruptions in the 1880s. Geologists believe the violent eruptions damaged its inner workings and since then activity has been greatly diminished.

Hot water erupts from a thermal feature at Yellowstone. © Tony’s Takes