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The first cranes to arrive on the sandbar start walking to the end, making room for newcomers, comically hiking until they run out of room. And cranes keep coming, well into darkness, making islands of cranes packed into sandbars. Sandhill cranes that migrate through the Platte River reach near Kearney will fan out across the north - some Lesser sandhill Cranes will migrate as far as Siberia too mate and make the return trip in autumn. Rowe Sanctuary, NE https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1188/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_240517_GCNP_RvnI.jpg Beach Raven Oh raven, you're a trickster and a thief. We know you're the one who stole a shiny red thing from someone's bag and now you're back for more. But we're on to you, so go ahead and look adorable, and we'll see you downstream. Ravens are native to the Grand Canyon and widespread throughout the watershed of the Colorado. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1187/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_240517_CCNP_BEfltII.jpg Grand Bald Eagle Bald eagles are rarely seen in the Grand Canyon, yet this adult appeared around 200 miles into our float. It's a spectacular siting to witness our National bird in this sacred space. One can only speculate why he was here, maybe a meal of suckers in shallow waters? Rafting with Audubon Rockies and AZRA for watershed conservation. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1186/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/240517_GCNP_ReflII-2.jpg Grand Canyon Morning Light On the Colorado River, and deep in the Grand Canyon near Saddle Canyon, sunrise delicately paints east facing cliff faces, reflected in the river. The morning waking up of the inner gorge is a spectacular time of birdsong ands changing light, the mystery of what wonders await downstream. There is nothing like being on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Rafting for conservation with Audubon Rockies and AZRA. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1185/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/NOBA.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1184/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_Cat_Rbow_doryboat.jpg Rainbow Chasing Storms On the first day of our Cataract Canyon raft trip with Audubon Rockies, a peaceful afternoon on flat water turned violent just as we set up camp. Heavy rain and lightning had us scurrying to our tents for a few hours as the OARS crew continued with dinner prep. Clouds parted at sunset revealing a gorgeous rainbow arching over the Colorado River, and a hint of a double rainbow. Would it foretell safe passage through the big drops downstream? Canyonlands, National Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1183/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LivRiv_IMAX.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1182/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LivingRiver_Cover_Final_WEB.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1181/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LivingRiver_Cover_Final_WEB.jpg Living River - The Promise of The Mighty Colorado Our new Braided River book is almost out in the world, with a release date of April 1. We're looking forward to the official launch in April and a tour of the American West, shining a light on the spectacular Colorado River while challenging to reimagine our relationship to water in the American West. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1180/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Smmt_Ctrap_Boarsmile.jpg Night Boar After crossing a bridge over swift moving Lake Creek, a large boar black bear moves through my camera trap. This camera trap study revealed a story of coexistence, with people, bears, and raccoons moving through the landscape without conflict. Bears are drawn to the ranch adjoining Grand Teton National park in autumn, when Hawthorne berries are at peak ripeness. The timing for bears in hyperplasia, while building far reserves for hibernation couldn't be better. R Lazy S Ranch, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1179/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SJRiv_Gsnck_cut.jpg Water Through Stone The San Juan River carves entrenched meanders, or goosenecks near Bears Ears national Monument and Mexican Hat, Utah. The San Juan is a major tributary and sediment carrying tributary river of the Colorado River, and is impounded in Lake Powell downstream. Goosenecks State Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1178/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LkMead_Hoover_SR.jpg Hoover Sunrise Sunrise crests ridges of the Mohave over the Hoover Dam one July morning. Lake Mead, now at 27% of capacity is the storage facility for the Lower Colorado River Basin and Mexico's allocation of the Colorado River. The white bathtub ring behind the dam tells much of the story - 23 years of mega drought, steady snowpack decline in the Rockies and a growing gap between water in the system and water consumed. Lake Mead National Recreation Area https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1177/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LKMead_Spdboat_wide.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1176/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSg_flt_tck.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1175/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Poj_CeleII.jpg New Year's Day Marla and I had an annual New Year's tradition and celebration of rising around 3:00 am on New Years Day - we would then pack up and drive over Berthoud Pass, strap on snowshoes and headlamps, then hike up above timberline in darkness (and damn cold). From this stunningly beautiful and sacred spot, we waited for the sun to crest the Continental Divide where we spread our arms wide and welcomed the New Year. After some hugging and I love you's, we'd hike further in search of white-tailed ptarmigan, the most enjoyable of outings. This image was made on 1/1/21, halfway through Marla's cancer journey and at a time when she had returned to good health and form, a powerhouse rolling over mountainous terrain. Marla taught me how to live and love fully, she was my light for more than half my life and gift to all who knew her and felt her love. Words can't describe the magnitude of her loss. May your wild spirit be free, my love. Fraser River Headwaters, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1174/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BE_teepeeII.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1173/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNP_pika_launch.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1172/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BCOTG_PntdWll-Rbow.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1171/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LKMead_Spdboat.jpg Las Vegas Sundial As Lake Mead (reservoir) has steadily dropped, boats, garbage, even bodies from long ago mob hits have been revealed. This 60's speedboat, dubbed the "Las Vegas sundial" gradually appeared after decades under 150' of water. Lake Mead is America's largest reservoir, and alongside lake Powell, is under extreme stress, at about 28% of capacity. Lake Mead holds water for the Lower Basin states California, Arizona, and Nevada. Water and electric power generation are threatened by overuse, over-allocation, and a 22 year mega drought in the Colorado River watershed. Lake Mead National Recreation Area https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1170/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Delta_Pttrns_aer.jpg Tree of Life Resembling an upside down tree of life, patterns from receding tidal waters are etched in sands of the historic river channel in the Colorado River Delta. The Colorado River flowed to the Gulf Of California for six million years until 1960, when agricultural diversions and increasing demand in the system dried up the river in the Delta. Today, conservation groups in the Raise The River Alliance on both sides of the border are collaborating to return the river to the sea. Colorado River Delta, Baja, Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1169/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Delta_Moreles.jpg Moreles Diversion When the Colorado River leaves the Yuma, AZ lettuce fields, crosses the Mexican border and hits the Moreles Dam, the remaining flow is all diverted to Mexicali agricultural fields. In this frame looking west to east, Yuma lettuce is in the right of the border wall, the City of Algadones, Mexico in the right, and the Moreles Dam diversion in the center off the frame. A triple of water leakes into the historic channel of the Colorado River. The Raise The River Alliance, and binational conservation coalition is collaborating to reconnect sections of the Colorado to reach the Gulf Of California again, while restoring habitat in the Colorado River Delta for the benefit of people and wildlife. LightHawk aerial support. Algadones, Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1168/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Delta_MnChnnl.jpg Delta Tidal Patterns A tidal channel gives the hopeful impression of the Colorado River running to the sea, fingers of receding water etched into Delta Sand at the Sea of Cortez. Colorado River Delta, Baja, Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1167/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Delta_CdSC_aer.jpg Cienega De Santa Clara Aerial An accidental wetland fed by agricultural runoff, Cienega De Santa Clara is critically important habitat for wildlife in the Delta and a window into the infamous lagoons of the Colorado River Delta. This is how the Delta looked and thrived before dams and agriculture redirected the river from the Gulf of California. Lighthawk aerial support Colorado River Delta, Baja Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1166/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BCOTGcynrimriv.jpg River Carving The Gunnison River cuts through stone from 1,700 directly above on the North Rim of Black Canyon of The Gunnison. Everything in this frame has been carved by time and the Gunnison River, a major tributary of the Colorado River. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison NP, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1165/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PV_Bcat_Cwood.jpg Tree of Life Emerging springs foliage offers little camouflage for a wild bobcat in the Boulder Creek watershed. Cottonwood trees that line western rivers and streams with enough flow for recruitment are trees of life for an incredible range of species. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised to spot this wild cat looking out from above the small creek. Protect prairie. Boulder Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1164/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MtEvPka_Grdn.jpg Pika Garden A small carpet of alpine tundra holds clover and cinquefoil flowers, grazed and pulled for a pika larder like a tiny gardener tending to crops. This pika was near 14,000 feet on Mount Blue Sky and can go no higher as global heating increases pressure on alpine natural systems. Mount Evans Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1163/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Mfft_GSg_SRcliffs.jpg Sunrise Strut As sunrise lights magenta cliffs, a Greater Sage-grouse male displays with full intensity, his air sacs fully inflated, head disappearing into his white collar. In seven seasons of witnessing Sage-grouse on this lek, or mating ground, I've watched a steady decline from as many as 100 birds to around 20 individuals in the spring of 2021. Their decline matches a range-wide reduction in Sage-grouse populations, indicative of the overall health of the sagebrush ecosystem. Moffatt County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1162/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Lvlnd_Ptrmgn_CD.jpg Straddling The Continental Divide, Ptarmigan On the crest of the Continental Divide between Platte and Colorado River watersheds above Loveland Pass, a white-tailed ptarmigan surveys the alpine landscape. White-tailed ptarmigan have several strongholds in Colorado's high alpine, spending their entire life cycle above timberline. They use seasonal camouflage as disguise from predators and this individual wasn't concerned with my presence. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1161/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Lvlnd_Pika_flwrsCU.jpg Pika Larder Working at lightning speed towards the end of summer bloom, an American pika hauls forbs - with a paintbrush flower, adding to a hay pile larder that will see pika through a harsh Rocky Mountain winter. Pika also use snowpack, the very snowpack we depend on for water supply - for insulation. Pika are threatened by the climate change "elevator effect" because they can go no higher in elevation as the world heats up. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1160/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/JH_Smmt_RffdGrs_autumntif.jpg Ruffed Grouse in Tie-dye Forest While strolling a forest trail on the R Lazy S Ranch that adjoins Grand Teton National Park, a ruffed grouse ran along the forest floor, then popped up onto a tree branch. I could hardly believe the colorful scene while witnessing the grouse through a tiny gap in the foliage. Jackson Hole, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1159/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gila_Crdnl_grnfrst.jpg Gila Color - Northern Cardinal During early summer mating season, brilliant red northern cardinal males are chasing and diving into thick brush for mates in constant motion. This male cardinal landed in forest along a diversion canal at the Nature Conservancy Lichty Preserve. The Upper Gila River is one of the most wildlife rich places in the Colorado River Watershed, a free-flowing river pouring from the Mogollon Mountains through desert floodplain. Upper Gila River, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1158/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSg__dispsacs_mfft.jpg Peak Display Displaying for the attention of nearby hens, a male Greater Sage-grouse fully inflates his air sacs in one the great courtship displays in the natural world. Greater Sage-grouse are imperiled and designated "warranted but precluded" from protections under the Endangered Species Act. All they need is healthy expanses of unbroken sagebrush lands. Greater Sage-grouse return to the same lek, or mating ground each spring for millennia. Their hard-wired lek fidelity make sit impossible for GS-g to move somewhere else when their habitat is destroyed. Moffatt County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1157/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ConsHbook.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1156/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Brwrs_Bbrsh_songcu.jpg Brewers's Song A Brewer's sparrow sings his beautiful melody from a sagebrush top during breeding season in eastern Washington state. Brewer's sparrows are in steady decline due to habitat destruction - on assignment for Audubon Magazine. Richfield, WA https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1155/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PwnNG_camp.jpg Pawnee Night Returning to the Pawnee Buttes for the first time since wrapping my Prairie Thunder book in '07 was going home. In four years of fieldwork for the book, this was my single favorite place to go; remnant shortgrass prairie now surrounded by giant wind turbines and oil drilling - yet still special for the buttes, raptors, prairie dog towns, and the feeling of open grassland. Even if it's getting crowded. The first turbines were going up when I was finishing the book, blinking red in this frame. Pawnee National Grassland, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1154/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RWBB_fem_nstmtrlsflt.jpg Spring Rush In the little suburban pond down the block, red-winged blackbird females go about the urgent business of gathering materials to build a nest in the cattails, while males defend territories, and acrobatically chase off intruders. Sharing the same water, air, and habitat with our wild neighbors, we're not separate from nature at all. Arvada, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1153/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNP_TRblsm_Burn_snow.jpg Troublesome Skeletons The East Troublesome Fire originated near Kremmling, CO on 10/14/20, downstream from Rocky Mountain National Park's west side. This incredible wildlife would blow up on 10/22 and roll through RMNP while burning 30,000 acres on 10/22, leaving entire mountainsides barren, forests reduced to scattered trunks like toothpicks. Troublesome eventually burned 193,000 acres to become one of three fires to break Colorado's all-time acreage burned record. We're 15 years into drought and desertification, the land parched from too little snowpack year after year. This scene is in the Kawuneechee Valley where the Colorado River Headwaters run from the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1152/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNP_Einlet_Rbow.jpg Rainbow Over Rocky While photographing American Dippers, our only aquatic songbird, a lovely moment of beauty and stillness as a rainbow formed over East Inlet on RMNP's west side. These waters will flow to Grand Lake and on to impoundments of the Colorado River, just downstream. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1151/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNP_CmtNeowiseII.jpg Neowise Over Headwaters Comet Neowoise captured our attention on summer evenings in 2020, blazing over the Colorado River Headwaters and the Never Summer Range on the west side of RMNP. Just a few months later, a firestorm would rage through the valley on its way to cresting the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1150/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMA_BllBsn_headon_wntr.jpg Prairie Gift A single, majestic bison bull moves effortlessly over prairie, through fresh snow in late autumn. Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1149/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PV_DwnyWdpckr_leap.jpg Downy Leaping In late summer, a pair of downy woodpeckers were feeding voraciously on meullein, an invasive plant with nutritious seeds. In a fraction of a second, this woodpecker leaped between stalks where I photographed before he stuck the landing. Mullein is a species of the figwort family, native to Eurasia and widely distributed across wester grasslands. Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1148/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PV_Bcat_adlt_am.jpg Bobcat On The Move In early morning, an adult bobcat travels a dry watercourse, as we would a roadway. In several months with a camera trap situated along the creek, I came to see the dry creek bed as a secluded highway for bobcat, mountain lion, black bear, skunk, raccoon, and other species. Just a mile or two from the edge of suburbs, these are our wild neighbors. Boulder Creek Watershed, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1147/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BCw_MlionII.jpg Wild On The Edge Just on the very edges of suburbia where prairie slams into the Rocky Mountain foothills, a mountain lion travels a dry creek bed, the first of two mountain lion visits on consecutive nights. I haven't seen another lion on my camera trap in several months since. Speaking with a biologist about the two lion sightings, this is either a female being pursued, or a small male with the second male following the scent. Apex predators and small scavenger species alike travel the secluded, dry watercourse as we would a rural highway. Arvada, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1146/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BCw_chocBlkBr.jpg Night Chocolate A chocolate-colored black bear sow travels a dry creekbed in late summer, a riparian highway secluded from the human rat race nearby. Situated on Boulder Open Space, I've been amazed by the number and diversity of predators and scavenger species traversing the waterway, tucked into cottonwood gallery forest and the cover of night. Boulder Creek Watershed, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1145/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_GHOwlets_BL.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1144/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_GHo_moonshdw.jpg Owl Moon Great horned owls hunt an equestrian park within walking distance from home, and on a full moon night, this GHO lined up with the rising moon, a single talon hanging over the old pole. We share the same habitat with these most common and widespread of owls; but they often go unseen as silent masters of darkness. Arvada, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1143/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_GHO_fldgngs.jpg Owl Tree We watched these juvenile Great horned owls in a high nest at the top of a poplar tree, gradually becoming more visible and precocious as they approached adult size. On mornings when I'd go visit the magpie nest along the old canal, I'd pass this massive, majestic cottonwood tree and would sometimes see one of the adults. On this morning, all three fledglings watched me while goofily bobbing heads, an adult sleeping on a stout branch. I would guess the tree to be in the 100 year range, sprouted not long after the canal was built to serve our once rural community. Arvada, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1142/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_BBmp_stckmotion_nest.jpg Magpie Nest Building A black-billed magpie delivers a stick for nest construction in spring of 2020. I watched the pair work tirelessly for weeks, before they moved on, presumably to a second nest site. These brilliant birds of the Corvid family are a joy to witness - just selecting the right stick for the job is a very selective process. Arvada, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1141/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PV_MtnLion.jpg Night Moves A wild mountain lion moves stealthily through a creek channel on the edge of prairie and foothills west of Denver. Mountain lions prefer mule deer as their primary prey item in the Intermountain West, and the intersection of grassland, riparian creek habitat, and foothills holds a lot of biodiversity, including mule deer. I love that wildlife own the night, stoking our imagination. Jefferson County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1140/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_bluscreech.jpg Blue Hour Screech As light fades to darkness, a western screech owl becomes more animated and moves to the edge of his cottonwood tree cavity, ready for the evening hunt. Moments later, he flew past me without a sound into a thicket over Ralston Creek. Where there are cottonwoods and creeks, there is wild - even along a suburban prairie bike path. Arvada, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1139/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNP_Neocomet.jpg Comet Neowise Over Kawuneeche Valley Comet Neowise burns bright over the Never Summer Range, headwaters of the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Parl. Kawuneeche is an Arapaho Native name "koo'ohwuuni" meaning Coyote River and Never Summer comes from the Arapaho word "niicilbiicei'i" meaning they are never summery. It's fascinating to think if Neowise comes around every 6,800 years, Indigenous People of North America have seen this comet before. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1138/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LaPoudrePnight.jpg Nightfall on La Poudre Pass The Milky Way and Mars light the night sky over my little tent on La Poudre Pass. Snow and rain that falls here either flows west to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the Colorado River headwaters, or east to the Cache La Poudre River and the South Platte River. I was there to explore the headwaters in RMNP in the Never Summer Range where you can straddle the mighty Colorado. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1137/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_GSgMl_lost-Hd.jpg Extra Effort - Greater Sage grouse A Greater Sage-grouse male appears to lose his head while dislpaying for a chance to mate. The sound of air sacs popping and wings swishing on chest feathers is all part of the attraction and only one male on a lek does the mating, so males work hard day after day in spring for their chance. Pathfinder Ranch, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1136/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_GHO_Mono.jpg Dusk Hunter On the fringes of suburbs, prairie, wetland, a male Great horned owl stages for the night's hunt. Hungry, growing chicks wait for skunk or rabbit in a tall tree along an irrigation ditch, between horse farms. I made the image during stay at home orders for Covid19, daily explorations on foot revealing the wild in my own suburban habitat. They are the wild among us. *note: this is the color image, backlit just after sunset. Arvada, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1135/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WElk_CstlsSR.jpg Castles Glow From Storm Pass, a high alpine ridge on the Continental Divide, the eroded Breccia pinnacles of The Castle formation are a beautifully surreal foreground for the high peaks of the Elk Range. In the distance, Castle Peak, the Maroon Bells, and Pyramid Peak catch sunset sidelight. West Elk Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1134/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_Gila_MgllnCrk_aer.jpg Upper Gila Autumn The Gila River in gold and Mogollon Creek foreground, flow from the Mogollon Mountains at the peak of autumn color, November in southwest New Mexico. The Gila is gold with cottonwoods, which thrive on spring floods, signature of a wild river. And the Gila is wild and untamed in the Upper Box. Mogollon Creek, with rusty orange Sycamore, flows intermittently and doesn't hold floodwater long enough to support cottonwoods. These free flowing riparian zones are among the richest areas anywhere ecologically. Gila National Forest, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1133/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Arv_mgp_nestlnd.jpg Magpie Nest Arrival Close to home during the Covid19 crisis, I found this black-billed magpie nest site along a canal, bordering an equestrian area from Arvada's more rural days. The magpie pair is working overtime to complete the domed structure - they're one of the few birds who build a domed nest and among the world's smartest birds. I made this image of a magpie arriving with a stick in early morning after a light spring snowstorm the night before. Arvada, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1132/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Spstn_Bsn_Bull_solo.jpg Room To Roam On a bluebird early spring morning, a big bison bull roams free on Soapstone's expansive shortgrass prairie. Wild bison are thriving here since reintroduction in 2015. Shot on assignment for Audubon Magazine.  Soapstone Prairie, Fort Collins, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1131/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Spstn_Aud_Prmd.jpg Prairie Pyramid Like a distant pyramid, a volcanic remnant rises above golden Soapstone Prairie, a Great Plains jewel on the Front Range north of Fort Collins, the city which owns and operates this stunning prairie.  Soapstone Prairie, Fort Collins, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1130/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Spstn_Aud_HrndLrk.jpg Timeless Lark The sweet tinkling song of the horned lark is one of the first songbirds you'll hear in early spring on the shortgrass prairie. This horned lark chose a lichen splotched boulder as a high perch in Soapstone Prairie's timeless landscape. Photographed on assignment for Audubon Magazine.  Soapstone Prairie, Fort Collins, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1129/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Spstn_Aud_Grslnd_SS.jpg Soapstone Gold Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a shortgrass prairie gem owned and operated by the City of Fort Collins. Good native prairie grass, a roaming wild bison herd as keystone of a wild web of grassland wildlife make Soapstone a special place within arms reach of Fort Collins and Front Range cities. I made the image while on assignment for Audubon Magazine as sunset painted golden grass in early spring. Soapstone Prairie, Fort Collins, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1128/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GPCclaw.jpg Prairie Chicken Sunrise As dawn light paints the grassland, a male Greater prairie chicken struts across the lek (mating ground) where he would display for hours, and a chance to mate. Calamus Outfitters , in the beautiful Nebraska Sandhills, runs outstanding Greater prairie chicken and sharp-tailed grouse tours, as well as the one and only Prairie Chicken Festival, where I've had the privilege of presenting. It's a great family operation and the sandhills are a Great Plains treasure.  Calamus Outfitters, Nebraska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1127/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GOTG-refl-V.jpg Cathedral Sunrise Cathedral Rock reflects in historic and decommissioned Pleasant Valley Reservoir #1, which rarely fills part way after major rain events. Towering sandstone formations earned Garden Of The Gods' name, and the setting of shortgrass prairie, and fairy tale sandstone shapes, with a backdrop of Pike's Peak inspires travelers from around the world. Check out the interpretive visitors center - it's top shelf.  Graden Of The Gods Park, Colorado Springs, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1126/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSg_MlPr_Pthfndr.jpg Sage-grouse Males A pair of male Greater Sage-grouse display in sync for the attention of a nearby hen. Protected habitat for Sage-grouse is conserved habitat for 350 other species, including us. Pathfinder Ranch is using an innovative mitigation offset banking program to conserve some of the best remaining Sage-grouse habitat in perpetuity. Pathfinder Ranch, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1125/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_LH_WR_Cthdrl.jpg Wind River Skyline Gannet Peak, 13,804' and Wyoming's tallest mountain tops the jagged Wind River Range and holds glaciers that feed three major river systems. Here at the headwaters, the Green River begins its long journey to join the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. It's stunning to imagine that the river which carves the Grand Canyon has headwaters in rivers of ice. LightHawk Aerial Support.  Bridger Wildernerness, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1124/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_Gila_SHC_Flt_Atmn.jpg Sandhill Autumn On The Gila Cottonwood and sycamore trees line a broad floodplain where the Gila River spills from its Mogollon Mountains headwaters in the Gila Wilderness. Still untamed here, the river irrigates hay and alfalfa while supporting an incredible web of life between tiny towns Cliff and Gila. A small population of sandhill cranes spend winter here, south of the big Rocky Mountain Population at Bosque Del Apache NWR. The upper Gila is threatened by diversion and I've had the good fortune of working with The Nature Conservancy at the Lichty Center on the Upper Gila, where Martha Cooper works in community to keep the Gila free-flowing through this upper reach.   Upper Gila River, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1123/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_Cat_Rbow_boats.jpg Colorado Gift Following several hours of torrential downpour, a rainbow, and part of a double rainbow appears over our Meander Canyon camp site. This was night one of a float through wild Cataract Canyon, biggest water on the Colorado River, with https://rockies.audubon.org Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1122/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Snowy-Tetons-Aflats-II-vi.jpg Winter Coming Sometime in early October, snowfall signals the big changes ahead and wildlife begins to move, stockpile food, and gorge for the months ahead. Here on Antelope Flats, a line of still golden cottonwood trees lead to the Teton Range in winter white.  Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1121/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ORB_srII.jpg Moonset Over Oregon Buttes In pre-dawn blue, the Oregon Buttes sand sentinel beneath a sinking full moon. If you were a traveler on the Oregon Buttes in the 1800's, you were halfway to Oregon when you reached the infamous Buttes. The general area is called the Jack Morrow Hills, a spectacular place in the sagebrush sea and the west - and very threatened by oil and gas development.  Oregon Buttes Wilderness Study Area, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1120/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSgfemwng.jpg Sage-grouse Submission On a Sage-grouse lek deep in the sagebrush sea, a female Greater Sage-grouse signals her readiness to mate by gently raising her wings, carrying hope by perpetuating the species. Greater Sage-grouse are in steep decline across the west, and carry the burden of a nation's energy ambitions, science be damned.   Moffat County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1119/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_GSgMls_fight_Pthfndr.jpg Grousing Greater Sage-grouse males fight for a chance to mate. These rapid fights, with wings flapping loudly rarely result in injury and often end with feathers pulled, are necessary to determine the master cock who will mate most, or all of the hens on lek.  Pathfinder Ranch, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1118/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/CSTgdispBL.jpg Sharp-tail Dance Once our most populous western game bird, sharp-tailed grouse now occupy about 10% of their historic range, with 10% of their historic population. Their lekking display is a joy to witness, with whirling, jumping, cackling, and chasing in open spaces on the edge of sage and wooded areas. Habitat destruction and fragmentation are the main drivers of sharp-tailed grouse declines.  Baggs, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1117/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BCOTGRbrush.jpg Gunnison Gorge The Gunnison River carves the deep Black Canyon gorge, named for a canyon so deep that little light reaches the river 1,700' below your feet. The river begins as a snowflake melting on the Continental Divide and is a major tributary of the Colorado River, with its confluence in Grand Junction, Colorado.  Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1116/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ME_Pika_Ywn_mmls.jpg Yawning Pika About the size of your fist, American pika live their entire lifecycle high in the alpine zone - this pika was photographed at about 14,000 feet on Mount Evans. Pika cache an enormous hay stacks of grass and forbs to survive winter, burrowed beneath talus fields on mountain slopes. Because they're already at the top of the world, this cutest of Rocky Mountain mammals is threatened by the climate change "elevator effect", for they can go no higher as the world heats up. Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1115/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ME_Pika_Ywn.jpg Yawning Pika About the size of your fist, American pika live their entire lifecycle high in the alpine zone - this pika was photographed at about 14,000 feet on Mount Evans. Pika cache an enormous hay stacks of grass and forbs to survive winter, burrowed beneath talus fields on mountain slopes. Because they're already at the top of the world, this cutest of Rocky Mountain mammals is threatened by the climate change "elevator effect", for they can go no higher as the world heats up. Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1114/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Smmt_GT_cldscp.jpg Grand Teton Reveal Like a curtain pulled back, a thick autumn cloud bank parts to reveal fresh snow on the Grand Teton in the Teton Range as a shaft of sunlight adds drama. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1113/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/VrmllnClffs_Bdgr.jpg Vermillion Sunrise Sunrise paints the Vermillion Cliffs from a ledge over Badger Canyon, which is in Grand Canyon National Park. While this landscape may look harsh, this is a wildlife biodiversity hot spot for Endangered California condors and a wide range of wildlife species benefitting from desert, Colorado River, and montane (Kaibab Plateau) zones all merging here. And, it's quite beautiful in warm light. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1112/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/CAcndr_Brdg_Pr.jpg Condor Bridge A pair of Endangered California condors warm in the early morning autumn sun on Navajo Bridge over the Colorado River. Condors are doing well on the bridge, which offers under girders to roost on safely tucked away from predators. Marble Canyon, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1111/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/UGrn_SS.jpg Green River Headwaters Sunset The Green River pours from its Wind River Mountains glacial headwaters through sagebrush lands high in the Upper Green watershed. From here, the Green will carry life with every turn, nourish crops, fill reservoirs, thrill thrill seekers, carve canyons, and eventually meet the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. Bridger-Teton national Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1110/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_DollHs_Cnynlnds.jpg Colorado Gold Light, like water, seeks an opening in stone to paint canyon walls gold, reflected in the mighty Colorado River. Here, beneath the spires of the Doll House in Canyonlands Maze district, and below this tranquil bend, the river turns wild in Cataract Canyon. Thirty two miles of the biggest rapids in North America gets your attention in a hurry, the Colorado running milk chocolate brown with sediment, wild and mostly uncontrolled - as it's meant to be. I made the image while on the annual Audubon Rockies raft trip from Moab to Lake Powell, UT, spring 2019. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1109/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/COr_CatRft_AR_Rnbw.jpg Rainbow Over The Colorado After a pounding rain storm on the first day of our Audubon Rockies raft trip through Cataract Canyon, clouds began to break, and gradually this gorgeous rainbow formed over Mitten Butte, the cloud bank painting the Colorado River red in Meander Canyon. Just an extraordinary moment that awed our group, shared with our river community. Rivers are after all, community. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1108/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Flttps_WllLk.jpg High Summer Flattops Late summer fireweed blooms in rich magentas at the edge of Wall Lake as sunrise lights the Flattops. This 235,000 acre "Cradle of Wilderness" was the first designated wilderness in 1975. Wall Lake drains to the Yampa River, tributary of the Green, and ultimately the Colorado River. Flattops Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1107/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMA-bison-face.jpg Bison Mud Bath Our National Mammal, an American bison gives an intense look while shaking off from his mud bath. In mid-summer, insects can really irritate bison, with dust and mud baths offering temporary relief. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1106/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMA_Bsn_mgp.jpg Winter Passenger During a sideways winter storm, a black-billed magpie takes a rise with a large bull bison moving across the windblown prairie. These two species are commonly spotted together, the magpie benefitting from bison stirring up dusty prairie in summer, and oftentimes picking ticks from the bison's deep fur coat. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1105/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SDS_threeOtters.jpg Otter Family Indicators of water quality and river health, river otters are a rare and welcome sight. Over several visits, I was able to locate a den bank hole on the main channel of the Green River, and a nearby series of holes in the ice with a slide. The adult on the right is gnawing mightily on a native mountain whitefish, an easy catch for the lightning fast (underwater) river otter. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1104/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Sinchlagua_am.jpg Sincholagua Sunrise Vulcan Sincholagua (4,899m/16,073') strikes a strong pose in early morning light. We had seen little in the first two days of our soggy Highlands Trek - then everything changed with building warm sunlight grazing distant giant volcanoes. That day's trek would take us along the face of the mountain lit in this frame, then over a pass on the left flank. A wonderful all-day Sincholagua study in the Ecuadorian Andes. Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1103/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Quito_nght.jpg Quito Night The city of Quito sparkles in evening lights from high above the city at the Virgin of Quito statue. The Basilica del Voto Nacional Catholic Church, constructed between 1887 and 1909 is in the upper center of the frame. Quito, Ecuador https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1102/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/TDPWlake.jpg Nordenskjold Sunrise While trekking the W Circuit in Torres Del Paine, Marla and I hiked up above our camp to catch sunrise beneath the Cuernos (horn) formations, Nordenskjold Lake below. Between gaps in the cloud bank, a warm sunrise picked and chose what to light and what to leave deep blue. An ephemeral and dramatic moment in Patagonia, one of the most dynamic places on the planet. Marla is standing at the bottom of the frame, silhouetted against the deep blue.  Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1101/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LengaFor.jpg Lenga Chaos In southern Patagonia, where low temperatures and heavy snow cover Tierra Del Fuego through long winters, the lenga tree dominates Andean Forests. The lenga tree is a native temperate forest species in the range of 35-56 degrees south latitude, with Tierra Del Fuego at the very southern tip of their ange (actually nearby Isla Navarino). I was captivated by the beautiful chaos and solitude of the dense lenga forest while hiking in the national park.  Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Chile https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1100/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Kingpair.jpg King Pair We expected to see Gentoo and Magellanic penguins on our Isla Martillo tour, but this beautiful king penguin pair were so beautiful to witness. In this moment, the two penguins came together and crossed beaks, before walking to the edge of the island in the Beagle Channel.  Isla Martillo, Patagonia, Chile https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1099/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gentooport.jpg Gentoo Portrait A gentoo penguin stands out from the shades of grey landscape with his bright orange mandible, unknowingly striking a sleepy portrait pose. Isla Martillo is roughly 600 miles from Antarctica and supports populations of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, with an occasional visit by king penguins.  Isla Martillo, Patagonia, Chile https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1098/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gentoofeet.jpg Gentoo Feet Gentoo penguins have plenty of personality and colorful orange feet to match. We enjoyed walking with Gentoo, King, and Magellanic penguins on Isla Martillo, near Ushuaia at the bottom of Chilean Patagonia.  Isla Martillo, Patagonia, Chile https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1097/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Quitopm.jpg Lights Of Quito The city of Quito sparkles in evening lights from high above the city at the Virgin of Quito statue. The Basilica del Voto Nacional Catholic Church, constructed between 1887 and 1909 is in the upper center of the frame.  Quito, Ecuador https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1096/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/TorresSR.jpg Torres Del Paine Gold Glowing vertical spires and Torres Del Paine namesake are painted in gold at first light. It's a burly alpine start  hike up there from the national park base, and suddenly they appear over the ridge you're climbing.   Torres Del Paine National Park https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1095/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Fitz_SR_Gld.jpg Fitz Roy Gold Monte Fitz Roy (11,171') glows in early morning golden light. This Patagonian Andes icon has a vertical rise of over 6,000 feet and was first climbed in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone. What a stunning cathedral of stone.  Los Glaciares NP, Argentina https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1094/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DIA_DS.jpg DIA Exhibit Dave Showalter next to his "Greater Sage-grouse Display" image at the Colorado: Sage Spirit and Roaring Rivers exhibit, sponsored by Braided River. The exhibit will be displayed on Concourse A through March, 2019 and will be viewed by over 2 million travelers.  Denver, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1093/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_Powell_GCdam_Page.jpg Glen Canyon Aerial "The place no one knew" David Brower Glen Canyon Dam plugs the mighty Colorado River, holding back Lake Powell at Page, Arizona, a dam town that rose during dam construction that began in 1963. David Brower, then Sierra Club president deeply regretted the dam was ever built, spectacular Glen Canyon and its side canyons, silent voices of the Ancient Ones lost when the reservoir flooded. What will become of Lake Powell as we sink deeper into prolonged drought in the desert southwest? This image made possible with LightHawk aerial support.  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1092/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_BobcatportII.jpg Bobcat Sunset Backed by the setting sun, a female bobcat roams her territory on a bluff over the Green River, her young kittens most likely stashed in their den nearby. In June, she is hunting often to feed her growing youngsters. At Seedskadee NWR, the Green River runs through open sagebrush country, providing riparian and sagebrush habitats and prey for bobcats and everything else. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1091/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GC_CynmineBW.jpg Hot Spot Uranium mining in the Greater Grand Canyon Region is a hotly contested issue, pitting science and concern for the Colorado River against the mining industry and political ideology. The Canyon Mine is located just 6 miles from Tusayan, near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, across the top of the frame just a few miles further. Threats to reverse the 2012 uranium ban, the Trump administration's dismissal of ongoing science studying uranium impacts, and active threats from the Canyon Mine and others in the region put the Colorado River at risk - a river that supports 40 million people in the American West. I chose to make the image black and white, leaving the bright orange of mine, soil, and toxic water pit in color, emblematic of this hot issue about a hot mineral. Uranium mining in the Canyon and where it threatens the Colorado River Watershed is too risky. LightHawk generously provided aerial support.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1090/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Bobcatport.jpg Bobcat Sunset A female bobcat pauses on a ridgeline at sunset. In early June, she was raising three kittens with the Green River riverine and sagebrush habitats providing a buffet for the bobcat family.  Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1089/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SHCblurII.jpg Sandhill Blur Spring on the Platte River near Kearney, Nebraska is a raucous time when North America's biggest migration passes through the area. Sandhill Cranes headed as far as Siberia have used this critical habitat on the Platte River for millennia, a tenuous balance of birds and water in an agricultural community. In this image, sandhill cranes are lifting from their evening roost on the river, taking flight from a passing bald eagle. Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary, Nebraska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1088/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/CSTglow.jpg Sharptail Glow Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse perform an a chromatic, stomping, whirling, leaping display for females on spring leks. This mating ground holds around two dozen birds on a private land sub-alpine, mixed sagebrush meadow that's ringed by aspen and National Forest. Carbon County, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1087/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/FitzlagoBW.jpg Monte Fitz Roy Reflection On a rare calm and cloudy morning, Monte Fitz Roy (11,020) and its over 6,000 feet of vertical relief are reflected in Laguna Torre. This most picturesque of landscapes is an icon of the Patagonian Andes and inspiration for the Patagonia logo.  Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1086/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SUPflyfsh.jpg Stand Up and Fish A SUP fly fisherman is a welcome surprise at sunrise on a crisp fall morning along the Snake River at Oxbow Bend. I made the image while leading a group at the Summit Fall Nature Photo Workshop, pho in Jackson, Wyoming.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1085/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GC_LtlCOr_aer_LH.jpg Confluence The thin aqua line of the Little Colorado River flows to the main stem of the Colorado River in shadow. The Little Colorado's color is attributed to dissolved minerals in the mineral rich environment. This photo was made possible with LightHawk aerial support.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1084/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GC_NankoII.jpg Nankoweap View A sweeping view of the Colorado River from high on a cliff face at Nankoweap granaries. Ancestral Puebloans farmed the plateau above the river and stored corn, grains, and pumpkin seeds in these granaries. This day was wild on the river, with shifting winds, clearing, and storms. I made the image while rafting the Colorado River's length through the Grand Canyon with Audubon Rockies and the Western Rivers Action Network (WRAN).  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1083/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GC_HanceLyrs.jpg Grand Canyon Layered Just below the South Rim on the New Hance Trail, sunrise lights ridges divided by side canyons arranged in geologic time.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1082/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSg_maleflt.jpg Lek Flight Spring mornings on the lek (mating ground) have a certain rhythm, unless interrupted by a golden eagle on the hunt or poor weather. Greater Sage-grouse will arrive on the lek well before dawn to display their hearts out long after the last female has left for the morning, then take flight to browse on, and rest in, sagebrush. On this morning, one of the last males took flight just after the wind had shifted, giving me a full view of his flight from the lek.   Moffatt County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1081/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/OPcover_0318.jpg Buckskin View Cover of Outdoor Photographer, March, 2018.  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1080/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GC_Nanko.jpg Nankoweap Granaries Over The Colorado River Windows of an Ancestral Puebloan granary overlook the Colorado River and once-farmed plateau below. Eleven hundred years ago this was a thriving agricultural community where corn and pumpkin seeds were stored in this airy granary.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/shcblur/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SHCblur.jpg Sandhill Blur Sandhill cranes fly en-masse from their evening roost to feed on corn waste in nearby farm fields. Each spring, the largest gathering of cranes in the world descends on Kearney, Nebraska, an 80 mile long pinch point along the Platte River. Some 500,000 - 600,000 sandhill cranes pass and tens of thousands of snow geese make for a spectacle like nowhere else. Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary is sanctuary and refuge for cranes and people from across the globe.  Rowe Sanctuary near Kearney, Nebraska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1078/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/magpie-flight-II.jpg Magpie Scavengers Back-billed magpies take flight when a coyote arrives to feed on a bison carcass that sustained scavengers to the site for several months. Magpies are intelligent omnivorous corvids, with a range of the intermountain West and western Great Plains to west-central Alaska. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1077/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSgfightNCo.jpg Grousing Greater Sage-grouse males fight at sunrise on a public lands lek in remote northwest Colorado. Fights are brief, mostly rapid wing-flapping and feather pulling affairs, sometimes with injuries from sharp digging claws. One male does most of the mating in a Sage-Grouse population, and these fights are battles for survival of the species, iconic bird of the American West. "Warranted, but precluded from protection under the Endangered Species Act."  Moffatt County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1076/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WTpbudII.jpg Ptarmigan and Willow Bud White-tailed ptarmigan spend their entire lifecycle in the harsh alpine environment above timberline, foraging on willow buds almost exclusively and thriving - even gaining weight through winter. These remarkable birds will also tunnel into snow as an insulation strategy. In the era of progressive climate change, ptarmigan need snow for camouflage and willow for continued survival. I photographed this bird rapidly devouring tiny willow buds in an alpine basin at the top of the Colorado River watershed around 11.500 feet. Arapaho National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1075/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/irrigCR.jpg Water on Hay Agriculture is the top water user in the west - irrigating hay along the banks of the Colorado at Westwater, on the border with Utah. Golden cottonwoods line the river in autumn. Mesa County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1074/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/YampaSHCrwbb.jpg Blackbird and Crane In a side channel of the Yampa River, a male red-winged blackbird relentlessly harasses a sandhill crane who's ventured too close to the blackbird's nest. Serendipity gave me this moment, and I'm grateful to crane, blackbird, and the last free-flowing river in the Colorado River watershed. Steamboat Springs, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1073/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SJriv_Muley.jpg Goosenecks of The San Juan The whole southwest seems to come into view from Muley Point, on the southern edge of Cedar Mesa. The mighty San Juan River carved meanders that created the goosenecks and the towers and buttes of distant Monument Vally are Cedar Mesa sandstone. Everything is connected. Protect Bears Ears.   Bears Ears National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1072/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BE_CM_cows.jpg Bears Ears Cows In the buildup to Bears Ears National Monument getting reduced by the Trump administration on December 4, 2017, it was widely reported that usage rights were being restricted, a falsehood. In December of 2017, I made a rapid photo expedition to Bears Ears for the iLCP and found cattle grazing on the National Monument backed by Cedar Mesa, even met the cheerful Navajo rancher Gary, who kiddingly said I should pay $5 per cow to take a photo. Grazing rights are one of many stakeholder uses of public lands. Protect our public lands! Bears Ears National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1071/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Yampa_Tgrwall.jpg Tiger Wall Feeling small while floating past the desert varnish stripes on Tiger Wall, a few of us observed the tradition of kissing the wall for safe passage through the rapids. To float the Yampa, the only un-damned and wild river in the Colorado River watershed will change your view shed. I made the image on an Audubon Rockies trip - they're running an annual raft trip, an incredible outreach expedition for their Western Rivers Action Network campaign.  Dinosaur National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1070/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/sheikspetro.jpg Sheik's Panel In Sheik's Canyon, deep in Grand Gulch is this stunning pictograph panel of headless anthropomorphic figures and human hand imprints, holding designs. We may try to figure out what the Ancient Puebloans were saying - I'm just awed and love the mystery of it all. Bears Ears National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1069/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/JHcoyote.jpg Jacob Hamblin Arch Over Coyote Creek A healthy day's hike down Coyote Creek into Coyote Gulch reveals Jacob Hamblin Arch, towering over the creek. From this popular camp area, backcountry visitors can marvel at the changing light through this spectacular natural arch. *note: I'm well aware of the reduction of the National Monument, still advocating for Monument status, and will not acknowledge this wrongful action. Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1068/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DomingPanel.jpg Dominguez Panel This wonderfully rich in detail petroglyph panel awaits hikers ascending Big Dominguez canyon. There's a big waterfall nearby, an important place for the Native Ute People; who migrated through this canyon between the uplands of the Uncompahgre Plateau and the Gunnison River.  Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1067/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/moosesnowfor.jpg Of The Forest A young bull moose climbs a frosted hill near the Colorado River as an intense, short-lived spring snow squall winds down. Moose are build for forest, gracefully moving and browsing woody vegetation, including aspen trees.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1066/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNPsnowmoose.jpg Moose in Spring Squall A young bull moose jogs to the forest as a driving spring storm picks up steam in the Kawuneechee Valley. The Colorado River headwaters are just a few miles up on the Continental Divide (as the raven flies) from here, and this wetter west side of Rocky Mountain National Park provides outstanding riparian habitat for moose and just about everything else.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grnhw/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GRHWPeakLk.jpg Green River Headwaters Stroud and Sulphur Peaks tower over Peak Lake, at the headwaters of the Green River. Beginning deep in the Bridger Wilderness as ice melting from Stroud Glacier, the Green will travel 700 miles from the alpine ecosystem to its confluence with the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park.  Bridger Wilderness, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/toroweap/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Torosketch.jpg Canyon Edge Three thousand feet directly below one's feet, the Colorado River flows in a thin line at Toroweap, a remote spot on the North Rim. The thin line is metaphor for sustainability of a watershed that supports every living thing in this part of the American West. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1063/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Hshoeblursm.jpg Horseshoe Blur The mighty Colorado River carved an entrenched meander over millions of years to create Horseshoe Bend, a very famous river bend and tourist attraction. It's a stunning sight, a perfectly symmetrical turn. A long exposure added motion to the scene on a cloudy morning.  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yampaflyfish/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Yampaflyfish.jpg Fishing The Yampa Fly fisherman cast for trout in receding June waters on then Yampa River, just outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. From its headwaters in the Flattop Mountains to the confluence of the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument, the Yampa is the only free flowing river in the Colorado River Watershed. Routt County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1061/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GunnRivBCOTG.jpg Black Canyon Narrows The Gunnison River is constricted to just forty feet in The Narrows, the narrowest stretch in an 1,800 foot deep, nearly vertical canyon. In just a mile and those 1,800 feet, you can reach the bottom, where the river roars, and talks. The Gunnison is a major tributary of the Colorado River, with its headwaters in the Elk Mountains. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1060/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSENMHenrys.jpg Egypt and Henry Mountains Sunset sidelights shapes of red rock and the Henry Mountains over the Escalante River from Egypt Trailhead. Here, where water flows from the high alpine, one can connect the wonders of the desert to where water - life flows through arid country. The National Monument was reduced by an executive pen stroke, and conservationists continue to fight for these jewels of the public lands system. Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1059/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GCnuthatch.jpg Ponderosa Nuthatch White breasted nuthatches are common in the ponderosa forests of the Kaibab Plateau, plucking insects from grooves in the tree bark with long beaks. Ponderosa Pine are evolved to protect themselves from fire, but recent extremely hot and intense fire events have burned large forested areas. This image was made on the North Rim's Kaibab Plateau. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/nrimaspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GCaspen.jpg North Rim Aspen A single ponderosa pine in a cluster of autumn aspen clones on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The ponderosa pine ecosystem between 7,000 and 8,200 feet is one of five major ecostems of the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bskinvw/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BskinSP.jpg Buckskin View While studying layers and shapes of stone, carved and polished by the force of watershed rim extremely arid country, I made a self-portrait for scale. Buckskin Canyon is one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world, created by flash floods over millenia.  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gneckstower/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BE_VOTG_tower.jpg Goosenecks Watchtower A towering sandstone column, separated from Cedar Mesa watches over the Goosenecks of the San Juan River from Muley Point. From this stunning viewpoint, you can view sacred Navajo Mountain and the towers of Monument Valley, while studying the deep meanders carved by the San Juan over geologic time. Bears Ears National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ancestral-dwelling/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BE_CM_FlnRf.jpg Ancestral Dwelling This Ancestral Dwelling, deep in a Cedar Mesa canyon, and with its dramatic roof and stone blocks scattered across the alcove floor, is a stunning Ancestral Puebloan site.The Ancient Ones made a living here for 12,000 years, inventing irrigation to grow corn, beans, and squash; ultimately leaving southwest canyons during a prolonged period of drought and food shortages. Bears Ears still holds the history of these ancient people, but for how long without protection? Bears Ears National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1054/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Hshoeblur.jpg Horseshoe Blue Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1053/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Hshoeblur.jpg Horseshoe Blue The Colorado River turns back on itself at the Horseshoe Bend incised meander downstream from Lake Powell (reservoir) near Page, Arizona. During the Cretaceous Period around 100 million years ago, the Colorado was running over more level ground at sea level when the earth was uplifted, creating this oxbow bend in a deep canyon over geologic time. Equally stunning re the numbers of visitors who flock to this site, where they can view a bend pin the river or geologic wonder, depending on one's perspective.  Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, AZ https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1052/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PeakLktent.jpg Wind River Nightfall As darkness descends the milky way appears over Stroud and Sulphur Peaks from our tent site on Peak Lake, high in the Wind River Range. This extraordinary backcountry location marks the headwaters of the Green River, the main stem of the Colorado. From here, the Green River will wind 700 miles to its confluence with the Colorado in Canyonlands National Park, UT. Night skies like this are increasingly rare - revel in the darkness.   Bridger Wilderness, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1051/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Stowheesong.jpg Towhee Song Spotted towhees are large and colorful sparrows that populate shrublands across the western U.S. In spring, their raucous singing is unmistakeable, filling grassland and sage steppe with towhee song. This male dove into a large brush in April, and I just waited, knowing that he would soon sing from the tallest branch in hopes of attracting a mate. Jefferson County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1050/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Wettrefl.jpg Wetterhorn Reflection Stately Wetterhorn Peak (14,016') and an unnamed thirteen reflect in a small alpine tarn at timberline, glowing in the last light of the day. Wetterhorn Basin.  Uncompahgre Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1049/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Torreys-F-Grays.jpg Torreys First Light An alpine start around 3:00 a.m. and a steady climb in darkness led us to the summit of Grays Peak (14,267'), where sunrise illuminated threatening clouds over Torreys Peak (14,270'), racing on high winds aloft. In early autumn, tundra turns crimson, fall colors underfoot. Torreys marks the headwaters of Clear Creek, a major tributary of the South Platte River.  Arapaho National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1048/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GTbullMooserest.jpg Rest From The Rut Exhausted from the pursuit of cows during the fall rut, a very large bull moose rests in a cottonwood gallery forest. These majestic animals in Grand Teton's autumn color are magnificent.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wtpwinter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WTpbud.jpg Willow Bud For the white-tailed ptarmigan, alpine willow is life. This ground nesting, smallest of North American grouse and master of camouflage, lives its entire lifecycle above timberline. To survive, even thrive in harsh winter conditions, ptarmigan eat tiny willow buds almost exclusively and gain weight through winter. The all white male, save for his red eye patch and black eye and beak, will molt in June. He'll spend summer blending in with talus rocks high in the Rockies.  Vasquez Peak Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1046/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSgspikey.jpg Spikey Grouse With one of the great courtship rituals, Greater Sage-grouse males strut, puff up chests, fight, and raise their spikes tail feathers to impress a female for a chance to mate. This iconic western bird spends their entire lifecycle in sagebrush, both grouse and the ecosystem it depends upon for survival are imperiled. While not protected under the Endangered Species Act, Greater Sage-grouse have protected, defined Priority Areas For Conservation - these lands are also threatened in the current political environment.  Moffat County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1045/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/CSTGprof.jpg Sharptail Portrait Once the most abundant game bird when Lewis and Clark surveyed the west, the Columbian sharptail grouse now occupies about 10% of their historic range, preferring mixed sage and grassland habitat. "Sharpies" are so amusing to watch when displaying on lek - spinning like tops, stomping feet, chasing, and fighting. Here, a male pauses near my blind, unconcerned with my presence.  Moffatt County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1044/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/magpieCU.jpg Magpie Portrait Black-billed magpies, common in the west are notoriously smart corvids that are challenging to photograph. Squawking, chattering, and omnivorous, often scavenging on road kill, magpies are great fun to observe. Surprisingly, while lying in the snow photographing next to renowned photographer/friend Tom Mangelsen, this magpie visited at arms length, moving snow around with his beak looking at us - I guess we were where he likes to hang out. A serendipitous moment in nature.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1043/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MGfog.jpg Goats In Fog A mountain goat nanny and kid graze on succulent alpine tundra grasses high on (14,265') Mount Evans. The Mount Evans Wilderness is a wonderland close to Denver, with ancient bristlecone pine forest, two fourteeners (and layers of thirteeners), diverse wildlife, sweeping views across wide open alpine tundra, and the highest paved road in North America. Oh, and the best place in North America to see mountain goats.  Mount Evans Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1042/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WTPtarmflowers.jpg Tundra Ptarmigan White-tailed ptarmigan are masters of camouflage, their primary defense against predators. This ptarmigan is nestled into alpine tundra wildflowers around 13,000 feet on Mount Evans, a stronghold for this climate change species. Our smallest member of the grouse family spends their entire lifecycle above timberline, thriving on willow buds through a harsh Rocky Mountain winter.  Mount Evans Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1041/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/FCwind_RD.jpg Wind Farm Aerial The full footprint of the Foote Creek Wind Farm, backed by Elk Mountain is visible from the air. I flew this LightHawk mission with the idea of capturing the scale of a wind development with a unique aerial perspective. Siting wind developments is critically important for wildlife movements and overall health.  Albany, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1040/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BFFimmushot.jpg A Shot For Life Black-footed ferrets, our most endangered mammal, are vulnerable to sylvatic plague, rabies, and a host of other diseases that can be transferred from prairie dogs, their primary prey. This juvenile ferret was trapped in the early morning hours of an autumn night, anesthetized, immunized, and allowed to wake up slowly before being returned to its same burrow before sunrise. Biologists are working on new, less costly immunization strategies as we work to stabilize the ferret population, now around 2,000 individuals in the wild.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1039/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WTPtarmflowers.jpg Tundra Ptarmigan White-tailed ptarmigan are masters of camouflage, their primary defense against predators. This ptarmigan is nestled into alpine tundra wildflowers around 13,000 feet on Mount Evans. Our smallest member of the grouse family spends their entire lifecycle above timberline, thriving on willow buds through a harsh Rocky Mountain winter.  Mount Evans Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1038/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WTPtarmflowers.jpg Ptarmigan In Tundra White-tailed ptarmigan use camouflage for protection, changing from mottled brown in summer to pure white, other than beaks and eyes in winter. Often called rock ptarmigan, the smallest North American grouse is nearly impossible to spot in an alpine talus (rock) field - or late summer wildflowers on alpine tundra. These remarkable birds spend their entire life cycle in the alpine zone. Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1037/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MGport.jpg Mountain Wind Of the mountain wind, a mountain goat catches warm morning light near Mount Evans' 14,271' summit. With the highest paved road in North America winding to near the mountain summit, Mount Evans is a great place to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and all of Colorado's high alpine species. Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1036/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Cwooddance.jpg Cottonwood Dance In Grand Gulch, cottonwood gallery forests seem almost as ancient as the eroded stone, petroglyphs, and stone dwelling left by ancient civilizations, the Anasazi. Lining creeks along the canyon bottoms, this area has the most impressive cottonwoods, for density and old growth I've seen.  Cedar Mesa, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1035/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/N-Window-Turret.jpg Turret Through North Window Otherworldly Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, each carved by forces of wind and erosion, freeze and thaw over millennia. New arches are being formed today in this dynamic landscape. Here, Turret Arch is seen through North Window at sunrise. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1034/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/whiteRimCU.jpg White Rim Green Carved over eons by the mighty Green River, the White Rim Sandstone Formation attracts adventurers seeking to bike, hike, and 4-wheel the 100+ mile road in Canyonlands. Canyonlands National Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1033/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Big-Dominguez-SR-III.jpg Dominguez Sunrise A warm spring sunrise lights the rim of Big Dominguez Canyon, looking towards the Uncompahgre Plateau. Big Dominguez Creek flows all year, providing sustenance for humans occupying this canyon for thousands of years. Look carefully, and find evidence of ancient cultures written on canyon walls of this sacred place.   Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1032/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Domingclaret.jpg Claret Bloom In spring, claret cup cactus bloom in brilliant red, a welcome splash of color at the tail end of winter in Big Dominguez Canyon. Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1031/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/EagleLift.jpg Eagle Liftoff While standing on the edge of a cottonwood gallery forest waiting for bald eagles returning to roost, this bald eagle landed about 30 years away and checked me out. I studied the beauty of our National Bird for a minute or two, he tired of watching me and flew on. RMA's shortgrass prairie is refuge for wintering bald eagles that migrate south from Canada and Alaska to feed on prairie dogs, rabbits, and fish in the South Platte River nearby.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1030/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PDstand.jpg Standing Dog Black-tailed prairie dogs often stand to survey their surroundings, assess danger, and chatter with their community. Occupying about 2% of their historic range, black-tailed prairie dogs are a keystone species for some 160 other wildlife species that rely on prairie dogs for food and shelter in burrows. Widely misunderstood and considered vermin by many, these charismatic rodents are a keystone in the health of the prairie.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1029/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Phantom-Road.jpg Phantom Road A two track road leads from The Nature Conservancy's Phantom Canton Reserve towards a building spring storm over the Laramie Foothills' shortgrass prairie. This area is rare, rich in free-roaming wildlife, a patchwork of private and conserved land near the North Fork of The Cache La Poudre River.  Laramie Foothills, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1028/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Sunflowerback.jpg Last of Summer Prairie sunflowers bloom after late summer monsoons, transforming dry prairie to fields of gold. While they have a lovely face, the intricate details on the backside of the wildflower, looking out across the field, captivated me on this late summer morning.   Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1027/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Ferr-hawk-post.jpg Ferruginous Rest At 23" tall, ferruginous hawks are our largest hawk with a preference for open prairie. After spending breeding season in the sagebrush, ferruginous hawks small mammals on the open prairie through winter, often roosting on open ground. Here, a ferruginous conserves energy, loafing on a fence post with a backdrop of Colorado's Front Range Mountains.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1026/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/EgliSR.jpg Homestead Sunrise The historic Egli house with iconic windmill has seen many spectacular prairie sunrises since the early 20th century. Settled by Swiss immigrants Gottlieb and Rose Egli, who grew alfalfa and green beans on 500 acres, the land was turned over to the U.S. Army for WWII bomb making. The house and barn are the only buildings remaining from settlement in a story that has traveled full circle from roaming bison and nomadic Plains Indians, homesteading, bomb building and pesticide manufacturing, Superfund cleanup site, back to a refuge for wildlife and people. My friend Lucille Egli, who grew up in the house, was very proud to see the Arsenal become a place for people to experience the wonders of the shortgrass prairie.   Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1025/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/aspenForsnow.jpg Aspen Winter Sketch With a fresh winter coat, an aspen forest seems to have sketched itself with intricate, monochromatic shapes and strokes. A trail leads through the forest, eventually to American Lake, this view at the beginning of the trek. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1024/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-warm.jpg Bierstadt Golden First light grazes the summit of distant Mount Bierstadt (14,060) from the eastern flanks of Mount Spalding (13,842'). Shapes and layers of mountains seem to extend forever from this high alpine perspective. On this particular morning, the warm sun rays play a trick, a blustery autumn stern reminder to brace for winter. Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/evanssr-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Evans-autumn.jpg Mount Evans Autumn Sunrise The mighty north face of Mount Blue Sky catches sidelight from sunrise over Colorado's eastern plains. Evans' (14,271') uplift is stunning from Denver and the Front Range shortgrass prairie, with granite walls rising vertically from Summit Lake. The viewpoint is Mount Spalding (13,842'), a sister peak in the Mount Evans massif. Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1022/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/juniperGrnRiv.jpg Green River Desert Dawn Dead Horse Point State Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1021/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GV-Teton-aerial.jpg Gros Ventre Basin Aerial Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1020/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Evans-autumn.jpg Mount Evans Autumn Sunrise Mount Evans Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1019/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/eolus-goat.jpg Eolus Mountain Goat Weminuche Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1018/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ContHcomb.jpg Continental Peak Morning Honeycomb Buttes WSA, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1017/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/white-rim-closeup.jpg White Rim and Green River Canyonlands NP, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1016/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Wetterhorn-SR.jpg Wetterhorn Moonset Uncompahgre Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1015/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Bells-willow.jpg Maroon Bells Green Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1014/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/pikesgarden.jpg Pikes Peak Over The Garden Garden Of The Gods, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1013/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WY-Rng-SS.jpg Wyoming Range Sunset Bridger Teton National Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1012/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/vermillionSR.jpg Vermillion Sunrise Moffat County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1011/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/UpHoback.jpg Upper Hogback and Teton Range Bridger Teton National Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1010/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Shirley-Mountains.jpg Shirley Mountains Aerial Carbon County, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1009/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Sawatch-aerial.jpg Swatch Range Winter Aerial Gunnison Basin, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1008/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Mccullough-SR-Heart.jpg Heart Mountain Sunrise McCullough Peaks, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1007/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WY-Rng-SS.jpg Wyoming Range Sunset Bridger Teton National Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1006/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/OR-Buttes_RD.jpg Oregon Buttes Sunrise Sublette County, WYoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1005/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSG-male-and-femaleXL.jpg Greater Sage-grouse Display Sublette County, WYoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1004/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/CSTGpose.jpg Sharp-tail Attitude https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1003/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LMannXL.jpg Landmannalaugar Landscape https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1002/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GodafossLg.jpg Godafoss West Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1001/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Nicolas_LM.jpg Trekking Laugevegur A pair of trekkers ascend a steep slope in the Laugahraun lava field on the Laugevegur trek. The backdrop of steam from geothermal fumaroles and snowfields is a good example of the contrasts along this multi-day trek, the most famous trek in Iceland.  Landmannalaugar, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/1000/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MarkarfljotsglijufurcynIII.jpg Markarfljotsgljufur Canyon The magnificent Markarfljotsgljufur Canyon is just a kilometer or so from the bustling Emstrur hut and camping area on the Laugevegur trek. Beautiful colors of layered lava and moss and Markarfljot River winding through vertical canyon walls - an extraordinary place for a side trip. The Markarfljot is a glacial river that runs 100 kilometers to the Atlantic, with headwaters on the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjnallajokull Glaciers near Hekla Volcano.  Iceland Highlands https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/999/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Skogafoss.jpg Skogafoss Plunge Skogafoss waterfall on the Skoga River plunges 60 meters (200 feet) over cliffs that once formed the coastline in south Iceland. One of Iceland's largest waterfalls is also the place of a legend where the first Viking settler Prasi Porolfsson buried a treasure chest in a cave behind the waterfall.  Skogar, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/998/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/seacampion.jpg Black Desert Bloom The Laugevegur trek in Iceland's Highlands travels through a black rock desert where sea campion blooms in colorful contrast to the surrounding black landscape.  Landmannalaugar, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/997/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ReykHarbor.jpg Reykjavik Harbor Colorful boats reflect in Reykjavik Harbor in Iceland's capital city. Iceland is home to 350,000 people, about 200,000 of which live in the Reykjavik area. Established in 874 AD, Reykjavik became a trading town in 1786 that continues to grow today. Reykjavik is one of the safest, greenest, and cleanest cities in the world. Roughly 1.7 million tourists visit Reykjavik, as they disperse throughout Iceland.   Reykjavik, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/996/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LavaStones.jpg Scoria Color Iron rich scoria lava rocks, once small bodies of magma that flew through the air during an eruption, have colorfully oxidized over eons. Grabrok caldera is easy to view, with stairs to the rim and a trail that circles the caldera.  Bifrost, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/995/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/KirkjufellSS.jpg Kirkjufell Sunset Kirkjufell Mountain stands in silhouette as sunset paints brushstrokes of color over "Church Mountain" and the sea. One of Iceland's most famous mountains, Kirkjufell is situated on the north Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland.  Grundarfjordur https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/994/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Vikseastacks.jpg Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks Basalt Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks rise from the sea just off the coastal Village of Vik. Icelandic legend tells the story of trolls dragging a three masted ship to land and failing - they turned to needles of stone at daybreak.  Vik, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/993/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Taluscree.jpg Basalt Scree "Basalt Scree" is how our guidebook described these collapsed basalt columns - very different from what we know as scree. The action of water in permeable stone, cycles of freeze and thaw, make water harder than stone. We were on the trek from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi near Vestadalur, following the river Fjollum in north central Iceland.   Jokulsargljufur National Park, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/992/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SnaefVolcanic.jpg Snaefellsjokull Lavascape Snaefellsjokull Ice Cap crowns the volcanic landscape on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland. The last eruption of this active volcano was around 1,800 years ago from a caldera that lies beneath the ice cap, which is disappearing rapidly due to anthropogenic climate change, snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/991/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SnaefPoj.jpg Snaefellsjokull Climate The Snaefellsjokull Ice Cap, namesake of the national park is melting rapidly. Here, Marla stands on lava moraine where the glacier may have reached in the last year. Inspiration for the 1864 Jules Vernes classic "Journey To The Center Of The Earth", the icecap will likely disappear in our lifetimes, a casualty of anthropogenic climate change that is occurring globally.   Snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/990/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Snaef_lavapatterns.jpg Lava Patterns Ancient patterns give clues of how lava flowed into beautiful lava formations around 1,800 years ago. This lava formation  is near the namesake Snaefellsjokull Ice Cap in west Iceland on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.  Snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/989/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/KirjufellSR.jpg Kirjufell Sunrise Kirkjufell, or "Church Mountain" helps protect the coastal village Grundarfjordur from storms by jutting into the sea. The mountain is wrapped by beaches, a beach trail, and has bird and fish fossils on the summit - guide suggested - people have died climbing the mountain. The waterfall and mountain are one of Iceland's most-photographed scenes, yet on this cool morning I had the place to myself.  West Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/988/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Hnifsdalur.jpg Hnifsdalsa Headwaters Five hundred meters or so above the village of Hnifsdular, the headwaters of the river Hnifsdalsa flow from snowmelt on volcanic mountains. The mountains in this area are layered with lava layed down in eruptions that occurred every 5,000-12,000 years. We camped in this stunning area while overlooking the ocean under clear skies.  Westfjords Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/987/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Godafoss.jpg Godafoss Godafoss is a waterfall on the river Skjálfandafljót, which runs through a 7,000 year old lava field in northeast Iceland farmland. When Iceland converted from Heathendom (old custom) to Christianity, the local chieftain tossed his deities/heathen gods into the falls; and according to legend, how Godafoss got its name.  Northeast Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/986/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/geo.jpg Krafla Geothermal Iceland's largest power plant at the Krafla Volcano site, produces GWh of electricity per hour. The country is run almost entirely on geothermal-generated electricity and hydro power. Iceland takes full advantage of so many volcanoes by using geothermal energy for 87% of hot water and heat in public buildings.  Myvatn, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/985/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Basaltart.jpg Basalt Art Basalt columns are arranged at all angles in the Vesturdalur area on the Dettifoss to Asbyrgi trek along the Jokulsa a Fjollum (river). Art in stone is everywhere you look in Iceland, an island country formed entirely of lava.  Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Iceland https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/984/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LmannIII.jpg Laugevegur Contrast Low clouds lift to reveal a contrast of lava field and glacier on the second day of the Laugevegur trek. The glacier wraps Herfsdinger and trekkers cross the glacier's tongue - a trekker is on the trail crossing ice in the middle right of the frame. This Laughraun lava field last erupted around 1477.  Iceland Highlands https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/983/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LMannII.jpg Landmannalaugar Landscape Lingering snow fills pockets of the rolling Laughraun Lava Field that last erupted around 1477. This particular scene was the initial attraction to visit Iceland and trek Laugevegur, Iceland's most famous trek and a beautiful study in contrasts.  Iceland Highlands https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/982/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/AlfvatnRefl.jpg Alfvatn Reflection Volcanoes are reflected in early morning light along the shore of Alfvatn, a beautiful lake on the Landmannalaugar Trek.  Iceland Highlands https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/981/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Alfvatn.jpg Alfvatn Landscape A rugged volcanic landscape surrounds Alfvatn, a lake on the Laugevegur Trek andour campsite after a tough day on the trail. The scene was made more surreal after climbing from the tawny landscape of the Laugahraun lava field, when fifty shades of green were revealed and our goal for the day in view.  Iceland Highlands https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinemarten/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Pinemarten.jpg Pine Marten Mountain Ledge Considered a forest species, Pine martens aren't normally considered a high alpine species, but will go where prey is abundant. I first spotted this pine marten in near darkness, well above 13,000 feet with a vole in his mouth. Later in the morning, he looked out from a ledge over a few thousand feet of vertical, a crack in the stone providing shelter at the top of the Rockies. Mount Blue Sky Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/979/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Pkiva_ancient.jpg Kiva Ethereal Ancient Puebloan Peoples occupied southern Utah's canyons for roughly 13,0000 years, used kivas for ceremonies (mostly male) and sometimes habitation. This Kiva is the one structure that visitors are encouraged to enter and is spectacular. Descending the ladder into the dusty confines, much warmer than above, I asked our friends on this backpacking adventure to move about during a long exposure to capture some of what I was feeling in this extraordinary place. Perfect Kiva is high in a drainage, beneath an alcove above Bullet Canyon. Grand Gulch Wilderness Study Area, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/978/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/metate.jpg Metate and Mano A metate holding corn cobs and mano stone used for grinding give visual clues into the life of Ancestral Puebloans. In the canyons of southern Utah, these ancient peoples, or Ancient Ones, invented irrigation to raise corn, beans, and squash - agriculture in an arid land that changed their hunter gatherer lifestyle. To visit these sacred sites and imagine Native American life thousands of years ago is a gift. Grand Gulch Wilderness Study Area, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sharp-tail-display/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/CSTG-disp.jpg Sharp-tail Display A whirling, chattering. foot-stomping Columbian sharp-tailed grouse displays for a nearby female on a lek (mating ground) in northwest Colorado. The lek is mixed grass and sagebrush near a mowed grain field on private land, and the place where this population of 26 or so birds return early in the morning each spring to perform an elaborate courtship display. Described by Lewis and Clark in 1805, this smallest of sharp-tailed grouse was once the most abundant grouse species in the West. Today they occupy about 10% of their historic range and are classified as state threatened in Colorado.  Moffatt County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gsgdisp/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSgmaledispIIIXL.jpg Greater Sage Grouse Display With spiky tail feathers, puffed up air sacs, and extended filoplumes, a male Greater Sage-grouse displays for a nearby female. The lek or mating ground is located on remote BLM land in Moffatt County, a beautiful open landscpae of sagebrush - perfect Sage-grouse habitat.  Moffatt County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-bison-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/frosty-bison-II.jpg Frosty Bison Portrait of a bison bull on a frosty winter morning. Wild bison were reintroduced to the Colorado prairie at Rocky Mountain Arsenal after a >125 year absence in 2007. The herd is thriving and the refuge, which then Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar called "the most important urban refuge in the national refuge system" is expanding the bison range to give this keystone species more room to roam.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bffburrow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_BFF-on-burrow.jpg Black-footed Ferret on Burrow An endangered black-footed ferret looks out from a black-tailed prairie dog burrow. Black-footed ferrets, once thought to be extinct, have made a strong recovery since being rediscovered in Meeteetse, Wyoming in 1981. They're not out of the woods though. These mustelids depend on prairie dogs for nearly 100% of their diet and large prairie dog complexes have been mostly wiped out in the western U.S. The ferret was bred in captivity and released at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR in September, 2015. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ghowlet/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GHOwlets.jpg Broken Cottonwood Home Great horned owl young are tucked in their nest site in a broken cottonwood tree. Although it looked exposed, the nest remained snow free after a heavy spring snow that could have been trouble for little owlets. When I made this image the three owlets were about two weeks from beginning to fledge, dispersing throughout the immediate area of a suburban cottonwood forest along a bike path.  Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-prairie-chickenfighting-males/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Cal_GPC-fight.jpg Greater Prairie ChickenFighting Males Greater Prairie Chickens, like other grouse species, fight for the right to mate during lekking, or mating season. In an open area on the western Nebraska Sandhills prairie, Greater Prairie Chickens continue their timeless mating ritual of spring. Males make a strange and long, low hoot sound like blowing across the top of a bottle as part of their display. Greater Prairie Chickens small pockets in the Great Plains and are declining due to habitat loss, mostly to agricultural conversion. Calamus Outfitters at the Switzer Ranch offers prairie chicken and sharptail grouse tours and hosts a prairie chicken festival in the spring.  Swather Ranch, Nebraska Sandhills https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bffi/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DShow_BFF-on-burrowI.jpg Black-footed Ferret On Burrow An endangered black-footed ferret looks out from a prairie dog burrow. Black-footed ferrets, once thought to be extinct, have made a strong recovery since being rediscovered in Meeteetse, Wyoming in 1981. They're not out of the woods though. These mustelids depend on prairie dogs for nearly 100% of their diet and large prairie dog complexes have been mostly wiped out in the western U.S. The ferret was bred in captivity and released at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR in September, 2015.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/east-fork-cascade/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/E-Fk-falls.jpg East Fork Cascade Cascades tumble in a waterfall on the East Fork Of The Cimarron River near Uncompahgre Peak. The three forks of the Cimarron that begin as drips of snow high in the San Juan Mountains ultimately make their way to the Arkansas River and flow to the state of Arkansas.  Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/honeycombrim/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RD-Honeycomb-RimBW.jpg Honeycomb Rim From the rim of the Honeycomb Buttes, you can see snow capped peaks, or rugged Red Desert - depending on which direction you choose. Here, I chose a minimalist view to capture the texture and scarcity of water that tricles from the buttes in spring and after summer storms. Honeycomb Buttes Wilderness Study area.  Sweetwater County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/the-wheel/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/wheel.jpg The Wheel "The wheel is turning and you can't slow down. You can't let go and you can't hold on. You can't go back and you can't stand still. If The thunder don't get you, then the lightning will." Robert Hunter A study of texture and form in Animas Forks Ghost Town near Silverton, Colorado.  Animas Forks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/songbird-study-3/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PDM-cloudsBW.jpg Wyoming Range Cloud Study While working on a songbird study on the Pinedale Anticline, I couldn't believe the cloud formation building over the Wyoming Range on a summer morning. It doesn't rain on summer morning...so I thought. The storm never really materialzed where we were, just wind and a few drops, mostly drama in the sagebrush.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mont-blanc-cloudplay/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/M-Blanc-Seigne-BW.jpg Mont Blanc Cloudplay Mont Blanc (15,782') peeks in and out of clouds swirling around the summit from Col De la Seigne (8,254'). The image was made while trekking the Tour De Mont Blanc, a classic hut to hut circumnavigation that travels through France, Italy, and Switzerland.  Chamonix, France https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jamesviewbw/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/James-View-BW.jpg James Winter View From James Peak summit, it seems the whole Rocky Mountains are stretched out in view. Here, the rugged Front Range ridgelines lead to Longs Peak, the highest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. This view captures a significant amount of water that will flow from these peaks to quench the thirst of Denver through the hot summer months. We snowshoed to the summit on the last day of winter, returning in glorious darkness, the cold and solitude absolute.  James Peak Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gotgrefl/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GOTG-BW-refl.jpg Garden Of The Gods Reflected Kindergarten Rock and dramatic clouds are reflected in the decommissioned Valley Reservoir. Normally dry, the reservoir refilled during a particularly wet period, creating a rare photographic opportunity in The Garden. Garden Of The Gods, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mbbw/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Bells-willowBW.jpg Maroon Bells Sunrise From Willow Pass Lingering snow lies in depressions on the alpine tundra below Willow Pass as a clearing storm reveals the stony faces of the Maroon Bells, namesake peaks of the wilderness.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gshl/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSH-stonecropxl.jpg Greater Short Horned Lizard Closeup Greater short-horned lizards, also miscalled "horny toads" are native to the sagebrush ecosystem, living in semi-arid plains to lower mountain elevations. I photographed this female while working with PhD candidate Reilly Dibner from the University of Wyoming in Shirley Basin. Shirley Basin is situated between Casper and Medicine Bow, a wide-open and undeveloped mixed shortgrass prairie and sagebrush basin on BLM land. Although a species of special concern, Wyoming's state reptile seems to be doing well in Shirley Basin. Carbon County, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-aspen-sunstar/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Red-aspen-starxl.jpg Red Aspen Sunstar Just before dipping behind Gothic Mountain, the setting sun illuminates a stand of red-tipped autumn aspen. Aspen trees are colonial and colors vary greatly, from typical gold to oranges, reds, even purple. The range of color and contrast is on full display in Colorado's high country, beginning in mid-September, with the transition moving south into early October. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gravelly-mountains-elk/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GravellyElk_GYExl.jpg Gravelly Mountains Elk Elk seem to pour from the Gravelly Range to reach lower elevations for exposed forage. Elk and other western ungulate species make seasonal migrations to survive an long, harsh winter. Madison River Valley, northwest of Yellowstone National Park Madison River Valley, MT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/redaspensunstar/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Red-aspen-star.jpg Aspen Sunstar Just before dipping behind Gothic Mountain, the setting sun illuminates a stand of red-tipped autumn aspen. Aspen trees are colonial and colors vary greatly, from typical gold to oranges, reds, even purple. The range of color and contrast is on full display in Colorado's high country, beginning in mid-September, with the transition moving south into early October. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elkaspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gothic-fall-II.jpg Elk Mountains Autumn A glade and gold and orange aspen trees at peak autumn brilliance leads to layers of more colorful aspen near the town of Gothic and the stony Elk Mountains in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/evanssr/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Evans-autumn.jpg Evans Autumn Sunrise The mighty north face of Mount Evans catches sidelight from sunrise over Colorado's eastern plains. Evans' (14,271') uplift is stunning from Denver and the Front Range shortgrass prairie and here, granite walls rise from Summit Lake. The viewpoint is Mount Spalding (13,842'), a sister peak in the Mount Evans massif.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fallenaspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/down-aspen-kebler.jpg Aspen Forest A fallen aspen bole in the massive forest on Kebler Pass leads the eye deeper during the gradual transition to winter. The experience of roaming the forest floor is so different from viewing these beatiful trees from a distance - the smell of decaying leaves mixes with a chill of cold sinking and lingering. It is solitary, exhilarating, and ephemeral.  Gunnison National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sahaleclouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Sahalearm-cloudliftII.jpg Sahale Cloudscape After a long night of heavy rain battering our Sahale Glacier camp, a brief sun break pierces layers of clouds and ridgelines from Sahale Arm. The tarn in the foreground is catching runoff from the glacier above. Our stormy experience was an anomoly this season, a parched summer of little rain and fire. North Cascades National Park, WA https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cochetopa-pronghorn-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Cochetopa-PronghornXL.jpg Cochetopa Pronghorn Pronghorn were nearly wiped out by heavy snow in the winter of 2006-2006 because they lack the ability to move and dig through deep snow. That winter was particularly harsh for all ungulates due to a thick crust that made the snowpack in the Gunnison Basin like cement. Pronghorn have since been moved to seed existiung populations and are doing well, with the open sagebrush in the Cochetopa Hills a stronghold. Here, a small herd stands in front of distant Stewart Peak (13,983') holding lingering winter snowpack into April.  Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestones-sunrise-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Crestone-SR.jpg Crestones Sunrise Sunrise lights Crestone Needle (L, 14,191'), Crestone Peak (R, 14,294') and Humboldt Peak in the foreground (14,064'). Humboldt is in my opinion one of Colorado's finest alpine wonderland viewpoints, with countless Sangre De Cristo giants, including the iconic Crestones piercing the skyline. To reach Humboldt by sunrise, we left our camp in the South Colony Lakes area at around 3:30 a.m., arriving just in time for warm first light. This image was the cover for the 20i3 Skyline Press Fourteener Calendar. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mbb/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MBB-Bcone.jpg Mountain Bluebird Male Feeding While exploring the Mount Goliath Area of Mount Evans Wilderness, I observed mountain bluebirds dropping from a nest site to catch insects. They would pause on a bristlecone pine snag before returning to the nest. This male was a particularly prolific hunter, catching a bug every few minutes. Mountain bluebirds migrate through the Colorado shortgrass prairie in early spring, then spend time in sagebrush, where some build nests in cottonwood cavities. Others, like this male and his mate, travel as high as timberline for breeding season.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/marcellina-sunset-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MarcellinaSSXL.jpg Marcellina Sunset Warm sunset light bathes Marcellina Mountain and aspen forest in red and golds before fading one autum evening. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rma-controlled-burn-iii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMAContBurn.jpg Prairie Burn Controlled burns are an important habitat management tool on the shortgrass prairie. On an autumn day, with invasive crested wheat grass standing tall, the prairie is ignited to burn off invasive species in preparation for planting of native grasses that will emerge in spring.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-coyote/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMA-coyoteingerass.jpg Coyote in Tallgrass While roaming the shortgrass prairie, this coyote glanced towards my photo blind in mid-stride. With good grassland habitat and abundant prey, Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR is a stronghold for coyotes, the top predator in the refuge. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-flehmen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/MD-flehmen-closeup.jpg Mule Deer Flehmen During autumn mating season, or rut, mule deer exhibit a lip curl behavior called flehmen response. He is testing the scent of a female for her readiness to mate. Rocky Mountains Arsenal NWR is an urban refuge in the Denver metro area that (then) Secretary Ken Salazar called the most important urban refuge in the system. The refuge has strong mule deer and white-tailed deer populations and the fall rut is a great time of year on the shortgrass prairie.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wildflower-walk/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SlvrCrkTr.jpg Wildflower Walk Our path to Silver Creek Pass leads through a verdant green alpine meadow of blooming Indian paintbrush and cinquefoil wildflowers. The pass is the patch of snow in the low point between the mountains (a 1,500' climb), where a staggering view of (14,130') Capitol Peak awaits. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/marmot-in-flowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/marmot-in-flowers.jpg Marmot In Flowers A yellow-bellied marmot, common in Colorado's alpine zone, raises up on a rock over his burrowed world below. These large rodents feed mostly on herbaceous plants and grasses, in abundance in this image. Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/loveland-pass-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Lvlnd-ss.jpg Loveland Pass Sunset As the setting sun dipped below a drifting storm cloud, the high tundra and 13,000 foot giants of the Front Range and Tenmile Range are painted in cinammon light. Lenawee Mountain (13,205') is on the left top of the frame and distant Quandary Peak (14,265'), in the Tenmile Range, is on the upper right side. This image was made from Point 12,915' above Loveland Pass and there are two climber's tents perched on the ridge, just before it falls off. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/icelks/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ice-lakes-SRII.jpg Ice Lakes Sunrise Pilot Knob (13,738') catches first light, reflected in Upper Ice Lake - Ice Lakes Basin, south of Silverton, Colorado San Juan National Forest https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/burrowing-owl-stretch-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-Bowl-stretchII.jpg Burrowing Owl Stretch An adult Western burrowing owl stretches near her burrow, where a newly hatched brood waits for their next meal. In the West, burrowing owls use aboandoned prairie dog burrows to nest and raise their young.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/on-bessegen-ridge-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/On-BessegenII.jpg On Bessegen Ridge Trekking hut to hut in Jottenheimen, Norway's "Land Of The Giants", Marla crests Bessegen Ridge with snow-capped peaks in the distance. The turquoise lake is glacier fed, the color comes from glacial silt. Jottenheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gpcfight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GPC-fightII.jpg Greater Prairie Chicken Fight Greater prairie-chicken males fight on a lek in the Nebraska Sandhills. While photographing from a camouflaged blind, I marveled at their aerobatic displays that often lifted them out of the frame during fights. The fights are a battle for the right to mate and there were as many females as males on the lek on this particular April morning. Calamus Outfitters  offers a variety of prairie chicken and sharptail grouse photography and viewing trips - they even host an annual prairie chicken festival. The Greater prairie-chicken depends on large expanses of undeveloped grassland and these grouse species are classified as vulnerable.  Switzer Ranch, Burwell, Nebraska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/brewersinsong/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/brewers-songII.jpg Brewer's Sparrow In Song Brewer's have one of the great songs in the sage, a melody that's impossible to mistake. Sibley's Field Guide To Birds describes the song as tir-tir-tir-tir cheeeeeeee deeee-deeee-deeee zrr-zrr-zrr-zrr zreeeeeee . It's magical. These sagebrush obligate songbirds only breed and raise their young in sagebrush and are declining at a rate of 2% per year. Their fate is inexorably tied to the Sage-grouse and the health of the sagebrush ecosystem.  Jonah Field, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/loggerheadjonah/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Loggerhead-Jonah.jpg Loggerhead Shrike In Gas Field Loggerhead shrikes are a declining North American species that likes open prairie and sagebrush habitat. In the sage, they like tall stands in unbroken habitat. A pair had established a nest in 6' tall Wyoming big sagebrush along a sandy wash. I asked Dr. Anna Chalfoun why they would choose this site. She hypothesizes that with large stands of sagebrush declining, these birds have fewer places to go, so they may choose a nest site in one of the highest density natural gas fields.  Jonah Field, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pdmcattle/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PDM-cattle-on-reclaimed.jpg Cattle On Reclaimed Drill Pad Cattle graze on a reclaimed drill pad in the Pinedale Anticline Natural Gas Field. Reclamation does not return the land to its natural condition - invasive grasses are often spread over the flatttened earth, with no sagebrush returned to the site. Of course it would be more expensive to do it right, but why call it recalaimed, then return cattle before grass has become established?  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pdmgrsquirrels/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PDM-Ground-squirrels-and-pipe.jpg Ground Squirrels in Disturbance Many small rodents thrive in disturbed habitat. These Wyoming ground squirrels have made a home in an exposed pipe near a drilling rig. One hypothesis is that increased population density of meso-predators (medium-sized) reduces the breeding success of sagebrush obligate songbirds due to predation. Another question is: what happens to the animals that normally prey on the small rodents?  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sagesparrownestling/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sagebrush-sparrow-nestlings.jpg Sagebrush Sparrow Nestlings As I approached with a researcher, these nestlings responded to the rustling by making a high-pitched sound in anticipation of a feeding. Sagebrush sparrows are a sagebrush obligate species that breeds and raises their young young in sagebrush - exclusively. Simply, they need good unbroken sagebrush habitat for survival.  Jonah Field, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ssbrooding/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SS-brooding-on-nest.jpg Brooding Sagebrush Sparrow A female sagebrush sparrow broods, rocking on her nest with nestlings underneath. This nest site was a mile or two away from the Jonah Natural Gas Field in less disturbed sagebrush habitat. The sagebrush sparrow is a sagebrush obligated species, obligated to breed and raise their young in sagebrush.  Jonah Field, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rodenttraps/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Tricia-Levi-PDM-mammals.jpg Placing Traps Tricia and Levi, summer techs for the songbird study, place rodent traps to document small rodent density in plots on the Pinedale Anticline Natural Gas Field. Small rodents like deer mice and chipmunks are voracious predators of songbird eggs.  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stnestling/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Tracey-ST-nestling-in-handII.jpg Sage Thrasher Chick Dr. Tracey Johnson holds a sage thrasher nestling, discoivered while check nest sites for the songbird study. The chick was quickly placed back in the nest unharmed. Sage thrashers are a sagebrush obligate species, obligated to breed and raise their young in sagebrush.  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/annanest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Anna-nest-check.jpg Nest Check Dr. Anna Chalfoun checks a nest site on the Pinedale Anticline Natural Gas Field. The team placed cameras that are activated by motion near some of the nest sites to record predation - mostly by small rodents.  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stsagetop/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ST-on-sage.jpg Sage Thrasher On Sage Top A sage thrasher perches on the sagebrush "canopy" before tending to the nest below. Sage thrashers are almost robin sized, with a rhythmic vocalization.  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-and-teton-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BisonTetonsII.jpg Bison and Teton Range Bison graze on Antelope Flats golden autumn grass backed by the partially hidden Teton Range. In early October, wildlife prepare for winter and ungulates - pronghorn, mule deer, and elk begin migrating to winter range - often signalled by the first signicant snowfall. The Teton bison herd is growing steadily and generally seen near the town of Kelly.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/barrel-racer-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CodyRodeoBarrelII.jpg Barrel Racer A female barrel racer contestant digs for the finish line at the Cody Nite Rodeo. A great western tradition that started in 1919, Cody has hosted a rodeo every summer night since.  Cody, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grand-canyon-of-the-yellowstone-from-lower-falls/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/YstoneLowFallsII.jpg Lower Falls Spring The Yellowstone River plunges over the Lower Falls during spring runoff, a time to be awestruck by the power of water. Yellow rock in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone comes from its volcanic history, a canyon rhyolite flow 600,000 years ago. The river stretches 692 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/maroon-bells-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Willow-Pass-mornII.jpg Willow Pass Morning From well above timberline on Willow Pass, a sunbreak after a morning thunderstorm lights the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak (14,018'). Maroon Peak (14,156') and North Maroon Peak (14,014') are the namesakes of the wilderness and highly coveted by climbers. Iron in the weathered mineral hermatite gives the notoriously crumbled rock its maroon color.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-thrasher-chick-in-hand/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ST-nestling.jpg Sage Thrasher Chick Researcher Dr. Tracey Johnson holds a sage thrasher nestling, which was promptly returned to the nest. Sage thrashers are a sagebrush obligate species - they are obligated to breed and raise their broods in sagebrush and are threatened by development. Here, in the Pinedale Anticline natural gas field, Drs. Tracey Johnson and Anna Chalfoun are researching impacts to obligate species: sage thrasher, sagebrush sparrow, and Brewer's sparrow from predation by small mammals that thrive in disturbed habitat. The imperiled sagebrush ecosystem faces many threats and this study will provide important data about sagebrush songbirds.  Pinedale Anticline, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/turret-arch-through-north-window-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/N-Window-TurretII.jpg Turret Arch Through North Window Sunrise paints North Window and Turret Arch in gold one spring morning. Arches National Park in home to the highest concentration of natural arches in the world and easily accessed from the town of Moab. Nearby, uranium mining poses a threat to air and water quality. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jameswinter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/James-ViewII.jpg Front Range Winter Skyline An expansive across the Continental Divide extends to Longs Peak (14,255') in Rocky Mountain National Park from the summit of James Peak (13,294'). The James Peak Wilderness Area was designated in 2002. In this view, much of the annual water supply for Colorado's Front Range is held by the high peaks, waiting for release in spring.   James Peak Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ice-box-grizzly/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/iceboxgrizzII.jpg Ice Box Grizzly On the edge of a sagebrush meadow, a grizzly bear pauses while turning over rocks to feed on invertebrates in late May. An apex predator, grizzly bears are omnivorous and insects provide an important protein source.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-moose-portrait-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bull-moose-portraitII.jpg Bull Moose Portrait A massive bull moose in full late summer velvet feeds on willow in the Brainard Lake area. It was once rare to see moose on the east side of Colorado's Front Range, but they migrated from the west side to repopulate sub alpine areas with dense stands of willow. Moose are the largest species in the deer family. Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bare-aspen-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bare-aspenII.jpg Bare Aspen Still clinging to a few leaves, autumn aspen catch early morning light below Wilson Peak.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-sage-grouse-male-displaying-in-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GSG-displayinsnowII.jpg Greater Sage-grouse Snow Display Sage-grouse perform their remarkable mating display in spring, foul weather or not. As snow increased to a near blizzard, this male kept displaying for a nearby female. The ultimate sagebrush obligate species, Greater Sage-grouse spend their entire life in sagebrush. Although they're a tough bird, Sage-grouse are vulnerable to development within four miles of their lek or mating ground. In steep decline for decades, Greater Sage-grouse are scheduled for a listing decision under the Endangered Species Act in September, 2015. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/boars-tusk-tracks/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/boars-printsII.jpg Boar's Tusk Tracks On a hike in the Killpecker Sand Dunes, I turned to see my tracks leading from the Boar's Tusk. Just north of Rock Springs in the northern Red Desert, the Boar's Tusk is a sacred volcanic relic rising over 400 feet over the sagebrush flats.  Killpecker Sand Dunes WSA, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/coyote-and-bison-carcass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-coyote.jpg Coyote and Bison Carcass A coyote circled by magpies scavenges a bison carcass in winter. The carcass was visited by coyotes, magpies, bald eagles, starlings, ravens, and small rodents - that I know of. This image is part of a four month scavenger study, more images to come.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/night-rigs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WinterDrillingII.jpg Winter Drilling Drilling for natural gas continues year-round on the Pinedale Anticline, near Pinedale, Wyoming. The Anticline is also critical mule deer range and the Pinedale herd has declined by over 60% since winter drilling operations began. Pinedale Anticline, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grandview-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Grandview-CNM.jpg Grandview Morning Morning light illuminates towering monuments of stone and rimrock above Colorado's Grand Valley. It's fascinating to study miniature high desert ecosystems on the capstone of a tower, with juniper, sagebrush, and native grasses taking hold. It's a reminder that natural history includes today. Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/turret-arch-through-north-window/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/N-Window-Turret.jpg Turret Arch Through North Window Sunrise paints a classic view of two arches in the park named for the highest concentration of natural arches in the world.  Arches National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cochetopa-pronghorn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CochetopaProng.jpg Cochetopa Pronghorn Pronghorn were nearly wiped out in Gunnison Basin during the severe winter of 2007-2008. With some help from reintroduction, they've rebounded well, particulalry in the Cochetopa Hills area. Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stnesteggs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ST-eggs-nest.jpg Sage Thrasher Eggs Sage thrashers weave nests in thick sagebrush cover while adults protect their nesting territory from the sage tops. Sage thrashers are a sagebrush obligate songbird, dependent on sagebrush for breeding and rearing their young.  Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-male-display-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GuSG-displayGun.jpg Gunnison Sage-grouse male display A male Gunnison Sage-grouse displays for a female on a lek during spring mating season. Gunnison Sage-grouse are far more endangered than Greater Sage-grouse and are primarily distinguished by their smaller size, broad white bands on tail feathers, thick "ponytail" filo plumes, and vocalizations. About 4,000 remain, most in Gunnison Basin. Regretfully, politics have played a major role in gaining protection for these magnificent birds.  Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-spirit-book-cover/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SageSpirit_COVER.jpg Sage Spirit Book Cover Sage Spirit, The American West At A Crossroads is published by Braided River (2015), and photographed by Dave Showalter. Dave authored much of Sage Spirit, which also includes contributions from David Allen Sibley, Todd Wilkinson, Rick Bass, and Dr. Patrick Magee. Braided River is a leader in conservation, publishing conservation photography books as as foundations of long-term conservation campaigns with top conservation partners.  The American West https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/songbird-study-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Tracey-ST-nestling-in-hand.jpg Sage Thrasher In Hand Assignment For Wyoming Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pat-magee-songbird-study/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PatMageesongbird.jpg Pat Magee Songbird Study For the Sage Spirit project Gunnison Basin, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/songbird-study/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mouse-in-hand-Tracey-II.jpg Dr. Tracey Johnson Assignment For Wyoming Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit Pinedale Anticline, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/riding-the-upper-hoback/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Lee-riding.jpg Riding The Upper Hoback Assignment For Trust For Public Land Upper Hoback, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lee-with-horses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Lee-horses.jpg Lee Pace Assignmnet For Trust For Public Land Upper Hoback, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hiking-the-absarokas/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Justin-absaroka-view-II.jpg Hiking The Absarokas Assignment For Greater Yellowstone Coalition Shoshone National Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/horseback-in-the-hoback/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/horseback-II.jpg Horseback in the Hoback Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Hoback River, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/heather-stirling/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/HeatherStirling.jpg Heather Stirling For the Sage Spirit project Elk Head Ranch, Hayden, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gini/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gini.jpg Gini Sandhill Crane Photo Workshop with TNC Zapata Ranch Monte Vista NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fly-tie-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fly-tie-II.jpg Fly Tie II Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Hoback River, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fishing-the-hoback-iii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fly-fish-IV.jpg Fishing The Hoback III Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Hoback River, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dan-bailey-fishing-the-hoback/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fly-fish-Dan-B.jpg Dan Bailey Fishing The Hoback Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Hoback River, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fly-rod-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fly-fish-closeup-II.jpg Fly rod closeup Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Hoback River, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dust-downey-with-daughters-in-sage/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DustyWkids.jpg Dust Downey With Daughters Assignment For Audubon Rockies Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/duke-phillips/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Duke.jpg Duke Phillips TNC Zapata Ranch https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/deb-thomas-and-crosby-3/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DThomas-Crosby-3.jpg Deb Thomas of Powder River RC Assignment For Greater Yellowstone Coalition Clark, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dave-burke-along-the-north-fork/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DBurke.jpg Dave Burke Along The North Fork Assignment For Greater Yellowstone Coalition Shoshone National Forest, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dave-willoughby-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/D-Willoughby.jpg Dave Willoughby II Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Upper Hoback, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dave-willoughby-at-quotdavies-hillquotdave-willoughby-at-davies-hill/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/D-Willoughby-II.jpg Dave Willoughby Assignment For The Wilderness Society Upper Hoback, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cowboy-nap/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cowboy-nap.jpg Cowboy Nap Assignment For The Trust For Public land Upper Hoback, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/barrel-racer/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CodyRodeoBarrel.jpg Barrel Racer Assignment For Greater Yellowstone Coalition Cody Rodeo https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ready-to-ride/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Cody-Rodeo-Taping.jpg Ready To Ride Assignment For Greater Yellowstone Coalition Cody, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/audubon-bioblitz-event-june-2012/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Avenlee.jpg Avenlee Assignment For Audubon Rockies Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tim-kellogg-meeteetse-chocolatier/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-Tim-Kellogg-II.jpg Tim Kellogg Assignment For Greater Yellowstone Coalition Meeteetse, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aaron-kayak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Aaron-II.jpg Aaron Kayaking The Hoback Assignment For The Trust For Public Land Hoback River, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gsginsnow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSGml-snow.jpg Greater Sage-grouse Spring Snow A Greater Sage-grouse displays for nearby females on a lek (mating ground) south of Pinedale, Wyoming. Sage-grouse perform their elaborate display in spring to impress females for the right to mate. The imperiled birds live in sagebrush their entire life-cycle and are a candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/happy-holidays-2014/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Christmas-XIVweb.jpg Happy Holidays 2014! https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-rock-and-water-course/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rock-color-and-water-track.jpg Red Rock and Water Course Colorful lichen-covered red boulders and a blue water track in a naturally arranged rock garden Red Rocks Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-display-rearview/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GuSg-rear-ponytail.jpg Gunnison Sage-grouse Male Display This male Gunnison Sage-grouse displays for a nearby female while the rearview shows two important characteristics of the imperiled bird. Gunnison Sage-grouse have broad white bands on tail feathers and thick filo plumes, called a ponytail that help distinguish the bird from Greater Sage-grouse. Gunnison Sage-grouse also have very different vocalizations from "Greater's" and are about 2/3 the size of their cousins. There are about 4,000 Gunnison Sage-grouse in the Gunnison Basin of central Colorado, and insatellite leks in western Colorado and southeast Utah. On November 12, 2014 the US Fish and Wildlife Service designated the Gunnison Sage-grouse "Threatened" and established 1.4 million acres of critical habitat. Regrdless of the designation, the Gunnison Sage-grouse is one of North America's most endangered birds, and 4th on the IUCN Red lIst. Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/oxbow-summer-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GT-Oxbow-summer-morning.jpg Oxbow Summer Morning On a stormy early summer morning, a sun break reveals the full grandeur of Mount Moran and the Teton Range. The Oxbox bend in the Snake River is one of the wildest places in Greater Yellowstone, never the same twice. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flatirons-wildflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PV-spring-flowers.jpg Flatirons Wildflowers Purple penstemon wildflowers splash color across the verdant spring green prairie. The Flatirons rise vertically above the grassland where prairie and the Rocky Mountain foothills collide.  Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flatironssr/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PView-summer-sr.jpg Flatirons Summer Sunrise Sunrise lights the cloudscape over the Flatirons near Boulder, Colorado. Jefferson County and Boulder County have done a great job of securing land for open space that is designated multiple use. Refuge on the edge of a major metropolitan area.  Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-hillside/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PV-autumn-hillside.jpg Autumn Hillside Woody vegetation catches fire with autumn color beneath the foothills.  Jefferson County Open Space, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lunareclipse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Lunar-eclipse-comp.jpg Lunar Eclipse A composite image showing the progression of the "blood moon" lunar eclipse, October, 2014.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mer-de-glace-on-mont-blanc/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mer-de-glace-midiBW.jpg Mer De Glace On Mont Blanc The Mer De Glace on the north face of Mont Blanc (4,810m, 15,781') is the longest glacier in France. Visitors can easily access this land of rock and ice via the Aguille Du Midi tram from the village of Chamonix.  French Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pennaz-pinnacles/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Pennaz-pinnacles.jpg Pennaz Pinnacles Clouds swirl around pinnacles of Aguille de la Pennaz on the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Pennaz (2,648m) seems impossibly high when hiking from the village of Contamines in the valley below. Trekkers continue to Col Du Bonhomme (2,329m), which means "good man" in French. The Tour crosses an average of a pass, or "col" each day, accumulating thousands of vertical feet.  French Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blancclouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/blanc-clouds.jpg Mont Blanc Clouds Clouds rise rapidly from the Chamonix Valley in this straight on view of Mont Blanc (4810m, 15,781 ft.) French Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blancreflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Lac-Blanc-refl.jpg Mont Blanc Reflection Mont Blanc, Chamonix Pinnacles, and the Grand Jorasses - the Mont Blanc massif are reflected in still waters of Lac Blanc. Refuges along the Tour Du Mont Blanc give the trekker a place to rest and refuel while staying high in the Alps.  French Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/glacierdelaleebranche/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/glacier-de-la-lee-blanche.jpg Glacier De La Lee Blanche One of some 600 glaciers in the region, Glacier De La Lee Branche pours from the Alps on the Italian side. Rifugio Elisabetta on the Tour Du Mont Blanc offers a great vantage point of the glacier and the surrounding high mountain wonderland.  Italian Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/desglaciers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Aguille-des-glaciers.jpg Aiguille Des Glaciers Below the Col De Seigne, Aiguille Des Glaciers is encircled by building clouds. Each afternoon on the Tour Du Mont Blanc these great mountains made their own weather as clouds drifted from the valleys far below.  French Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ibex/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Ibex-III.jpg Alpine Ibex A herd of male alpine ibex graze beneath the Glacier de la Lee Blanch high in the Italian Alps. We hiked above Rifugio Elisabetta and were thrilled to share the alpine tundra with these majestic creatures that were nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century.  Italian Alps, Mont Blanc Region https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blancsunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Mt-Blanc-SR.jpg Mont Blanc Sunrise The Mont Blanc (4810m, 15,781 ft.) massif above the Chamonix Valley at sunrise. Lac Blanc is the vantage point and the refuge enabled us to be high in the Alps at sunrise. Chamonix, France https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stormy-deep-lake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Deep-Lake-Gray-bw.jpg Stormy Deep Lake A developing summer storm paints the Deep Lake Area in shades of gray. The Lake is backed by East Temple Peak and Steeple Peak, a remarkable setting with granite boulders scattered on granite bedrock - a world of stone.  Bridger National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pingora/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/paint-pingora.jpg Pingora Morning Pingora Peak shines in morning light, touching Indian Paintbrush wildflowers. Pingora is a climber's dream in the Cirque Of The Towers area, with a 1,200 vertical feet of solid granite.  Popo Agie Wilderness Area Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/deeplake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Deep-Lake-Gray.jpg Deep Lake Gray East Temple Peak and Steeple Peak rise above Deep Lake as a summer storm approaches.  Bridger National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/painted-granite/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WRPaintbrush-granite.jpg Painted Granite Ruby red Indian paintbrush contrasts with granite in the Cirque Of The Towers region of the Wind River Range. Popo Agie Wilderness Area Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/warriorreflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CirqueOTTReflVertII.jpg Warrior Reflection Sunrise grazes Warbonnet and Warrior Peaks reflected in Lonesome Lake. The Cirque Of The Towers is a world-renowned climbing area in the southern Wind River Range; the remarkable, vertical granite faces offer unlimited climbing options. Popo Agie Wilderness Area Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-short-horned-lizard/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSH-stonecrop.jpg Greater Short-Horned Lizard Closeup Greater short-horned lizards, also miscalled "horny toads" are native to the sagebrush ecosystem, living in semi-arid plains to lower mountain elevations. I photographed this female while working with PhD candidate Reilly Dibner from the University of Wyoming in Shirley Basin. Shirley Basin is situated between Casper and Medicine Bow, a wide-open and undeveloped mixed shortgrass prairie and sagebrush basin on BLM land. Although a species of special concern, Wyoming's state reptile seems to be doing well in Shirley Basin. Shirley basin, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestonepano/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Crestones-pano.jpg Crestones Panorama From the summit of Humboldt Peak (14,064'), the Sangre De Cristo skyline, a 14er climber's paradise L to R: Crestone Needle (14,191'), Crestone Peak (14,294'), Kit Carson Mountain (14,165'). The bold pyramid shadow is of Humboldt, the peak we're standing on. We made the climb in the dark - me, Marla, Chris, Annie, and Mike were the crew, an ambituous 2:30 a.m. alpine start got us to the summit on time for a spectacular sunrise.  * This image is available as a print. When ordering, the length will be the long dimension in the order box, but the height will be less.  For example: A 45" wide print would be 16"x45". Sangre De Cristo Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hobackmilkyway/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Hoback-milky-way.jpg Hoback Milky Way The Milky Way over forest in the Upper Hoback River Valley on a typically clear night in noerthwest Wyoming. The Upper Hoback was leased for industrial scale natural gas drilling - the grassroots opposition group Citizens For The Wyoming Range won an important victory when The Trust For Public Land purchased the leases and retired them forever. The land has been returned to the American people, forever wild.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dusty/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Dusty-w-kids.jpg Dusty With Daughters Dusty Downey walks with his daughters in the sagebrush during the Audubon Rockies Soda Lakes Bioblitz in Pinedale, Wyoming Sublette County, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winterrange/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/winter-elk-gravelly.jpg Winter Range Elk seem to pour from the Garvelly Mountains northwest of Yellowstone National Park. I made this photo while flying with Lighthawk - the aerial perspective needed to show the grand scale of large elk herds moving to winter range. Across the West, ungulates migrate out of deep snow to wind-blown lower elevations, needing Freedom To Roam to forage for survival. Madison Valley, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/frostybuck/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winter-MD-buck.jpg Frosty Mule Deer Buck A large mule deer buck pauses on a frosty winter morning with a backdrop of Colorado's Front Range. Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR is known for big mule deer and trophy-sized bucks.   Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/boarstracks/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/boars-prints.jpg Boar's Tracks Tracks in the Killpecker Sand Dunes Area Of Critical Environmental Concern lead from the Boar's Tusk, an iconic volcanic monolith. Early summer in Wyoming's Red Desert. USA https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bellssunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Maroon-Bells-reflection-web.jpg Maroon Bells Sunrise Reflection Maroon Peak, 14156' and North Maroon Peak, 14,014' are reflected in Maroon Lake at sunrise. The view of The Bells from Maroon Lake is said to be one of the most photographed mountain scenes in the world.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/drop-in/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/snow-goose-dropin.jpg Drop In A trio of snow geese twist and turn as they drop into a cornfield in late afternoon light. At times, they comicly look like kernels of pocorn making their descent.  Chen caerulescens Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowgooseliftoff/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SG-mass.jpg Snow Goose Mass Lift Off Bosque Del Apache NWR is often about volume, both in number and the deafening sound of birds. Here, a few thousand snow geese explode from a corn field before settling down moments later. In times like these it's good to be wearing a hat. Chen caerulescens Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/morning-rush/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/morning-rush-snow-geese.jpg Morning Rush Snow geese swirl around a small pond in early morning before landing for a short time. The geese, which number 40,000 in winter had left their evening roost and used this pond as a short stopover before heading to corn fields for daytime feeding. Chen caerulescens Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/taking-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/two-cranes-take-flight.jpg Taking Flight A pair of sandhill cranes take flight in a Bosque Del Apache wetland. Bosque is an important waterfowl refuge and winter range for sandhill cranes of the Rocky Mountain Population. These Greater sandhill cranes migrate between New Mexico and Greater Yellowstone in spring and fall, as they have for millions of years. Remarkable creatures for many reasons, sandhills are living dinosaurs.  Grus canadensis Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pintail-rush/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/pintail-SHC.jpg Pintail Rush A large flock of pintail ducks explode from a cold, foggy wetland and over the heads of roosting sandhill cranes. Bosque Del Apache NWR is an important refuge for waterfowl, particularly in winter. Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-roost-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SHC-roost-flight.jpg Sandhill Roost Flight A pair of sandhill cranes return to roost in evening light that belies the chilly December air. Bosque is important winter refuge for sandhill cranes of the Rocky Mountain Population and many waterfowl species. These cranes will migrate north to Greater Yellowstone in spring, making a few stops in Colorado to rest and refuel. They'll return with juveniles in fall, just like the last few million years. Grus canadensis Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/craneswading/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SHC-wading.jpg Cranes Wading In early morning light, these sandhill cranes wade from their night roost before taking flight to graze in nearby fields. Bosque Del Apache is a well-known birding location, particularly for winter waterfowl. The refuge is winter range for sandhill cranes of the Rocky Mountain Population, which migrate from Bosque to Greater Yellowstone (with stops in Colorado) in spring, returning in fall. Grus canadensis Bosque Del Apache NWR, New Mexico https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cochetopapronghorn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Cochetopa-Pronghorn.jpg Cochetopa Pronghorn A band of pronghorn stands in golden light backed by pyramid-shaped Stewart Peak (13,989'). Pronghorn were wiped out in the Gunnison Basin by the heavy snows during the winter of 2007. They simply had nowhere to go to find food as snow piled up in feet. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reintroduced pronghorn and they've recovered well, particularly in the Cochetopa Hills region where I photographed this group. Antilocapra americana Gunnison National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhillcranefamily/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/SHC-family.jpg Sandhill Crane Family Sandhill cranes with colts (chicks) feed in a wetland near the Hoback River. The area was severely threatened by planned industrial scale natural gas development and is now protected. A strong grassroots effort led to the purchase of the gas leases by Trust For Public Land, who retired them forever - giving the land back to the American people. The Rocky Mountain Population os sandhill cranes are Greater sandhills that migrate from winter range at Bosque Del Apache in New Mexico to Greater Yellowstone from spring through the end of summer, where they mate and raise their young. By September, these tiny colts are juveniles ready to fly 500 miles to New Mexico.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greatgraycloseup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GGOwl-closeup.jpg Great Gray Closeup Great gray owls are uncommonly seen throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This particular owl was spotted outside of Jackson, Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park. The Great gray is North America's largest owl in size, up to 27" long, but they're actually a lot of feather and weigh around 3 1/2 pounds. Northwest Wyoming is the very southern range for these "ghosts of the forest", which are more common in northern boreal forests.   Strix nebulosa  Teton County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ravenportrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Raven-portrait-II.jpg Raven Portrait This common raven posed for a tight portrait only because he's a beggar experienced in human interactions. Nevertheless, ravens are magnificent birds known for their superior intelligence and diverse vacalizations.  Corvus corax   Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/francsface/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-Francs-Face.jpg Francs Face The imposing grante wall on the north face of Francs Peak (13,153') contrasts sharply with summer green on Phelps Mountain. Francs Peak is the highest mountain in the Absaroka Range and provides important summer habitat for grizzly bears feeding on army cutworm moths. The mountain was named for Bighorn Basin homesteader and cattle baron Otto Franc. Washakie Wilderness Area, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tetonautumnchanges/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Snowy-Tetons-Aflats.jpg Teton Autumn Changes Fresh snow on Antelope Flats and the Teton Range signal that golden autumn days are nearing an end for this season. Antelope Flats is not only a remarkably classic Western scene - this area is a rich ecological hot spot traveled by moose, bears, wolves, pronghorn, Greater Sage-grouse and many other creatures. On this particular trip, I viewed and photographed pronghorn, moose, Greater Sage-grouse, dusky grouse, red-tailed hawk, and ravens very close to here.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bisonandtetons/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BisonTetons.jpg Bison and Teton Range American Bison graze on Antelope Flats in Grand Teton National Park. The iconic Grand Teton backdrop is partially obscured in layers of morning clouds that are typical in Jackson Hole. Bison bison Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greatgraytwilight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GGOwl-on-fence.jpg Great Gray Twilight A great gray owl hunts from a ranch fence in Jackson Hole. Although considered uncommon, great grays can be spotted anytime of year in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They are North America's largest owl, reaching 27" in length. Great grays are easily recognized by their white "bow tie". Strix nebulosa Teton County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greatgrayautumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GGOwl-in-gold.jpg Great Gray Autumn A great gray owl hunts with a backdrop of gold in Jackson hole. Great grays are our largest owl, standing as tall as 27". This "ghost of the forest" loafed in an aspen stand in the afternoon and became very active at dusk. Although considered uncommon, great grays can be spotted throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  Strix nebulosa Teton County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gardenreflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GOTG-refl.jpg Garden Reflection Gray Rock and North and South Gateway Rocks are reflected at Garden Of The Gods. The seasonal pond is a decommissioned reservoir that rarely fills up, but heavy September rains that flooded much of Colorado created a photo opportunity that hadn't happened since 1999.  Garden Of The Gods Park, USA https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/exhibit-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DPA-exhibit-V.jpg Sage Spirit Exhibit II Float Plaques at the Denver Photo Art Gallery Sage Spirit Exhibit.  https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/exhibit-i/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DPA-exhibit-IV.jpg Sage Spirit Exhibit I Float Plaques at the Denver Photo Art Gallery Sage Spirit Exhibit.  https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/marmotcuriosity/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Marmot-rock.jpg Marmot Curiosity Curiosity gets the best of this adult yellow-bellied marmot, looking out from talus rocks abvove timberline. Sometimes called "whistle pig" for their high-pitched warning call, marmots are common in high mountain rocky slopes. They eat green vegetation and hibernate through the winter months. This image shows the long digging claws that enable marmots to tunnel under rock piles.  Marmota flaviventris Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rondoysunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Rondoy-I.jpg Rondoy Sunset Rondoy's (5870m) west face gathers last light high in the Cordillera Huayhuash on the first night of our trek.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stormyhuayhuash/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/stormy-peaks.jpg Stormy Huayhuash Storm clouds swirl around the sheer rock faces of Rondoy (L, 5870m) and Jirishanca (6094m) from Laguna Jahuacocha, the last camp on our 12-day Cordillera Huayhuash trek. We spent two days here and Jirishanca boomed with avalanches each afternoon.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/siulacloud/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Siula-cloud.jpg Siula In Clouds The summit of Siula Grande (6344m) seems to float on clouds. On this particular morning, Siula was cloaked in clouds while Yerupaja and Jirishanca peaked in and out. The moment lasted just a few seconds.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rondoy-south-face/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rondo-face-II.jpg Rondoy South Face Clouds part to reveal the vertical, glaciated south face of Rondoy (5870m) from Laguna Jahuacocha.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/huayhuashrockdetail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rock-detail.jpg Huayhuash Rock Detail Colorful patterns of stone below Diablo Mudo (5223m) in the southern Cordillera Huayhuash.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/quesillococha/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/quesillucocha.siula-L.jpg Quesillococha and Siula The route to Siula Pass (4800m) travels over rugged terrain below Andes giants and past three turquoise Andes lakes. Laguna Quesillucocha and Laguna Siula sit below Siula Grande (6344m), the peak of "Touching The Void" infamy. As we ascended the pass, the weather deteriorated rapidly, begining with groppel snow, thunder snow, then settled into a gentle snowfall.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/puntacuyoc/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Punta-Cuyoc.jpg Punta Cuyoc View From Punta Cuyoc, thie highest pass on the Huayhuash Trek (5000m) you cross over to the southern side of the range where once again Yerupaja (6634m) dominates the skyline. The trek descends into the Huanacpatay Valley, a lengthy drop from over 16,000 feet of elevation.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/northern-huayhuash/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/N-Huayhuash.jpg Rugged Huayhuash From a ridge above Laguna Sucococha and below Diablo Mudo, one can see the tilted and rugged landscape looking north to the high peaks of the Huayhuash Range. The Huayhuash is a marvel of twisted, tilted, vertical stone.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/laguna-huacrish-turquoise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/L-Hacrish.jpg Laguna Huacrish Turquoise Laguna Huacrish's glacial blue waters contrast sharply with clouds draping West Huacrish Mountain (5622m). We were descending from Diablo Mudo into the Huacrish Valley, where clouds cleared and we viewed soaring Andean Condors up close. What a thrill! Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yerupaja-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/jura-clouds.jpg Yerupaja Clouds A classic case of a mountain making its own weather - just as morning clouds were clearing off of Yerupaja, Peru's second tallest mountain (6634m), a lenticular cloud formed a dome over the summit.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yerupajaspotlight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jura-Chico-SR.jpg Spotlight on Yerupaja Early morning light breaks through layers of clouds to reveal Yerupaja (6634m) and Yerupaja Chico (6121m) from  Carhuacocha camp on the Huayhuash Trek. This ephemeral moment was one of the most interesting light shows I've witnessed, a sudden transition from steely gray to light.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jirishanca-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/jiri-port.jpg Jirishanca Portrait Jirishanca (6094m) towers over our camp at Mitucocha while trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sheepherder-with-baby/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Hermes-w-baby.jpg Sheepherder With Baby We met sheepherder Hermes while watching his herd of 500 sheep pass along the Huayhuash Trek. This vibrant soul is 70 years old and lives in the highlands above 14,000 feet.   Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/diablo-mudo-breaking-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Diablo-SS.jpg Diablo Mudo Breaking Storm Sun breaks through clouds to light Diablo Mudo (5223m) after an afternoon of spitting snow. We climbed the mountain with our guide Marco from Peru Mountain Explorers, accessing the upper ridge via the curving ridge on the left.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cuyoc-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Cuyoc-SS.jpg Cuyoc Sunset Sunset paints sky and Cuyoc (5560m) in shades of magenta and pink from our camp along the Huauhuash trek.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cuyoc-night/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Cuyoc-night.jpg Cuyoc Night Cuyoc (5560m) sits at the head of a long valley and above colorful tents as night falls on the Huayhuash Trek.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cuyoc-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Cuyoc-I.jpg Cuyoc Morning Morning clouds fire up over Cuyoc (5560m) as we trekked around the southern end of the massif. We were en-route to Punta Cuyoc, the highest pass on our trek.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/climbing-diablo-mudo/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/climbing-diablo.jpg Climbing Diablo Mudo Marla is led by our guide Marco on the last pitch of Diablo Mudo's (5223m) "penitente" studded glacier. Considered an easy peak in the Cordillera Huayhuash, the "mute devil" was tough enough for us.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/carhuacocha-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/carhuacocha-refl.jpg Carhuacocha Reflection Towering Peaks of the Huayhuash Yerupaja (6634m 2nd highest in Peru), Yerupaja Chico (R, 6094m), and Siula Grande (L, 6,344m) refected in Laguna Carhuacocha.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/auxilio-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Auxilio.jpg Auxilio Sunset The very last light of the day breaks through heavy clouds to touch the summit of Auxilio (5560m) from our camp on the Huayhuash Trek.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/north-maroon-snow-patterns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Bells-willow.jpg North Maroon Snow Patterns Lingering snow patterns on green alpine tundra point to North Maroon Peak (14,014') from Willow Pass. The sun broke through storm clouds to light the base of North Maroon just after sunrise.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/north-maroon-columbine/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/M-Bells-columbine.jpg North Maroon Columbine Columbine wildflowers and North Maroon Peak (14,014') below Willow Pass. The Colorado blue columbine is Colorado's state wildflower.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/on-buckskin/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/On-Buckskin.jpg On Buckskin With a backdrop of Snowmass Mountain (14,092') and Capitol Peak (14,130'), Marla digs for the top of Buckskin Pass. Buckskin is one of the four passes over 12,000 feet that circumnavigate the Marron Bells Massif. The Four-Pass Loop is widely considered one of the top backpacking trips in North America.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/photo-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Paintbrush-redrock.jpg Paintbrush and Red Rock Brillian red Indian paintbrush and red rock that is typical of the Maroon Bells area.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/photo/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Paintbrush-redrock.jpg https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pyramid-peak-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pyramid-portrait.jpg Pyramid Peak Portrait Pyramid Peak (14,018') glows in evening light in this view from Sievers Mountain. Pyramid is one of Colorado's most challenging fourteeners. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sievers-night/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Siever-night.jpg Sievers Night Sievers Mountain (12,773') is the jagged backdrop for our glowing tent in this twilight scene near Willow Lake.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/high-elks-buckskin-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Smass-buck-bw.jpg High Elks Buckskin View Snowmass Mountain (14,092) and Capitol Peak (14,130') top this Elk Mountains skyline view from Buckskin Pass. If you turn around from here you'll have Pyramid Peak right in your face. The vertical relief of the Elks is evident from here and our trail from Snowmass Lake is in view.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowmass-lake-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Snowmass-Lk-Morn.jpg Snowmass Lake Reflection Snowmass Peak and Snowmass Mountain (14,092') are reflected in Snowmass Lake at sunrise. The viewpoint from Snowmass Lake is one of Colorado's classic illusions, the bump on the ridge to the right of the apparent high point is actually the fourteener - Snowmass Mountain. You almost need to climb the mountain to see how much smaller Snowmass Peak actually is. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/west-maroon-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/W-Maroon-Bells.jpg West Maroon Sunrise Morning light on the flanks of Maroon Peak (14,156'), the mountain in the upper left of the frame. The contrast of lingering snowfields and beautiful green tundra makes early July a special time of year. We broke camp at oh-dark-thirty to reach West Maroon Pass for sunrise, a great high point in the Elk Mountains. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/maroon-bells-from-willow-pass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Willow-Pass-morn.jpg Maroon Bells From Willow Pass Sunlight breaks through storm clouds to light North Maroon Peak (14,014') just after sunrise. We broke camp in rain at Willow Lake in hopes of catching a great sunrise from Willow Pass. Pyramid Peak (14,018') is the pointed mountain on the left side of the frame. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/western-rattlesnake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Wrattlesnake.jpg Western Rattlesnake While working on the Prairie Thunder book, I came upon this coiled rattlesnake, who thankfully gave me plenty of warning. I amde a few images with a long lens before we came to an understanding - I would need to back off. The snake slithered safely into the prairie grass, a magnificent creature just needing a little space.  Plains Conservation Center, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/nightfall-on-boars-tusk/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Boars-tusk-night.jpg NightFall On Boar's Tusk Clouds chased by winds aloft are lit by a bright half moon as night falls the week before summer solstice. The Boar's Tusk in silhouette is a geologic marvel and sacred place in the northern Red Desert. The Boar's Tusk is a volcanic monolith that rises 400 vertical feet above the sagebrush desert in the Killpecker Sand Dunes WSA area. Sweetwater County, Wyoming.   Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lost-creek-granite/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LCWA-SR.jpg Lost Creek Granite Climbing a granite crack to reach a view of the Lost Creek drainage, I exclaimed Wow! when I saw this perfect granite ball sitting on the granite bench. Lost Creek, home to the Tarryall, Kenosha, and Platte River Ranges, is a Colorado anomaly, the granite spires, domes, and twisted rock are the "Yosemite of Colorado" and unique in the Rockies. This area is accessed via the Goose Creek trail. Lost Creek Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/echo-park-aerial/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/confluence-wide-view.jpg Echo Park Aerial  The Yampa River winds through Castle Park to its confluence with the Green River in Echo Park. The Yampa is Colorado's second largest body of water and runs wild, apart from a few small dams and diversions. The Green River starts high in Wyoming's Wind River Range and is the chief tributary of the Colorado - the most endangered river in America. Dinosaur is fascinating for it's geography, cultural and ecological significance, and diversity. It was also the scene of a major conservation battle over the proposed damming of Echo Park, with the Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society leading the fight to keep the rivers running free. Photographer Philip Hyde was commissioned by Sierra Club president David Brower for the book This Is Dinosaur in 1955 - he became the Sierra Club's primary conservation photographer. Thank you to LightHawk for providing the aerial support to fly this mission.  Dinosaur National Monument, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wyoming-range-stormy-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WY-Rng-SS-II.jpg Wyoming Range Stormy Sunset From Lookout Peak, I watched a powerful thunderstorm skirt the ridge leading to the mountain where I stood solo as sunset lit the cloudbacnk and peaks of the Wyoming Range. At the time, the Upper Hoback Basin in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, was in danger of getting turned into an industrial gas wasteland. Thankfully, a strong grassroots opposition led to Trust For Public Land purchasing the leases and retiring them inperpetutiy. The Upper Hoback is protected forever! Bridger-Teton national Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mammoth-trees/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Mammoth-trees-bw.jpg Mammoth Trees  Pine snags dot the travertine terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs. Calcium carbonate generated by the hot springs gradually kills vegetation in this inhospitable environment.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/medano-homestead/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/medano-homestead.jpg Medano Homestead  The 1850's homestead at Zapata Ranch has a tons of character and endless photo possibilities - there's this one spot that I keep coming back to. The thickest cottonwood I've ever seen frames the front windows of a house that's been added on to many times. I imagine the part in this image is original and is very well-preserved in the arid San Luis Valley. I chose to emphasize the texture in the old tree to frame the historic buildings, and imagine that someone planted this tree and built the house by hand a very long time ago.  Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/singing-western-meadowlark/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Mlark-grass.jpg Singing Western Meadowlark  Western meadowlarks are often seen singing from perches above prairie grass - yucca, mulleins, and fenceposts. While sitting in a blind waiting for burrowing owls to emerge, this nearby meadowlark was singing his head off. I opened a window slowly and saw that he was standing in the grass just a few feet away, He didn't care about the shutter firing, maybe because he was making so much beautiful noise.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/parlin-barn-winter-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/parlin-barn.jpg Parlin Barn Winter  The winter of 2007/2008 was harsh, even by Gunnison standards. Gunnison is often called the doughnut hole by locals because winter storms sit on surrounding mountain ridges; but that didn't happen in that particular winter. It snowed with no relief and ungulates sought hay bales to avoid starvation. Eventually, the Colorado Division of Wildlife fed deer and elk from the air. Hundreds of resident pronghorn died and have since been reintroduced to the Basin. I made this image of the old barn near Parlin, a reminder of the heaviest snow cover I've ever seen.  Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/on-gokyo-ri/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/On-Gokyo-Ri.jpg On Gokyo Ri  Buddhist prayer flags adorn the foreground on Gokyo Ri's summit (5357m,17,575') with a backdrop of Phari Lapche Peak. Phari Lapche (6,017m, 19,741') is a trekking peak in the Everest region, and although impressive, is a small mountain among Himalayan giants. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/thagnak-stone-village/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Thagnak.jpg Thagnak Stone Village  When the only materials available are stone, you build a stone village. We visited Thagnak after crossing Ngozumpa glacier on our way to Cho La Pass on our Everest trek.  Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cholatse-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Cholatse-morning.jpg Cholatse Morning Cholatse, 6440 meters (21,128 feet) towers over Dzonglha, our camp after crossing Cho La Pass. Although Cholatse isn't tall compared to surrounding Himalayan giants, it wasn't climbed until 1984 by a party that included Vern Clevenger, Galen Rowell, John Roskelley and Bill O'Connor. Photographing Cholatse from here was tough - I really wanted a wider angle lens because the enormous peak was right over head. I'm struck by the quality of light on this particular Himalayan morning. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hoback-saved/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/TPL saved.jpg Hoback Saved  The Trust For public Lands announced completion of the purchase of drilling leases in the Upper Hoback, saving Noble Basin forever! Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/moulton-barn-and-grand-teton-in-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Teton-barn-winter-fog-BW.jpg Moulton Barn and Grand Teton In Winter  John Moulton's historic barn is perfectly situated with a backdrop of the Grand Teton. The "Mormon Barn" attracts photographers from around the world, each seeking their take on an iconic image. Marla and I cross country skied to the barn one winter morning and reveled in having Antelope Flats to ourselves.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/vasquez-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Vasquez-winter-BW.jpg Vasquez Winter  Layers of strastrugi snow lead to sunlit Byers Peak (12,804') and the Vasquez Mountains. The high wind-blown ridge where I made the photo is above the Winter Park Ski Area.  Vasquez Peak Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cracked-rimrock/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CNM-split-rock-winter.jpg Cracked Rimrock  A split in rimrock provides a lead-in for this view of Independence Rock and towering sandstone formations early one winter morning. The temperature in Fruita, just 10 miles away was -5 F, while the canyon rim was a balmy +12 F. Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-tailed-prairie-dog-bark/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/WTPD-bark.jpg White-Tailed Prairie Dog Bark  It's more like a chirp and prairie dogs aren't dogs... There are five species of prairie dogs in North America and all are imperiled due to habitat loss and a host of other reasons. These rodents are primarily sage dwellers and a keystone species for the ecosystem. Prairie dogs can communicate in sentences and form strong family bonds.  Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snow-dunes/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snow-dunes.jpg Snow Dunes  Snow on the Great Sand Dunes is uncommon enough that I hadn't personally witnessed the event in many visits. Here, snow highlights the dune faces below ridges of the mighty Sangre De Cristo Mountains. An hour later, the snow was gone. Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sawatch-winter-aerial/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Sawatch-aerial.jpg Sawatch Winter Aerial  An unbroken view of Rocky Mountain Peaks as far as the eye can see in the sothern Sawatch Range. I made the image while flying with LightHawk for my Sage Spirit project. The Sawatch forms the northern border of the Gunnison Basin, holding water that will sustain life through the summer months in winter snowpack. Collegiate Peaks Wildernness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jim-mountain-textured-landscape/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jim-Mtn-east.jpg Jim Mountain Textured Landscape  In the North of the Shoshone Canyon, Breccia spires and Jim Mountain rise above the river and surrounding sagebrush-covered hills. I made this image on an early December day with clouds sweeping across the windy Bighorn Basin to the east. Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ocean-of-grass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ocean-grass.jpg Ocean Of Grass  Gazing across open spring grassland in the Timpas, or northern unit of Comanche National Grassland, I recalled stories about an ocean of grass. Early settlers compared the waving grass to the sea and often became disoriented on the open Great Plains. The Timpas Unit of the grassland is south of LaJunta and easily accessed. Comanche National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunlight-basin-change-of-seasons/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sunlight-fall-trans.jpg Sunlight Basin Change Of Seasons  Golden grasses of autumn contrast with snow-covered Absaroka Mountains in Sunlight Basin as an early season storm clears.  Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunlight-creek-passing-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sunlight-Crk-scape.jpg Sunlight Creek Passing Storm  An early winter storm passes through Sunlight Basin, leaving a trace of snow and a promise of winter. Sunlight Creek flows from high in the Absaroka Range and is an important tributary of the Clarks Fork River, eventually meeting with the Yellowstone River.  Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greybull-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Greybull-overlook.jpg Greybull Autumn  The Greybull River, one of the most important rivers in the West, flows through ranchland in Spring Creek Basin west of Meeteetse. The Greybull is critical habitat for endangered Yellowstone cutthroat trout and wildlife that depend on riparian habitat from its headwaters high in the Absarokas to the plains on the sagebrush steppe. Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/carter-mountain-approaching-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Carter-Ridge.jpg Carter Mountain Approaching Storm  An early winter storm approaches Carter Mountain from a ridge high on the peak. Carter, in the Absaroka Mountains, is the longest mountain massif in North America, with seemingly endless ridges. I hiked to the top to look for a few thousand elk migrating from Yellowstone National Park. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/frozen-rose/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/frozen-rose-crk.jpg Frozen Rose  From high on Carter Mountain, Rose Creek appears frozen in time. The creek flows to the Greybull River below, one of the most important rivers in this part of the West. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/oregon-basin-playa/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/OR-Basin-playa.jpg Oregon Basin Playa Golden light in late afternoon highlights to texture in dried mud and golden grasses of a playa in the Oregon Basin. Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bighorn-rams/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Four-BH-rams.jpg Bighorn Rams  Bighorn rams during the autumn rut, or mating season. These rams had just finished a lengthy battle for the right to mate, and moved on for the evening. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fighting-bighorn-rams/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BH-rams-fight-II.jpg Fighting Bighorn Rams  Bighorn sheep rams battle for the right to mate during the autumn rut. About 80% of Wyoming's bighorn sheep population live in the Absaroka Range. The North Fork herd migrates from Yellowstone National Park. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lookout-lupine/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Lookout-lupine.jpg Lookout Lupine  Lupine blooms on a verdant green mountainside below Lookout Peak in the Wyoming Range. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/young-bull-moose-in-willows/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/young-bull-moose.jpg Young Bull Moose In Willows  A young bull moose browses on willows along North Horse Creek in the Wyoming range. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sorting-horses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sorting-horses.jpg Sorting Horses  A rancher's day starts early as riders sort horses before dawn. The riders were preparing to gather bison at the annual autumn roundup. Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-stampede/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-roundup-II.jpg Bison Stampede In a scene reminiscent of the old west, American bison are moved to a holding pen during the annual autumn roundup at The Nature Conservancy's Zapata Ranch. The bison had just burst through a gate and resumed grazing a few minutes later.  Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-watcher/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GHO-Lindsey.jpg Prairie Watcher  An adult great horned owl watches an area where grassland meets riparian from his perch on the historic Lindsey barn. Great horned owls are mostly nocturnal, but I frequently see them in daylight. Rocky Flats Designated NWR, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mccoullough-layers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Mccollough-BW.jpg McCoullough Layers  Layers of light and stone with Carter Mountain in shadow. McCoullough Peaks, with ever-changing light, offers endless landscape photography opportunties. McCullough Peaks WSA, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-transition-wilson-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Wilson-transition-sr-vi.jpg Autumn Transition Wilson Peak With "termination dust" on Wilson Peak (14,017'), the aspen forest below is both brilliant gold and bare trees. Winter isn't far away in early October. This image was made on Wilson Mesa near Telluride. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/silver-pick-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Wilson-silver-pick.jpg Silver Pick Morning  Wilson Peak (14,017') and Silver Pick Basin catch morning light on a golden autumn day. If you look close, you can see a hawk on the tall pine to the left. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wilson-peak-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Alta-Wilson.jpg Wilson Peak View The ghost mining camp of Alta is situated at 11,800 feet with a stunning view of the San Miguel Range. Here, Wilson Peak (14,017') is viewed through windows in one of the remaining buildings. The town was never incorporated and operated from 1877 to 1948. Alta was Colorado's first mining town to use AC current, completing a long distance power line in 1891. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bare-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bare-aspen.jpg Bare Aspen Sunrise spotlights an aspen forest on Wilson Mesa near Telluride after leaves have fallen in early October. Nearby aspen were still brilliant gold. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-moonset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen-moon-II.jpg Aspen Moonset  The October moon sets behind an autumn aspen forest near Telluride, almost looking like a ball rolling downhill. A 600mm lens enabled me to simplify the scene to just trees and moon. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-canopy/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Aspen-canopy.jpg Aspen Canopy An aspen forest canopy in peak autumn color near Telluride, CO in the San Juan Mountains. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-bole-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen-boles-closeup.jpg Aspen Bole Closeup  While photographing the limitless compositions in an aspen forest near Telluride, I chose a simple closeup view with a slice of fall color for this image.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-bole-chaos/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen-bole-chaos.jpg Aspen Bole Chaos  Bright white aspen boles in chaotic patterns contrast with a golden backdrop nearing the end of fall color. The image was made along Last Dollar Road near Telluride. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/east-beckwith-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/E-Beckwith-Beaver-Pond.jpg East Beckwith Reflection  East Beckwith Mountain (12,432') and golden autumn aspen are reflected in a beaver pond on Kebler Pass. Kebler Pass is renowned for its enormous aspen forest and limitless photographic opportunities. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/marcellina-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Marcellina-sunset-II.jpg Marcellina Sunset Marcellina Mountain (11,348') and the surrounding aspen forest seems to glow in warm evening alpenglow of an October sunset. Raggeds Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/marcellina-shadows/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Marcellina-shadows.jpg Marcellina Shadows  Morning light grazes the rugged edges of Marcellina Mountain (11,348') and tops of gold aspen on Kebler pass. Raggeds Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/moonlight-tent/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/moonlit-tent-II.jpg Moonlight Tent  A full October moon lights the aspen forest above our tent on Kebler Pass. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snomass-creek-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/E-Snowmass-Crk-autumn.jpg Snomass Creek Autumn Aspen trees in various stages of gold approaching peak autumn color. The gold aspen on the ridge above East Snowmass Creek contrast nicely with the maroon rock characteristic of the Elks.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-on-mount-evans/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Evans-SR.jpg Sunrise On Mount Evans  Sunrise paints the Mount Evans summit gold as it lights the Front Range. I deployed my widest angle lens to capture Summit Lake, the summit ridgeline, Grays Peak (14,267') and Torreys Peak (14,270'). Mount Evans can be accessed by climbing, hiking, or using the highest paved road in North America, my choice on this summer morning. Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/moonlight-on-uncompahgre-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Uncompahgre-moonlt.jpg Moonlight On Uncompahgre Peak While climbing Matterhorn Peak under a full moon, we stopped to admire (and photograph) Uncompahgre Peak in moon light. Uncompahgre Peak stands an impressive 14,309 feet and is humongously broad - it's one of the most remarkable peaks in Colorado.  Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/matterhorn-creek/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Matterhorn-crk.jpg Matterhorn Creek  Matterhorn Creek flows below Matterhorn Peak (13,590') near timberline in the Uncompahgre Wilderness Area.  Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/east-fork-of-the-cimarron/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/E-Fk-Cimarron.jpg East Fork of The Cimarron  The Upper East Fork flows into the East Fork of the Cimarron River high in the Uncompahgre Wilderness Area. The Cimarron River is a tributary of the Gunnison River, with the confluence in the Curecanti National Recreation Area near Gunnison. Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/north-clear-creek-falls/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/N-Fk-Clear.jpg North Clear Creek Falls  One of Colorado's spectacular waterfalls, North Clear Creek is along the scenbic highway between Creede and Lake City. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wetterhorn-moon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Wetterhorn-moon.jpg Wetterhorn Moon The August "blue moon" sets beyond Wetterhorn Peak (14,015') before dawn. The perspective is from the summit of Matterhorn Peak (13,590'). Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/san-juan-thirteeners/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SJ Thirteeners.jpg San Juan Thirteeners  A wall of 13,000 foot peaks catch early morning light from the summit of Matterhorn Peak (13,590'). The view is to the north and slightly northwest to a pass that climbs out of the upper East Fork of the Cimarron River.  Notable mountains in view L to R: Redcliff (13,642'), Heisshorn (just in front of Redcliff 13,411'), Fortress Peak (13,241'), and Precipice Peak (13,144').  Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crystal-river-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Crystal-River-fog-III.jpg Crystal River Clouds  Low clouds travel through the Crystal River Valley near the town of Marble. River channels and pine forest appear, then disappear. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ferns-in-aspen-forest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/McClure-ferns-II.jpg Ferns In Aspen Forest  Late summer ferns are thigh-high in this aspen forest on top of McClure Pass. near the town of Marble.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-moose-pair/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/two-Moose.jpg Bull Moose Pair  A pair of large bull moose feed on willows, their favorite food source. Moose have long favored the wetter west side of the Rockies, but some have recently migrated to the eastern side of the Front Range. I observed six bull moose in a bachelor group this August morning. Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-moose-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/bull-moose-portrait.jpg Bull Moose Portrait  A large bull moose feeds on willows on an August morning. Moose have just recently migrated to the eastern side of the Continental Divide along the Front Range, long favoring the wet side of Rocky Mountain National Park. On this morning, I watched a bachelor group of six large bulls feeding in the willows.  Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-on-the-crestones/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/crestones-SR.jpg Sunrise On The Crestones  First light from The Humboldt Peak summit (14,064') illuminates the mighty Crestone Needle (14191') and Crestone Peak (14,294'). Although Humboldt is frequently overlooked for the more rugged and higher surrounding peaks, the summit has one of the more amazing alpine views in Colorado - in my humble opinion of course.  Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/culebra-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Culebra-SS.jpg Culebra Sunset  Warm sunset light turns sagebrush gold below Culebra Peak (14,069') on Cielo Vista Ranch. We were paying guests of the ranch, there to climb the only Colorado 14er on private land.  Cielo Vista Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/vermejo-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Culebra-south.jpg Vermejo Clouds  Vermejo Peak (13,723'), part of the Culebra Range of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains rises above valleys of the Cielo Vista Ranch. We were climbing Culbra Peak (14,069') as paying guests of the ranch and had a great day above timberline. Cielo Vista Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/culebra-morning-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Culebra-morn-clouds.jpg Culebra Morning Clouds  Culebra Peak (14,069') encircled by morning clouds from a high approach ridge. Culebra is on the Cielo Vista Ranch the only Colorado 14er on private land. We paid the fee to climb and had a great experience on the mountain. Culebra is the high point of the Culebra Range, part of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, and just seven miles from New Mexico. Cielo Vista Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/drivin-doggies/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/driving-doggies-II.jpg Drivin' Doggies  Danielle drives cattle to a new pasture on the Medano side of Zapata Ranch. The Nature Conservancy owns Zapata Ranch and the Phillips family manages the ranch holistically, with bison on the Zapata side and cattle on the Medano (south) side. Marla and I were on a cattle drive, one of the great gust experiences offered at the ranch. Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bee-plant-and-crestones/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bee-plant-SR.jpg Bee Plant and Crestones  A wet July leads to a breakout in the Rocky Mountain bee plant bloom on Zapata Ranch. The high peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Range form a rugged backdrop. Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kit-carson-summit-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/KC-summit.jpg Kit Carson Summit View  Low clouds envelop the summits of Crestone Peak (14,294') and Crestone Needle (14,191') in this view from Kit Carson Mountain's (14,163') airy summit. Along with several other climbers, we decided to spend little time on top in case a thunderstorm would develop.  Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/willow-falls-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Willow-falls-refl.jpg Willow Falls Reflection  Rare in the Colorado Rockies, the Willow Creek waterfall flows into Willow Lake high in the Sangre De Cristo Range. Willow Lake can be accessed by backpacking a steep trail that begins near the town of Crestone. The trail gains 2,800 vertical feet in five miles. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kit-carson-slope/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/KC-slope.jpg Kit Carson Slope  Mountain thistle nod to Kit Carson's (14,163') summit block on the grassy slope leading to the Challenger Point (14,081') summit ridge. Challenger, named for the astronauts who gave their lives on the doomed space mission, is actually part of the Kit Carson massif. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/challenger-summit-block/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/challenger-block.jpg Challenger Summit Block  Challenger Point (14,081') as viewed from "Kit Carson Avenue" high in the Sangre De Cristo Range. Climbers look like matchsticks in the larger version of this image. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowmass-mountain-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snowmass-MB-view.jpg Snowmass Mountain View  Snowmass Mountain (14,092') offers a commanding view of the high peaks of the Elk Mountain Range. Most of our climbing route from Snowmass Lake is in view, as well as Maroon Peak, North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Castle Peak, and countless others.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fallen-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fallen-aspen-sm-crk.jpg Fallen Aspen  A fallen aspen bole crosses Snowmass Creek, which flows from the high mountain wilderness. The Creek empties into the Frying Pan River, and ultimately the Colorado River. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/capitol-peak-from-snowmass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Capitol-II.jpg Capitol Peak From Snowmass  Capitol Peak (14,130') stands above ridges of stone at the top of the Elk Mountain Range. The view is from Snowmass Mountain (14,092'). Capitol is one of Colorado's most difficult 14,000 foot peaks, known for the knife edge on the right hand side of the peak.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-erratic/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen-erratic.jpg Aspen Erratic  A bus-size glacial erratic rests in dense aspen forest along the Snowmass Creek Trail.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yellow-warbler-measuring/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Ywar-measure.jpg Yellow Warbler Measuring  A yellow warbler is measured at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stonecrop-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Stonecrop.jpg Stonecrop Closeup  A macro view of stonecrop wildflowers. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/soda-lake-evening/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Soda-Lk-sunset.jpg Soda Lake Evening  Warm light on the Wind River Range and evening clouds over Soda Lake, near Pinedale, Wyoming. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snake-in-hand/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snake-in-hand-II.jpg Snake In hand  A small garter snake was trapped during the amphibian trapping at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/deer-mouse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sm-mammal-deer-mouse-III.jpg Deer Mouse  Ian Abernethy of WYNDD displays a deer mouse while giving a field talk about small mammal density on the site. Audubon Rockies bioblitz, June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-thrasher-song/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sage-Thrasher-II.jpg Sage Thrasher Song  From high on his sagebrush perch, a sage thrasher sings his unmistakable song. Sage thrashers are sagebrush obligates in decline. Audubon Rockies bioblitz event at Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area on June 23, 2012. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bird-release/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sage-bird-release.jpg Bird Release  Sage Holloran releases a cowbird at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pronghorn-fawn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pronghorn-fawn-II.jpg Pronghorn Fawn  A newborn pronghorn fawn is hidden in grass by his mother. Fawns are born without scent to be difficult for predators to locate in the first few days of life. Audubon Rockies bioblitz at Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area on June 23, 2012. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/point-count/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Point-count.jpg Point Count  Susan Marsh of Wyoming Game and Fish leads a point count at Soda Lake wetlands. The point count was part of the Audubon Rockies bioblitz event on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/soda-lake-night/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/night-tent.jpg Soda Lake Night  An illuminated tent along the Soda Lake shoreline at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/milky-way-over-soda-lake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Milky-Way.jpg Milky Way Over Soda Lake  The Milky Way and faint lights of Pinedale over Soda Lake after the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/matt-holloran-with-insects/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Matt-insect-IV.jpg Matt Holloran With Insects  Sage grouse researcher Matt Holloran of Wyoming Wildlife Consultants displays insects captured during the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/marshmallow-moon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/marshmallow-moon.jpg Marshmallow Moon  A whimsical moment for Audubon's Daly Edmunds around the campfire after the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/small-mammal-trapping/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Ian-empty-sm-mammal.jpg Small Mammal Trapping  Ian Abernethy of WYNDD releases a deer mouse from a small mammal trap during the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/horned-lark-with-grasshopper/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Horned-Lark.jpg Horned Lark With Grasshopper  This horned lark appeared to be making a food delivery, so I made a few images and quickly moved on.  Pinedale Mesa Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grasshopper-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/grasshopper-closeup.jpg Grasshopper closeup  Matt Holloran of Wyoming Wildlife Consultants displays a grasshopper captured during the Audubon Rockies bioblitz event on June 23, 2012. Matt is a renowned sage grouse researcher and educated the group about the importance of insects to the sage grouse diet. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fish-trapping-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fish-net-removal.jpg Fish Trapping II  Darren Rhea of Wyoming Game and Fish leads the group as a fish net is pulled from Soda Lake. Audubon Rockies Bioblitz, June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/field-tools/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Field-tools.jpg Field Tools  Tools for identifying and recording songbirds at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz event on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dusty-with-kids/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Dusty-w-kids.jpg Dusty With Kids  Dusty Downy of Audubon with his daughters at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fish-trapping/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Darren-w-brook-trout.jpg Fish Trapping  Darren Rhea of Wyoming Game and Fish displays a large brook trout during the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/brewers-release/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Brewers-release.jpg Brewer's Release  Releasing a Brewer's sparrow at the Audubon Rockies Bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/brewers-lookup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Brewers-lookup.jpg Brewer's Lookup  Confirming the identity of a Brewer's sparrow at the Audubon Rockies Bioblitz event. June 23, 2012. Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/songbird-mist-net-removal/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bird-removal-mist-net.jpg Songbird MIst Net Removal  Ian Abernethy and Dusty Downy remove songbirds from a mist net at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wind-river-bbq/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bio-BBQ-IV.jpg Wind River BBQ  Stakeholders at the BBQ before the Audubon Rockies Bioblitz admire the Wind River Range over Soda Lakes. The BBQ was co-sponsored by the Wyoming Land Trust. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stakeholders/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bio-BBQ-II.jpg Stakeholders  Gentlemen at the BBQ before the Audubon Rockies bioblitz on June 23, 2012. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cowpokes/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bio-BBQ-Cowpokes.jpg Cowpokes  Guests at the BBQ the night before the Audubon Rockies bioblitz. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/avenlee-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Avenlee.jpg Avenlee Closeup  Avenleee Downy at the Audubon Rockies bioblitz event. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/amphibian-netting/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Amphib-Wendy.jpg Amphibian Netting  Wndy Estes-Zumpf of the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) checks her net while searching for amphibians in the Soda Lakes wetlands. Audubon Rockies bioblitz event on June 23, 2012. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/alison-and-kids-with-yellow-warbler/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Alison-and-kids-Ywar.jpg Alison and Kids with yellow warbler  Alison Holloran of Audubon Rockies holds a yellow warbler for Sage and Willow. Soda Lakes Bioblitz on June 23, 2012  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grizzly-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Ice-Box-Grizz-II.jpg Grizzly Portrait  Although the direct stare of a grizzly bear is intimidating, this bear was moving from one foraging spot to another. We watched him turn over rocks and dig for forty-five minutes before he ambled into the forest. The grizzly bear is a keystone predator and an endangered species. Ursus arctos horribilis Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grizzly-in-trees/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Grizzly-in-trees.jpg Grizzly In Trees  A large grizzly bear travels through stands of trees in Gibbon Meadows while foraging on a spring evening. Ursus arctos horribilis Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grizzly-sow-with-cubs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Quad-w-cubs-II.jpg Grizzly Sow With Cubs  "Quad mom", a Yellowstone grizzly sow who had four cubs in 2010, rests on a hillside with the two surviving cubs, now sub-adults. I had just watched these rather large bears breast feed in the sage. They'll be on their own soon and the sow will mate again. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/running-bears/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/running-bears.jpg Running Bears In near darkness, a grizzly bear sow and her two year old cubs run from Swan Lake Flats. The sow, known as "Quad mom" gave birth to four cubs in 2010. The two survivors, now sub-adults will be on their own in 2012 as the sow prepares to mate again. What were they running from? A large boar was seen in the meadow a few days after and she may have been protecting her cubs from him. Ursus arctos horribilis Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/adobe-town-passing-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/adobe-town-rim-II-BW.jpg Adobe Town Passing Storm  Sunset highlights the many stone shapes in Adobe Town as a storm passes to the southeast. Adobe Town, in Wyoming's southern Red Desert, is a wilderness quality landscape that was formed by ash from an ancient volcanic eruption in what is now Yellowstone National Park. Conservationists are advocating for protection from energy development in Adobe Town. Sweetwater County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tre-cime-image-in-vibram-store/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Vibram-II.jpg Tre Cime Image in Vibram Store A large print of my Tre Cime black and white image  in the new Vibram FiveFingers retail store in Boston, MA. I'm proud to be associated with Vibram, a brand that Marla and I have trusted for decades of backcountry travel. My stock images are available for commercial use and I am available for commercial assignment work. I can stitch hi-resolution images to create huge files for big displays. This particular photograph was made from a single frame. Boston, MA https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/duck-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/duck-flight.jpg Duck Flight Several thousand ducks take flight as sandhill cranes observe. After things settled down a refuge volunteer explained that a bald eagle had flown over the ducks, causing quite a stir.  For several weeks in March, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is the most important resting and re-fueling stop on the Greater sandhill crane migration path. As many as 27,000 cranes travel from Bosque Del Apache NWR in New Mexico to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and back in spring and fall.  Monte Vista NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-winged-blackbird-in-song/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RWBB.jpg Red-winged Blackbird In Song  A red-winged blackbird male sings from his cattail perch in Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Agelaius phoeniceus Monte Vista NWR, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ranch-house-and-cottonwood-tree/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Medano-Ranch-BW.jpg Ranch House and Cottonwood Tree  A massive cottonwood tree frames the main ranch house at the historic Medano Ranch, an 1820's cattle ranch. Zapata Ranch is owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed by the Phillips family as a sustainable bison and cattle ranch adjoining Great Sand Dunes National Park. Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blanca-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Blanca-storm-BW.jpg Blanca Storm  A spring storm passes the Blanca group in the southern Sangre De Cristo Range as sun lights the base of the mountains. Lone cottonwoods in the San Luis Valley indicate an underground spring. San Luis Valley, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/james-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/James-View.jpg James View  A summit view from James Peak, aka "The James" on the last day of winter. Straddling the Continental Divide with Longs Peak (14,255') in Rocky Mountain National Park at the top of the frame, snowpack covers the top of the Rockies. Snowmelt that flows east (RH side of frame) is destined for the South Platte River Watershed, while snowmelt on the west flows to the Fraser River, the first tributary to join the mainstream of the Colorado River. But, water rights are complex, and 60% of Fraser River gets diverted to Denver for green lawns, a long-standing water fight for citizens of the Fraser Valley and the health of their river. There's a big water story in this frame. Where does your water come from? James Peak Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yellowstone-cutthroat-trout---greybull-r/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ystone-cut.jpg Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout - Greybull R  A beautiful Yellowstone cutthroat trout ready for release back to the Greybull River. The Greybull is the second most important fishery and habitat for the imperiled fish, behind Yellowstone Lake. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yellowstone-lake-dawn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/yellowstone-lake-SR.jpg Yellowstone Lake Dawn  Sunlight turns distant Mount Sheridan shades of pink at dawn on Yellowstone lake.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sheepshead-and-crew-iii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sheepshead-III.jpg Sheepshead and Crew III  The Sheepshead fishing boat and crew on Yellowstone lake with a backdrop of the Absaroka Range. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sheepshead-and-crew-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sheepshead-II.jpg Sheepshead and Crew II  The Sheepshead crew processing lake trout on Yellowstone lake. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sheepshead-and-crew/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sheepshead-I.jpg Sheepshead and Crew  The Sheepshead fishing boat and crew on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-in-trap/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-trap.jpg Lake Trout In Trap  Lake trout await processing in a fish trap on the Sheepshead boat. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-transmitter-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-trans-III.jpg Lake Trout Transmitter II  A transmitter is implanted in an invasive lake trout. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-transmitter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-trans-II.jpg Lake Trout Transmitter  A transmitter in implzanted in a lake trout female. Yellowstone N. P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/recording-data/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-trans-data.jpg Recording Data  Kole Stewart records the number on a transmitter before implantation in a lake trout female. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yelowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/surgical-tools-and-transmitter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-surg-tools.jpg Surgical Tools and Transmitter  Surgical tools and a transmitter ready to be implanted in a lake trout. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-surgery-ii-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-surg-III.jpg Lake Trout Surgery II  Brian Ertel of the NPS makes a precision cut in a lake trout before inbserting a transmitter. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-surgery-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-surg-II.jpg lake Trout Surgery II  Brian Ertel of the NPS performs surgery on an invasive lake trout while Jessica Dugar assists. The lake trout get a transmitter surgically implanted that will lead biologists to spawning grounds, where they can kill as many as possible. Lake trout have devestated the native Yellowstone cutthroat population. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-surgery/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LK-trout-surg-I.jpg Lake Trout Surgery  With an assist from Jessica Dugar, Brian Ertel of the NPS performs surgery to insert a transmitter in an invasive lake trout. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-stitch/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-stitch.jpg Lake Trout Stitch  Brian Ertel of the NPS stitches a lake trout after inserting a transmitter, while Jessica Dugar assists. Yellowstone N.P. lake trout removal project on Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-processing/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-sheepshead-deck-II.jpg Lake Trout Processing  The Sheepshead crew processes lake trout on Yellowstone Lake as part of the NPS lake trout removal project. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-head.jpg Lake Trout Closeup  A closeup view of an invasive lake trout that was netted in Yellowstone Lake. The NPS is working with several NGO's to obliterate the lake trout, which have devestated the native Yellowstone cutthroat population. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-trout-biomass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lk-trout-biomass.jpg Lake Trout Biomass  Male lake trout that will be returned to Yellowstone Lake for biomass enhancement. The invasive trout have devestated the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout population. The National Park Service and several NGO's are working collaboratively to oblterate as many lake trout as possible to save the Yellowstone cutthroat. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fishing-the-greybull-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/in-greybull-river.jpg Fishing The Greybull  Dave Sweet of Trout Unlimited casts for Yellowstone cutthroat trout on the Greybull River. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fishing-the-greybull-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/greybull-SC-II.jpg Fishing The Greybull II  Scott Cristensen of Greater Yellowstone Coalition casts for Yellowstone cutthroat trout on the Greybull River. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fishing-the-greybull/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/greybull-DS-II.jpg Fishing The Greybull  Dave Sweet of Trout Unlimited fishes for Yellowstone cutthroat trout on the upper Greybull River. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tying-one-on-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fly-tie-SC.jpg Tying One On II  Scott Cristensen of Greater Yellowstone Coalition ties on a fresh fly while fishing for imperiled Yellowstone cutthroat trout on the Greybull River. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fly-tie/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fly-tie-SC-II.jpg Fly Tie  Scott Cristensen of Greater Yellowstone Coalition ties one on while fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat trout on the Greybull River. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/labarge-field-produced-water/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LaBarge-produced-water.jpg LaBarge Field Produced Water  From the air these produced water holding ponds look like oddly out of place fountains. In reality, they hold produced water that has been pumped from natural gas wells. The water also includes the highly toxic chemical fracking fluid, including numerous cancer-causing chemicals. Aeration facilitates evaporation, leaving chemicals in the ponds. LaBarge Natural Gas Field, Wyoming. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-and-the-winds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-Winds.jpg Jonah and The Winds High density gas drilling operations in the Jonah Field contrast with the rugged Wind River Range.   Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-gas-yard-aerial/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-Gas-Yard.jpg Jonah Gas Yard Aerial  LightHawk pilot Chris Boyer flew me over the Jonah Field to document high density natural gas drilling in Sublette County. This drilling yard supports operations in the Jonah Natural Gas Field. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-gas-yard/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-Gas-Yard-II.jpg Jonah Gas Yard  This drilling yard supports the Jonah Natural Gas Field drilling operations. The Wind River Range is in the background. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-field-drill-pads/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-field-drill-pads.jpg Jonah Field Drill pads A new drill pad ready for drilling sits very close to an existing natural gas rig in an example of the high density drilling typical of tthe Jonah Field.   Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-field-cloud-shadow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-field-aerial.jpg Jonah Field Cloud Shadow A network of roads, drill pads, and compressor stations in the industrialized Jonah Field. The southern Wind River Range is in the upper part of the frame. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-compressor-station/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-compressor-st.jpg Jonah Compressor Station  A massive natural gas compressor station fills the foreground with drill pads beyond in the Jonah Field. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-cranes-and-wyoming-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sandhills-wy-range.jpg Sandhill Cranes and Wyoming Range  Sandhill cranes feed in a summer meadow with a backdrop of the mighty Wyoming Range. Greater sandhill cranes mate, nest, and raise their young in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem before migrating back to New Mexico for winter. This area could be heavily impacted by a proposed industrial gas field in the Upper Hoback River - Noble Basin. Grus canadensis Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-over-the-wyoming-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunset-over-Wyo-Range.jpg Sunset Over The Wyoming Range  Sunset breaks through storm clouds above the Wyoming range. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/noble-basin-overlook/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/noble-spotlight.jpg Noble Basin Overlook  Sunlight breaks through stubborn fog to reveal Noble Basin in the Wyoming Range. A 136 well natural gas industrial field is planned for the basin - the main access road would descend from the South Rim from left to right, and the Eagle One rig would be on the far right hand side. The plan is widely opposed by sportsmen's groups, recreationists, and conservationists.  Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wildflowers-above-noble-basin/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Noble-balsamroot.jpg Wildflowers Above Noble Basin  Balsamroot wildflowers provide a colorful foreground for Noble Basin, where the Upper Hoback River flows from the Wyoming Range. PXP of Houston proposes to build a 136 well industrialized natural gas field in Noble Basin, one of the most important wildlife corridors in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The plan is strongly opposed by sportsmen's groups, recreationists, and conservationists. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/balsamroot-in-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Noble-balsamroot-fog.jpg Balsamroot in Fog Balsamroot wildflowers and aspen on the South Rim in the Wyoming Range. This area is adjacent to the Upper Hoback and Noble Basin, where PXP proposes to drill 136 wells and create an industrial natural gas field.   Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pindale-anticline-mule-deer/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PDM-deer,-rig.jpg Pindale Anticline Mule Deer  Mule deer graze on a pile created by digging a produced water chemical holding pond. The Pinedale mule deer herd has declined by 60% since natural gas drilling started on their crucical winter range. Odocoileus hemionus Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-and-winds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PDM-sage-and-winds.jpg Sage and Winds  Sagebrush and the Wind River Range on Pinedale Mesa. This are is very close to heavy drilling and the ker-chunk, ker-chunk sound of drilling nver stops. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinedale-anticline-gas-rig/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pinedale-gas-rig.jpg Pinedale Anticline Gas Rig  A natural gas drilling rig in the Pindale Anticline Natural Gas Field near Pinedale, Wyoming. Drilling on crucial mule deer winter range has devastated the Pinedale mule deer herd, and impacted pronghorn and Greater Sage-grouse. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinedale-development-aerial-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pinedale-Development-aerial.jpg Pinedale Development Aerial View This aerial view north of Pinedale, Wyoming shows the residential development along the Upper Green River. The development overlaps part of the Path of The Pronghorn, the celebrated 6,000 year migration of pronghorn from Grand  Teton national Park to the Upper Green River Basin. The corridor is protected, but the pronghorn still face many obstacles on the 150 mile journey. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/new-fork-gas-drilling/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/New-Fork-Gas-Drilling.jpg New Fork Gas Drilling  Natural gas drilling along the New Fork River viewed from above while flying with LightHawk. One of the inherant risks of fracking, or hydraulic fracturing is contamination of water supplies. The New Fork is an important tributary of the Green River. This area is the southern Pinedale Anticline. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/la-barge-oil-and-gas-fields-aerial/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/La-Barge-Oil-and-Gas-Aerial.jpg La Barge Oil and Gas Fields Aerial  An aerial view of the industrial natural gas field in LaBarge, Wyoming. The ponds are produced water holding ponds with aeration "fountains" that facilitate evaporation, leaving the chemicals that have been pumped from the well bore.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jonah-gas-field-aerial/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Jonah-Aerial.jpg Jonah Gas Field Aerial  Roads, gas drilling pads, produced water ponds, and compressor stations fragment the land in this aerial view of the Jonah Natural Gas Field, near  Pinedale, Wyoming. The Jonah Field was the first mega-gas field opened with advances in fracking, or hydraulic fracturing drilling techniques. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/riley-ridge-gas-rig/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Gas-Rig-on-Riley-Ridge.jpg Riley Ridge Gas Rig  A natural gas drilling rig and service road in the alpine zone of the southern Wyoming Range. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fragmented-landscape/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Fractured-landscape.jpg Fragmented Landscape  Fragmented land in the LaBarge, Wyoming Gas Field. The network of roads and gas pads have rendered the land useless for anything but industrialized gas production. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wyoming-range-storm-light-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wyoming-range-storm-light-II.jpg Wyoming Range Storm Light II  I hiked to the summit of Lookout Peak for sunset while watching storms move south and east to the Wind River Range. High peaks of the Wyoming Range were sidelit just before sunset with ominous clouds approaching. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wyoming-range-storm-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Storm-Light-on-Wyoming-Range.jpg Wyoming Range Storm Light  I made this image just after take-off while photographing an aerial mission over the Wyoming Range with LightHawk. A morning thunderstorm had passed towards the Teton Range as sun broke through to light these mountain peaks.  Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-cranes-along-the-upper-green-ri/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sandhill along greenriver.jpg Sandhill Cranes Along the Upper Green Ri Greater sandhill cranes migrate from Bosque Del Apache in New Mexico to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in spring, where they mate, nest, and raise their young before migrating south. These two cranes were feeing in sagebrush in the Upper Green, near Green River Lakes. Grus canadensis  Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-mule-deer/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PDM-mule-deer-herd-winter.jpg Winter Mule Deer  On Pinedale Mesa in the Upper Green River Basin, natural gas drilling on crucial winter mule deer range has decimated the Pinedale mule deer herd. The decline is 60% over the last ten years and winter drilling continues 24-7. Odocoileus hemionus Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lookout-peak-cairn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Lookout-Peak-Cairn.jpg Lookout Peak Cairn  Lit by the last rays of a summer evening, this cairn is the only sign of human presence from the summit of Lookout Peak in the Wyoming Range. The view extends to the Wind River Range, across the Upper Green River Basin. Should the Noble Basin gas field be developed, this view would be obstructed by pollution, lights would be visible, and noise from the gas field and constant truck trips would destroy the wilderness character. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dave-willoughby-in-wyoming-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Dave-Willoughby-fog.jpg Dave Willoughby in Wyoming Range  Longtime Daniel, Wyoming resident Dave Willouby stands on a muddy two-track road near the South Rim that connects the Gros Ventre Range to the Wyoming Range. A 136 well industrial gas field proposed for the Noble Basin (where this road leads) would be served by thousands of heavy truck trips on a road paralleling this two track; converting wilderness into an industrial zone. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wyoming-range-gas-development/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Wyoming-Range-Gas-Development.jpg Wyoming Range Gas Development  This aerial view shows a natural gas and helium plant on Riley Ridge in the southern Wyoming range. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/la-barge-oil-and-gas-density/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/La-Barge-Oil-and-Gas-Density.jpg La Barge Oil and Gas Density  The aerial perspective shows a fractured landscape and spiderweb of roads in the LaBarge Gas Field. This landscape has been converted to a full-scale industrial zone that is only suitable for gas production.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/produced-water-ponds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Fracking-waste-ponds-aerial.jpg Produced Water Ponds  An aerial view of produced water ponds and a new gas drilling pad on the pInedale Anticline. The ponds will store fracking fluid that is pumped back out of the well bore.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rock-crab/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rock-crab.jpg Rock Crab  A crab clings to rock in heavy surf on the Pacific coast.  Playa Grande, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rainforest-waterfall/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/waterfall.jpg Rainforest Waterfall  A beautiful waterfall rushes through the rainforest near la Fortuna.  * This image is square. Please order prints by using the long side dimension - a 16x24 will be 24 x24". Near La Fortuna, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/vulcan-arenal-mist/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Vulcan-Arenal.jpg Vulcan Arenal Mist  Vulcan Arenal, a recently dormant volcano rises from the thick rainforest near the town of La Fortuna. Sightings of the 5,479 foot summit were rare during our visit. On this morning, thick clouds parted, then reclaimed the peak in a matter of minutes. Vulcan Arenal National Park, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rainforest-canopy/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Rainforest-canopy.jpg Rainforest Canopy Canopy tours are one of the most popular tourist activities in Costa Rica, and for good reason. You can hike on established trails and suspension bridges for a high in the rainforest perspective.   Near La Fortuna, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/playa-grande-fisherman-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Playa-Grande-Fisherman.jpg Playa Grande Fisherman Sunset A fisherman departs the Playa Grande  beach at sunset. The beach is part of Marino Las Baulas National Park, where endangered leatherback sea turtles dig nests and lay eggs from October to February. We were fortunate to witness the event with park biologists at high tide under a full moon, and watched in amazement as a 5 foot long turtle dug her nest and layed 82 eggs. Dermochelys coriacea Playa Grande, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/vulcan-arenal-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Marla-Arenal.jpg Vulcan Arenal View  Marla watches as clouds swirl around the summit of Vulcan Arenal (5,479'), a recently dormant volcano near La Fortuna. Vulcan Arenal National Park, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cerro-chato-hiking-trail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/laguna-cerro-chato.jpg Cerro Chato Hiking Trail  Marla hikes through dense rainforest on the steep, rugged, slippery Cerro Chato Trail. The trail leads to a lake in a dormant volcano. Near La Fortuna, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/arenal-rainforest-color/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/arenal-rainforest.jpg Arenal Rainforest Color  Rich colors in the lush rainforest at the base of Vulcan Arenal. Vulcan Arenal National Park, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/arenal-rainforest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Arenal-rainforest-II.jpg Arenal Rainforest  Lush rainforest along a hiking trail in Vulcan Arenal. Vulcan Arenal National Park, Costa Rica https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/buckaroos/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/buckaroos.jpg Buckaroos In full Western dress, these two future rodeo cowboys caufght my eye at the Cody Night Rodeo.  Cody Night Rodeo, Cody, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/legend-rock-petroglyph-panel-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Legend-V.jpg Legend Rock Petroglyph Panel Closeup  Dinwoody style petroglyphs are a signature of the Eastern Shoshone, perhaps Sheepeater Indians. The Legend Rock site near Hamilton Dome is one of the most important on the Absaroka Front and remains a sprititual site for Native Americans today. Legend Rock State Archeological Area, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/golden-eagle-taking-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Golden-eagle-I.jpg Golden Eagle Taking Flight  A golden eagle takes flight near Meeteetse, Wyoming. Golden eagles are quite common across the sagebrush ecosystem east of the Absaroka-Beartooth Front. Aquila chrysaetos Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/shoshone-river-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/n-fork-winter-grasses.jpg Shoshone River Winter  Grasses along the banks of the North Fork Of The Shoshone River still hold their autumn color during an early season snowstorm.  Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bald-eagle-in-snowstorm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/N-Fk-bald-eagle-II.jpg Bald Eagle In Snowstorm An adult bald eagle fishes from a skeleton tree over the North Fork of the Shoshone River in a snowstorm. Haliaeetus leucocephalus Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jim-mountain-spires/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/jim-mtn-spires.jpg Jim Mountain Spires  Volcanic breccia spires at the base of Jim Mountain catch golden morning light in North Fork Canyon. Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/carter-lenticular-cloud/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Carter-lenticular.jpg Carter Lenticular Cloud This massive lenticular cloud east of Carter Mountain foretells high winds on the Absaroka Front, a common occurrence.   Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/absaroka-white-tailed-deer/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/absaroka-WT.jpg Absaroka White-tailed Deer  A pair of white-tailed deer bound across grassland against a backdrop of the mighty Absaroka Mountain Range. Odocoileus virginianus Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bighorn-sheep-juvenile-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/BH-juvenile.jpg Bighorn Sheep Juvenile Portrait I was focused on bighorn rams during the autumn rut when this juvenile approached me and looked straight into my lens. Ovis canadensis Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-rider/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-Cody-Rodeo-bull.jpg Bull Rider  A bull fighter watches closely as a bull rider tests his skills at the Cody Night Rodeo. The night rodeo runs every night in summer, part of the cowboy culture in northwest Wyoming. Cody, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pronghorn-buck-and-doe/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/prong-buck-and-doe.jpg Pronghorn Buck and Doe  During autumn rut, this pronghorn buck herded a resistant doe back to his harem in McCullough Peaks. Antilocapra americana McCullough Peaks WSA, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grizzly-track/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bear-track.jpg Grizzly Track  My size 11 boot adds scale to a large rear grizzly bear track on the Pahaska Trail, near Yellowstone's eastern border. The Shoshone National Forest provides crucial habitat for Greater Yellowstone grizzlies.  Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mccullough-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-McCullough-WSA-SS.jpg McCullough Sunset  A summer sunset paints badlands of the McCullough Peaks gold.  McCullough Peaks WSA, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greybull-river-high-in-the-absarokas/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/greybull-river-GBP.jpg Greybull River, High In The Absarokas  Just below its headwaters, the Greybull River snakes between high peaks of the Absaroka Range. Greybull Pass is the vantage point. Washakie Wilderness Area, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/clarks-fork-canyon-mouth/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/clarks-mouth-sage.jpg Clark's Fork Canyon Mouth  Blooming rabbitbrush colors the foreground leading to foothills that rise from the sagebrush. Clark's Fork Canyon opens just to the right of the red rock in this image. Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/on-greybull-pass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/on-greybull-pass.jpg On Greybull Pass  Self expression on Greybull Pass, high in the Absaroka Mountain Range.  Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greybull-autumn-tundra/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/greybull-tundra-SR.jpg Greybull Autumn Tundra  Sunrise warms colorful alpine tundra in Brown Basin, along the Greybull Pass Trail. I hiked to the pass to view the headwaters of the Greybull River, one of the most important Yellowstone cutthroat trout streams in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/absaroka-morning-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB Absaroka mtn layers aerial.jpg Absaroka Morning Light The aerial perspective reveals layers of Absaroka Mountains in golden early morning light. Washakie Wilderness Area, Wyoming. Greater Yellowstone Coalition and International League of Conservation Photographers "Tripods In The Mud" campaign to protect the Absaroka-Beartooth Front in the Greater Yellowstone Region of Wyoming. LightHawk Aerial Support. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/heart-mountain-shadows/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-Heart-shadows.jpg Heart Mountain Shadows Evening shadows and rolling sagebrush surrounding Heart Mountain, an icon of the A-B Front. The Nature Conservancy's Heart Mountain Preserve protects much of the area around the mountain and allows passage to Heart's lofty summit. Park County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elk-on-carter-mountain-tundra/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-elk-aerial.jpg Elk on Carter Mountain Tundra  Elk graze on lush tundra vegetation on Carter Mountain in this aerial view. Cervus elaphus LightHawk Aerial Support. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/beartooth-tundra-flowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Beartooth-flowers.jpg Beartooth Tundra Flowers Redstem cinquefoil wildflowers color the alpine tundra bright yellow on Beartooth Pass. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ice-lakes-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ice-lakes-SR.jpg Ice Lakes Sunrise The Golden Horn (13,765') and Pilot Knob (13,738') cast a brilliant sunrise reflection in one of the Ice Lakes. San Juan National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dolores-peak-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Delores-from-wilson-pk.jpg Dolores Peak View  The view to Dolores Peak (13,290') from the summit of Wilson Peak (14,017'). Lizard Head Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rock-of-ages-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gladstone_MW-SR.jpg Rock of Ages Morning  Morning light breaks through clouds just after sunrise and grazes the flank of Gladstone Peak (13,913') and Mount Wilson's summit. (14,246') The vantage point is Rock of Ages Saddle, on a climb of Wilson Peak. Lizard Head Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kilpacker-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Kilpacker-SS.jpg Kilpacker Sunset  Sunset from a high meadow in the Kilpacker Basin. Lizard Head Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kilpacker-forest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Kilpacker-forest.jpg Kilpacker Forest  Dense spruce-pine forest on a misty day along the Kilpacker trail.  Lizard Head Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ice-lake-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ice-lks-refl.jpg Ice Lake Reflection  Pilot Knob (13,738') is reflected in the impossibly blue Ice Lake - Ice Lakes Basin. San Juan National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/el-diente-gendarmes/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ED-detail-SS.jpg El Diente Gendarmes  Gendarmes guard El Diente Peak's (14,159') summit and catch warm sunset light. El Diente, which means "the tooth" is Colorado's most western 14er, with nothing to block the setting sun. Lizard Head Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/climbing-wilson-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wilson-pk-climbers.jpg Climbing Wilson Peak  Annie Goodwin leads Marla and Mike Goodwin through a section of class 3 climbing (with some class 4 thrown in) in a notch near Wilson Peak's summit. Wilson Peak (14,017) is one of three 14ers in the Lizard Head Wilderness.  Lizard Head Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/the-sawtooth-and-mount-evans/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sawtooth-evans.jpg The Sawtooth and Mount Evans  Sunset light warms The Sawtooth while 14,264' Mount Evans makes an imposing silhouette as the backdrop. A small portion of the Mount Bierstadt trail can be seen making a right-hand turn in the foreground. Although Evans and Bierstadt are probably the two most popular 14'ers, the area is deserted in the evening. Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/glacier-lillies/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Snowy-Range-glacier-lillies.jpg Glacier Lillies  Among the first wildflowers to emerge after the snowpack melts, glacier lillies signal that warm summer days aren't far off.  Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/medicine-bow-peak-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/MBpkSS.jpg Medicine Bow Peak Sunset  Last light on Medicine Bow Peak from the trail that traverses a high ridge on the west side of the range. From the west, the Snowy range mountains look very different from vertical faces typically viewed from the east side.  Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowy-range-sunrise-at-lookout-lake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lookout SR.jpg Snowy Range Sunrise at Lookout lake  Warm morning light paints the high peaks of the Snowy Range from Lookout Lake. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lookout-lake-ice/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lookout lake ice.jpg Lookout Lake Ice  Gold reflected from the high peaks of the Snowy Range is juxtaposed against early summer ice still lingering on Lookout Lake.  Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ice-patterns-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ice-patterns-II.jpg Ice Patterns II  Snow fingers and ice carress a Snowy range reflection in a small patch of open water on Lake Marie. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ice-patterns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ice-patterns.jpg Ice Patterns  An ice abstract image on Lake Marie with just enough Snowy Range reflection to look like stained glass in nature. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/old-main-detail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/old-main-detail.jpg Old Main Detail  A heavy snowpack still clings to the rock faces on the eastern flanks of the Snowy Range.  Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-tarn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Tarn-sunset-refl.jpg Sunset Tarn  An unnamed tarn reflects sunset light in early July. The forest near timberline still holds a remarkable snowpack well into summer. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowy-range-sunrise-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Snowy-Rng-SR-clouds.jpg Snowy Range Sunrise Clouds  Puffy pink clouds drift over the Snowy Range high peaks as first light grazes the ridge tops. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowy-range-rock-face/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rock-face.jpg Snowy Range Rock Face  The vertical eastern face of the Snowy range catches early morning light in July. Although the Snowy Range isn't tall by Rocky Mountain standards, the vertical rise from the lakes to the east is very impressive. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/medicine-bow-east-face/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/MedBow-E-face-snow.jpg Medicine Bow East Face  July snow on the east face of Medicine Bow Peak. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lake-marie-ice-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LK-marie-ice-refl-II.jpg Lake Marie Ice Reflection  Old Main and the face of the Snowy range reflected in Lake Marie ice, early July. Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/burrowing-owl-stretch/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMA-Bowl-stretch.jpg Burrowing Owl Stretch  A female Western burrowing owl stretches her wing while perched on a prairie dog burrow. I photographed this owl from a blind while hoping her young would emerge from the burrow for the first time this spring. Athene cunicularia Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/clouds-over-tre-cime/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-tre-cime-BW.jpg Clouds Over Tre Cime Clouds swirl around Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, or "Three Peaks of Lavaredo" in the Dolomite Alps. These iconic peaks formed the border of Italy and Austria until 1919 and were a battleground in World War One. Today, they are the backdrop for numerous Giro D' Italia finishes and a famous climbing and trekking location. Cima Grande, 2,999 meters is the center peak, and is flanked by Cima Piccola, 2,857 meters, and Cima Ovest, 2,973 meters.  Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-rocks-spillway/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Red-Rocks-Spillway-III.jpg Red Rocks Spillway  Thick, steel-bellied clouds hovered over the Front Range in a period of heavy rain and the Red Rocks sandstone took on rich colors in these conditions. With so much rainfall, spillways that normally look like desert varnish were running over sandstone, adding to the spring drama.  Red Rocks Park, Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winds-horses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winds-horses.jpg Winds Horses A band of feral horses in rolling sagebrush of  the Jack Morrow Hills are backed by the magnificent southern Wind River Range. Oregon Buttes Wilderness Study Area, Wyoming. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-and-sand/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sage-and-sand.jpg Sage and Sand  Patterns of sagebrush and sand under an azure summer sky in the Killpecker Sand Dunes, northern Red Desert, Wyoming. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-mountain-petroglyph/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WM-petroglyph.jpg White Mountain Petroglyph An elk or deer petroglyph carved in stone at the White Mountain Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Northern Red Desert, Wyoming.  Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-desert-autumn-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/white-mountain-boars.jpg Red Desert Autumn Storm  Low clouds obscure the Boar's Tusk, marking the transition to autumn. White Mountain adds texture to the foreground. Northern Red Desert, near Rock Springs, WY Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stone-patterns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/stone pattern.jpg Stone Patterns  Stones, sand, and lichen form interesting patterns in Adobe Town, southern Red Desert, Wyoming. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/south-pass-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/south-pass-sunset.jpg South Pass Sunset Pacific Butte, in the Jack Morrow Hills, provides the vantage point for this  view of sunset light on South Pass and the southern Wind River Range. Oregon Buttes Wilderness Study Area, WY. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/adobe-town-morning-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/adobetownmorning.jpg Adobe Town Morning Soft morning light highlights the rugged landscape in Adobe Town, located in Wyoming's southern Red Desert. The golden aster bloom  is a sign of late spring. Sweetwater County, Wyoming Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/oregon-buttes-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Oregon-Buttes-sunrise.jpg Oregon Buttes Sunrise A magenta sunrise lights the Oregon Buttes from a blooming stand of healthy sagebrush in the Jack Morrow Hills. The Oregon Buttes Wilderness Study Area is unlike any place I've been - as wild as I see the West in my mind's eye. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/oregon-buttes-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/OR-Buttes-sunset-tree.jpg Oregon Buttes Sunset  The last light of the day warms Atlantic Butte and a skelton tree on top of Pacific Butte in the Oregon Buttes Wilderness Study Area. Jack Morrow Hills, northern Red Desert. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/killpecker-patterns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/killpecker patterns.jpg Killpecker Patterns Corduroy sand patterns under a blue sky - Killpecker Sand Dunes in the northern Red Desert. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/killpecker-dunes-and-boars-tusk/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Killpecker Dunes and Boars.jpg Killpecker Dunes and Boar's Tusk Sand patterns lead to the  Boar's Tusk, an icon of the West and the northern Red Desert.  Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/boars-tusk-and-dunes/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Boars Tusk and Killpecker SD.jpg Boar's Tusk and Dunes Golden morning light crosses the Killpecker Sand Dunes and lights the Boar's Tusk, an iconic feature in the American West. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/burrowing-owl-in-brush/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/burrowing-owl-in-brush.jpg Burrowing Owl in Brush An adult burrowing owl uses the brush surrounding his burrow as a high perch near Killpecker Sand Dunes in the northern Red Desert. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-patterns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sage-patterns.jpg Sage Patterns  Late afternoon light highlight sagebrush hills and contours in thge landscape of the Gros Ventre River Valley. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-and-sky/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/N-Park-Grand-Sage.jpg Sage and Sky  Cloud patterns over sagebrush hills on a blustery spring day in North Park.  North Park, Jackson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/green-river-sunset-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/green-river-sunset.jpg Green River Sunset  Pink Clouds over the Upper Green River and Wind River Range near Warren Bridge. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pawnee-spring-green/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pawnee-spring-green.jpg Pawnee Spring Green  A spring sunset casts golden light on bluffs over the verdant green spring prairie. The Pawnee grassland is characterized by bluffs that are remanant of an ancient inland sea. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-on-yuma-sandhills/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Wray-sandhills.jpg Sunset on Yuma Sandhills On a spring evening, the last warm sunset light grazes sandhills on a private ranch near Wray, Colorado. This area borders one of the main leks for Greater prairie chicken.  Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rocxborough-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/roxborough-autumn.jpg Rocxborough Autumn Gambel oak  and red sandstone formations in a colorful autumn scene. Roxborough State Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bohart-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bohart-sr.jpg Bohart Sunrise  Warm sunrise light in late autumn highlights the texture of yucca and native blue grama grasses on The Nature Conservancy's Bohart Ranch. Distant Pike's Peak marks the boundary of mountain and plain. Bohart Ranch, El Paso County, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fox-ranch-sunrise--tnc-fox-ranch-co/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fox-sunrise.jpg Fox Ranch Sunrise ~ TNC Fox Ranch, CO  A pastel sunrise over the Ogallala cap on The Nature Conservancy's Fox Ranch in northeast Colorado.  Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/summer-diorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-summer-diorama.jpg Summer Diorama  I was commissioned to make this large summer diorama for the new LEED Gold visitor center at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, in Commerce City, Colorado. This 11 x 16 1/2 foot diorama includes the Denver skyline for reference, an important element for our premier urban refuge. I traveled all over the refuge looking for the right location before deciding that this area, with verdant sand sage and warm season native grasses would be perfect for the summer mural. The size is the same ratio as 35mm, so I was able to make in camera test shots to see what the final composition would look like. I used my DSLR to create two rows of 12 images and later used Photoshop to stitch all of the high resolution images into one giant raw file. The file was cropped to size and adjusted to match the rich colors that I saw in the field as first light painted the grassland and distant skyline. I then used OnOne Software's Genuine Fractals program to up-res the image to it's massive size. As I recall, it took about 12 hours to send the file to the developer via FTP. It's quite gratifying to see the two murals in the newly completed visitor center.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-diorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-fall-mural.jpg Bison Diorama  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR will open their new LEED Gold visitor center on May 21, 2011. I contributed many images to the exhibits, including two murals that I was commissioned to make for the larger exhibits. This fall diorama is 11 x 26 feet and is the first thing that visitors see when entering the building. I was told that the exhibit and backdrop would be the showcase for the premier refuge visitor center in the region and I'm proud that it turned out so well.  I made the diorama with twelve vertical images that I later stitched with Photoshop in my home studio. Once I had the raw image assembled, I made a number of contrast and color adjustments to make the image look good with nice saturation of the autumn grasses. The image was made with a lot of sky for the Teddy Roosevelt quote, something I planned for in the field. Things got really interesting when I used OnOne Software's Genuine Fractals to up-res the image to the giant size. I reduced the resolution from 300 dpi to 100 dpi to effectively triple the image size before up-res. My Mac Pro computer churned and too some time to output this massive file that I previewed on a 23" display. It's quite gratifying to see the final product. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-collaring-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSGBrookeJessFem.jpg Gunnison Sage-Grouse Collaring II Jessica Divens and Brooke Palmer of the Colorado Division of Wildlife attach a telemetry collar to a female Gunnison Sage-grouse. The bird was then loaded into a holding box for transfer to a satellite lek.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pre-dawn-gunnison-sage-grouse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-males-predawn.jpg Pre-Dawn Gunnison Sage-grouse  Male Gunnison sage-grouse display in pre-dawn darkness on a satellite lek in San Miguel County. This particular lek has been heavily affected by predation and is in steady decline.  Centrocercus minimus San Miguel County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grouse-transfer/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-maleBox.jpg Grouse Transfer  Jessica Divens and Brooke Palmer of the Colorado Division of Wildlife load a male Gunnison Sage-grouse for transfer to a satellite lek. The staellite populations outside of Gunnison Basin are in steady decline. Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-male/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-male-port-trap.jpg Gunnison Sage-grouse Male  A beautiful male Gunnison Sage-grouse night portrait - the grouse was trapped by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for relocation to a satellite lek that is in decline.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/night-trapping/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-Jessnet.jpg Night Trapping Jessica Divens of the Colorado Division of Wildlife sets out with a large net for Gunnison Sage-grouse trapping. The grouse are trapped near a lek in spring for transfer to a satellite lek. Centrocercus minimus  Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-fight-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-fight1.jpg Gunnison Sage-grouse Fight  Gunnison Sage-grouse males fight in a territorial dispute on private land near Gunnison, Colorado. This particular lek is in a cow pasture that is surrounded by sage-covered hills.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-relocation/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-femBox.jpg Gunnison Sage-Grouse Relocation  A female Gunnison Sage-grouse is placed in a box for transfer to a satellite lek. The satellite leks outside of Gunnison Basin are in steady decline.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-male-display/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-display.jpg Gunnison Sage-grouse Male Display  A male Gunnison Sage-grouse displays for a nearby female on private land near Gunnison, Colorado. Many of the imperiled grouse visit private lands during lekking season, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative effort to save the species.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/collaring-a-male-gunnison-sage-grouse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-collMale.jpg Collaring a Male Gunnison Sage-Grouse  Technicians Jessica Divens and Brooke Palmer of the Colorado Division of Wildlife fit a male Gunnison Sage-grouse with a telemetry collar for relocation to a satellite lek. Satellite leks outside of Gunnison Basin are in steady decline.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/collaring-a-female-gunnison-sage-grouse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-collFem-II.jpg Collaring a Female Gunnison Sage-Grouse  Technicians Brooke Palmer and Jessica Divens of the Colorado Division of Willdlife collar a Gunnison Sage-grouse for relocation to a satellite lek. The satellite leks outside of Gunnison Basin are in steady decline.  Centrocercus minimus Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-basin-storms/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gunnison-basin-storms.jpg Gunnison Basin Storms  Spring storms track along high mountain ridges near Monarch Pass in this spring view from "W" Mountain. The vast sagebrush landscape of the basin is habitat for Gunnison Sage-grouse, one of the most endangered birds in North America.  Gunnison County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gunnison-sage-grouse-fight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GuSG-fight-II.jpg Gunnison Sage-grouse Fight  Male Gunnison Sage-grouse fight on a lek during mating season. I was photographing from a blind on a private ranch as a guest of the Gunnison Sage-grouse working group. Centrocercus mimimus are one of the most endangered birds in North America and designated "warranted, but precluded" from protection under the Endangered Species Act.  Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-cranes-in-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SHC-cranes-flight.jpg Sandhill Cranes In Flight  A flock of Greater sandhill cranes lifts off in early morning for a short flight to feeding grounds. San Luis Valley and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge provide crucial habitat for rest and re-fueling along the spring migration path. Grus canadensis San Luis Valley, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-crane-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SHC-vert-flt.jpg Sandhill Crane Flight  A Greater sandhill crane banks in mid-flight near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Roughly 27,000 of the 80,000 bird population pass through the San Luis Valley on their migration path in March. Grus canadensis San Luis Valley, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-cranes-roost-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SHC-roost-flight-II.jpg Sandhill Cranes Roost Flight  Greater sandhill cranes return to roost in fading evening light. More than a quarter of the global population travels through the San Luis Valley to rest and fuel up on their spring migration. Grus canadensis San Luis Valley, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-cranes-over-blanca-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SHC-Blanca-SR-II.jpg Sunrise Cranes Over Blanca Peak Greater Sandhill Cranes lift off at sunrise en-route to feeding grounds. Blanca Peak and Little Bear Peak provide a gorgeous backdrop from an area near Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Roughly 27,000 of the 80,000 Greater sandhill cranes pass through the San Luis Valley on their spring migration. San Luis Valley, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gold-and-blue-blanca-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Zapata-blanca-grass.jpg Gold and Blue Blanca Peak Warm evening light turns the high desert San Luis grassland gold before the high fourteeners - Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak, and Ellingwood Point. The Nature Conservancy's Zapata Ranch is coniguous with Great Sand Dunes National Park and managed as a working bison ranch using holistic, sustainable practices.  Zapata Ranch, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sandhill-flight---face-of-the-sangres/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SHC-crestones-SR.jpg Sandhill Flight - Face of The Sangres Greater sandhill cranes lift off at sunrise and traverse the face of Crestone Peak and Kit Carson Mountain. More than a quarter of the global population of Greater sandhill cranes pass through the San Luis Valley during spring migration. San Luis Valley, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sand-dunes-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GSD-sunset.jpg Sand Dunes Sunset  With storm clouds hovering over the high peaks and obscuring Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, sunset turns the grassland and sand dunes shades of maroon and ochre.  Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/daniel-station/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Daniel-station.jpg Daniel Station This treasure from the past is on the main drag in tiny Daniel, Wyoming. Daniel is in Sublette County, northwest of Pinedale. In case you're wondering, gas was 37 cents. Daniel, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/maroon-bells-reflection-in-monochrome/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Maroon-Bells-reflectionBW.jpg Maroon Bells Reflection In Monochrome  The classic Maroon Bells scene converted to black and white. At peak fall color, the aspen grove at the end of Maroon Lake adds contrast to the forest below the peaks.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/boston-mine-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/boston-mine-bw.jpg Boston Mine Winter  Five or six feet of powder fill the ruins like sand at Boston Mine. This was the most snow we've ever seen in Mayflower Gulch and it was snowing when I made this image. A jagged ridgeline of the Tenmile range is etched into a low cloudbank. Summit County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/thamserku-over-portse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ThamaserkuPortseBW.jpg Thamserku Over Portse The scale of Thamserku's vertical rise is evident when using the tiny village of Portse for scale. Every afternoon of our Khumbu trek, clouds would roll in and completely obscure the mountains in minutes.  Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/common-mergansers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMAmergansers.jpg Common Mergansers  A male common merganser leads the female in a meandering trip around Lake Derby. Mergansers are fish-eating diving ducks.  Mergus merganser Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/teton-mountain-wave/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Grand-Teton-Cloud-BW.jpg Teton Mountain Wave  An autumn mountain wave cloud curls over the rugged Grand Teton and Teewinot Mountain at right. The Grand Teton stands 13,775 feet and towers over Jackson Hole. It is rightfully one of the most photographed mountains in North America. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bierstadt-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bierstadt-SR.jpg Bierstadt Sunrise A colorful summer sunrise over Mount Bierstadt, 14,060' is reflected in alpine tarns to the west. We were hiking up Squaretop Mountain when I stopped to make this image.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/evans-elk-above-timberline/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/evans-elk-mtn-ridges.jpg Evans Elk Above Timberline  A large herd of elk, or wapiti congregate in an alpine wetland high in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Elk are frequently seen on this tundra plateau south of Sumit Lake throughout summer, feeding on lush, nutritous plant life. Smoke from nearby forest fires filled up valleys between ridges, adding to the layered landscape.  Cervus elaphus Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/banded-burrowing-owl-chick/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-BO-holding.jpg Banded Burrowing Owl Chick A staff biologist shows proper handling of a newly-banded burrowing owl chick. The birds were trapped and banded, measured, weighed, and had blood drawn for West Nile Disease testing. It was discovered that although they were carrying West Nile, the RMA burrowing owls had developed immunity to the disease. Western burrowing owls are a threated species in Colorado. Athene cunicularia   Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-tailed-fawn-with-collar/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-fawn-w-collar.jpg White-tailed Fawn With Collar  Just released after collaring, a white-tailed deer fawn gains his balance and makes an unsteady escape. The collaring study determined that an increase in mortality was due to coyote predation. Coyote numbers on the refuge are very difficult to track. Odocoileus virginianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/collared-white-tailed-fawn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-fawn-in-bag.jpg Collared White-tailed Fawn  A newly-collared fawn is readied for release by an RMA biologist. Gloves are worn to avoid transferring human scent to the animal, which would make it more susceptible to predation. Odocoileus virginianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kestrel-blood-draw/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/kestrel-blood-draw.jpg Kestrel Blood Draw A biologist draws blood of a juvenile American kestrel for West Nile testing. The results were negative.  Falco sparverius Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-wave-cloud/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flatirons-wave-cloud.jpg Winter Wave Cloud  Wave clouds are frequently seen along the foothills-prairie interface of the Front Range. I was situated to photograph Boulder's Flatirons and watched wave clouds rapidly change shape and direction, foretelling a shift in the weather pattern. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-burn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PV-winter-burn.jpg Winter Burn  Skeletons in a burned pine forest stand in stark contrast to the snow scene in ponderosa savannah. Fire is an important element in grassland ecology. Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-snow-scene/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PV-Deer-in-snow-scene.jpg Mule Deer Snow Scene  A pair of mule deer does pause while browsing along South Boulder Creek to observe the photographer on a remarkable winter morning.  Odocoileus hemionus Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flatirons-and-tall-grass-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flatirons-and-grass-winter.jpg Flatirons and Tall Grass Winter  Native tall grass is painted gold by morning light below the Flatirons in Chautauqua Park meadow. The grassland along the Flatirons is one of the largest remaining xeric tall grass prairies in the world. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-ponderosa/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-winter-ponderosa.jpg Winter Ponderosa  A thick coat of snow and hoar frost covers every needle and branch of north-facing ponderosa pine. Snow is usually short-lived and chased by the sun in the foothill/prairie interface along the Front Range. White Ranch Park, Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-ponderosa-forest-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-winter-ponderosa-forest-.jpg Winter Ponderosa Forest  On a sub-zero evening, north-facing ponderosa pines line up at meadow's edge carrying a thick coat of snow and hoar frost.  White Ranch Park, Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-bison-panorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-winter-pano-web.jpg Winter Bison Panorama  Temperatures well below zero suit bison just fine - they've evolved to handle the extreme cold and heat of the shortgrass prairie. The RMA herd has grown to around 50 animals and I count 33 stretched out in this image on a morning when the wind chill was -31F. Bos bison larger image here * Because this is a long panorama, please contact me for special print pricing. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/windblown-prairie-grasses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winblown-grasses-TBNG.jpg Windblown Prairie Grasses  Canada rye grass bends in hot summer winds just before sunset on the grassland. An unusually wet summer painted the prairie in lush green, an illusion in the unyielding dry July heat. I made this image while on assignment for All Animals Magazine, photographing the first relocation of prairie dogs from private to public lands.  Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/trapped-black-tailed-prairie-dogs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pdogs-in-cages.jpg Trapped Black-tailed Prairie Dogs  Prairie dogs are trapped and quickly loaded into a pickup for transfer to the relocation site. This relocation was the first ever from private to public lands and is a successful collaboration of the USFS, private land owners, and NGO's. The entire colony would have been poisoned by the landowner. Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-dog-observation/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/JP-survey-2.jpg Prairie Dog Observation Jonathan Proctor of Defenders of Wildlife observes black-tailed prairie dogs in their acclimation cage on the release site. The Thunder Basin relocation was the first ever  from private to public lands and spared this colony death by poisoning. Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-tailed-prairie-dog-by-trap/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BTPD-by-trap-2.jpg Black-tailed Prairie Dog By Trap  The acclimation process for relocation includes allowing enough time for the trap to become part of the prairie landscape. This colony was relocated to public land and spared death by poisoning. Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/upper-green-evening-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Upper-Green-Evening-Light.jpg Upper Green Evening Light  The mighty Green River takes a serpentine path through open ranchland on the wild side of the Upper Green River Basin. Recent conservation easements with ranchers have protected important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including the Pronghorn National Migration Corridor.   Aerial support provided by LightHawk. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-sage-grouse-release/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GSG Collaring Release.jpg Greater Sage Grouse Release Technician Ron Grogan releases a Greater sage grouse hen after attaching a telemetry collar. Western Wildlife Consultants is studying the imapcts of natural gas drilling on sage grouse populations. This sage grouse lek is in close proximity to an active industrial scale natural gas field. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-sage-grouse-collaring/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GSG collaring 4.jpg Greater Sage Grouse Collaring A Greater sage grouse hen is fitted with a telemetry collar and ready for release on the Pinedale Anticline, Wyoming. Trapping and collaring is done near an active lek at night and the birds can be viewed on the lek just a few hours later. Western Wildlife Consultants is studying the impacts of natural gas drilling on Greater sage grouse populations. Centrocercus urophasianus Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-and-gas-equipment/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PDM-deer-and-gas-equip.jpg Mule Deer and Gas Equipment  A mule deer herd contrasts with industrial natural gas equipment on Pinedale Mesa. The Pinedale Mesa mule deer herd uses the Mesa for crucial winter range to survive the harsh winter. The herd has suffered a 60% population decline since 2001, 30% in the last year when winter drilling started. Odocoileus hemionus Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinedale-mesa-winter-drilling-rig/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pinedale-Mesa-Winter-Drilling.jpg Pinedale Mesa Winter Drilling Rig  Brightly lit gas rigs in pre-dawn fog on the Pinedale Mesa, where it's never truly dark. The recent decision to allow drilling on mule deer winter range is attributed to a decline of 30% of the Pinedale mule deer herd last year. The herd poulation is down 60% since 2001.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-sage-grouse-on-lek/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GSG-male-and-female.jpg Greater Sage Grouse on Lek  A male Greater sage grouse displays for a female during lekking, or mating season. Sage grouse carry on the elaborate mating ritual from around late March to early May, often in foul weather. Considered an umbrella, or keystone species for the health of the sagebrush ecosystem, the Greater sage grouse is "warranted, but precluded" from ESA protection. Centrocercus urophasianus Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-dog-mortality/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BTPD-mortality.jpg Prairie Dog Mortality  These black-tailed prairie dogs that suffocated during relocation were cause of concern in the relocation team, but turned out to be the only deaths. The Thunder Basin relocation was a collaborative effort of the USFS, private landowners, and numerous NGO's. The entiure colony was relocated and would otherwise have all been poisoined by the landowner.  Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/team-transfer---prairie-dog-relocation/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/team-transfer-V.jpg Team Transfer - Prairie Dog Relocation  L to R: Kristy Bly (WWF), Jonathan Proctor (Defenders), Misty Hayes (USFS), and Lindsey Sterling-Krank (HSUS) move black-tailed prairie dogs to acclimation cages at the relocation site. An entire prairie dog colony was spared death by poisoning in this collaborative first-time project to move prairie dogs from private to public land.  Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/setting-prairie-dog-traps/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/setting-traps-JP-3.jpg Setting Prairie Dog Traps  Jonathan Proctor of Defenders of Wildlife baits a prairie dog trap before dawn. The Thunder Basin relocation involved a consortium of USFS, private land owners, and NGO's for the first relocation from private to public lands. An entire colony would have been poisoned.  Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/walking-the-relocation-site/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/relocation-site-KB-LSK.jpg Walking the Relocation Site  Kristy Bly of World Wildlife Fund and Lindsey Sterling-Krank of HSUS walk the Thunder Basin relocation site. The black-tailed prairie dog relocation in July, 2010 was the first time prairie dogs have been moved from private to public land and saved an entire colony from poisoning. Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/relocating-a-prairie-dog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LSK-w-BTPD.jpg Relocating a Prairie Dog  Lindsey Sterling-Krank of HSUS displays a black-tailed prairie dog ready for release at the groundbreaking Thunder basin relocation. The relocation prevented poisoning of an entire colony and was the first time priaire dogs were moved from private to public lands. The USFS joined with HSUS, Defenders, WWF, and Biodiversity Conservation Alliance for the Thunder Basin project. Cynomys ludovicianus Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-pair-in-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison pairv2.jpg Bison Pair In Autumn  Golden autumn grass surround a bull and cow bison. The moment passed like a thought and the bison went back to their routine of eating grass. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prickly-poppy-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/prickly-poppy-closeup.jpg Prickly Poppy Closeup  A macro clseup view into a native prickly poppy flower on the Colorado shortgrass prairie. Each year, it seems these large white blooms catch me off-guard after the long wait through a fickle spring.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-grass-and-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/prairie-grass-and-fog---rma.jpg Prairie Grass and Fog  Lush late summer prairie grasses are the cool foreground for this foggy summer scene near Lake Ladora.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/nine-burrowing-owl-chicks/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/nine-burrowing-owl-chicks.jpg Nine Burrowing Owl Chicks  A large brood of burrowing owl chicks survey the Colorado shortgrass prairie for the first time. Broods of this size are uncommon and some attribute the size of the hatch to available food supply. The Western burrowing owl is a threatened species in Colorado. Athene cunicularia Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cottonwoods-and-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cottonwoods-&-fog-.jpg Cottonwoods and Fog  Cottonwood Trees in a perfect line are the only reminder of this early 1900's homestead. The farmers who homesteaded this land were evicted for bomb building during World War II.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cottonwood-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cottonwood-sunset.jpg Cottonwood Sunset Silhouetted shapes of cottonwood trees against a pale winter sunset over the Front Range.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cormorants-and-foggy-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cormorants-&-sunrise-fog.jpg Cormorants and Foggy Sunrise  Double-crested cormorants are silhouetted in a cottonwood tree on a foggy summer morning. These great diving "fishermen" are residents at the Refuge from spring through early fall. Phalacrocorax auritus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-bull-head-on/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bull-bison-head-on.jpg Bison Bull Head-On This imposing bull bison let me know that I was close enough. Bison, a keystone species were reintroduced on the Colorado prairie in 2007 at RMA after a 125 year absence. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-tailed-prairie-dog-eating-grass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BTPD-eating-grass.jpg Black-tailed Prairie Dog Eating Grass  A very healthy-looking black-tailed prairie dog feeds on grass near a burrow on the shortgrass prairie. In spite of their "Species of Special Concern" and keystone species status in Colorado, prairie dogs are still used for target practice. Cynomys ludovicianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-tailed-prairie-dog-eating-grass-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BTPD-eating-grass-II.jpg Black-tailed Prairie Dog Browsing  A very healthy-looking black-tailed prairie dog eats grass around his burrow in late autumn. All five species of prairie dogs are imperiled. The black-tailed prairie dog is classified as a species of concern in Colorado and is still used for target practice.  Cynomys ludovicianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blue-grama-tapestry/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blue-grama-late-summer-colors.jpg Blue Grama Tapestry  Native blue grama grass in a late summer shortgrass prairie tapestry. The transition to warm autumn hues of gold and red is a magical time on the grassland.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blue-grama-seed-heads/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blue-grama-II.jpg Blue Grama Seed Heads  Native blue grama grass, heavy with late summer seed catched early morning light. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-licking-calf/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-licking-calf.jpg Bison Licking Calf  A cow bison licks her spring calf, who seems to enjoy the attention. Bison were reintroduced to the Colorado prairie at RMA in 2007 after a 125 year absence. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pair-of-burrowing-owl-chicks/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/2-B-owl-chicks.jpg Pair of Burrowing Owl Chicks  A handsome pair of burrowing chicks perch on their abandoned prairie dog "natal" burrow in early morning light. Western burrowing owls are a threatened species in Colorado.    Athene cunicularia Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/frosty-northern-harrier/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/N-harrier-hoar-frost.jpg Frosty Northern Harrier  Hoar frost covers the cottonwood perch of a male Northern harrier on a sub-zero winter morning.  Circus cyaneus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/meadowlark-song/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/meadowlark-singing.jpg Meadowlark Song  A male Eastern meadowlark sings a beautiful melody from a mullein, the tallest plant (non-native) on his patch of grassland. The Front Range prairie is at the western edge of the Eastern meadowlark's range, and also populated by Western meadowlark. Sturnella magna Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ladora-winter-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ladora-SR.jpg Ladora Winter Sunrise  Lake Ladora's open water and ice amplify the remarkable color of this winter sunrise. Canada geese silhouettes occupy the ice in the lower center with cottonwoods marking the water's edge.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hognose-snake-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/hognose.jpg Hognose Snake Closeup  The Western hognose snake is native a Colorado shortgrass prairie native. Heterodon nasicus has markings similar to the Western rattlesnake, but is harmless.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/green-darner-dragonfly/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/green-darner-dragonfly1.jpg Green Darner Dragonfly  Wings wet with morning dew, a green darner dragonfly waits for morning sun along the shores of Lake Mary to fly.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-merlin/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/female-merlin.jpg Winter Merlin  A female prairie merlin finds a low perch on the shortgrass prairie. Prairie merlins are similar in appearance to prairie falcons, but quite a bit smaller. They are uncommon, extremely fast, and prefer to feed on small birds.  Falco columbarius Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bald-eagle-in-flight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/eagle-in-flight.jpg Bald Eagle In Flight  An adult bald eagle soars in circles over the nest site while making his chirping whistle call.  Haliaeetus leucocephalus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cottonwood-eagle-perch/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/eagle-in-cottonwood.jpg Cottonwood Eagle Perch Bald eagles are frequently seen using the same perches day after day. A biologist friend told me that there's no respect for territory and perches with the best view for hunting are fair game. On the Colorado Front Range prairie, the best perches are usually tall cottonwoods on the edge of an open area or at water's edge. Haliaeetus leucocephalus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/derby-sunrise-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/derby-sunrise.jpg Derby Sunrise Reflection  Brilliant hues of pink, magenta, and blue light the sky over Derby Lake one summer morning.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-doe-in-sunflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/deer-in-sunflowers.jpg Mule Deer Doe in Sunflowers  Copper sunset light on a mule deer doe in a field of prairie sunflower.  Odocoileus hemionus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cowpen-daisy-in-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cowpen-daisy-and-fog-.jpg Cowpen Daisy in Fog  Late-blooming cowpen daisy below foggy cottonwood trees. August monsoon rains can lead to impressive blooms at the end of summer.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-winter-bed/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-doe-winter-bed.jpg Mule Deer Winter Bed  With a winter storm gathering strength, this mule deer doe found shelter amongst yucca and grasses. I've often observed deer bedding down before storms. How do they know? Odocoileus hemionus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-storm-cloud/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-prairie-sunset.jpg Prairie Storm Cloud  An anvil cloud gathers sunset color as it drifts over Rocky Mountain Arsenal on its way to the eastern plains. These massive clouds form in the Rockies and are a common sight in summer. Although menacing, the dry plains often wring out most of the moisture. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-sunflower/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rma-sunflower.jpg Prairie Sunflower  One sunflower stands out in a field of late summer gold on the grassland. Prairie sunflower are native to the shortgrass prairie. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-winged-blackbird-call/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RWBB-male.jpg Red-winged Blackbird Call  A red-winged blackbird male scolds someone in a harsh way from his perch in a wetland. They are common through all of the lowewr 48 and much of Canada.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-tailed-buck-prairiescape/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/whitetail-buck-w-mountains.jpg White-tailed Buck Prairiescape  Although RMA NWR is a land-locked urban refuge, there are times when it seems as remote and wild as any wilderness. Here, the Front Range foothills and Rocky Mountains make a nice backdrop. Odocoileus virginianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-mule-deer-buck/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winter-buck.jpg Winter Mule Deer Buck  An early winter mule deer buck displays his impressive rack. RMA is well-known for having very large mule deer. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yellow-headed-blackbird-in-cattails/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/YH-blackbird.jpg Yellow-headed Blackbird in Cattails  Yellow-headed blackbirds nest and roost in marsh lands, and make an unmistakable raucous call that Sibley's compares to a chainsaw. They are coimmon throughout the lower 48 states. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/summer-grasses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/summer grasses.jpg Summer Grasses A green color opallette of native big bluestem and yellow Indian grasses in mid-summer.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-big-bluestem-grasses-and-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/FallBBgrassesandfog.jpg Autumn Big Bluestem Grasses and Fog Colorful big bluestem, a native tallgrass species stand in contrast to cottonwood trees in fog. Recognizable by their "turkey foot" seed head, big bluestem grow to more than six feet in height by late summer. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-canada-geese-arrival-rocky-mount/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/autumn-geese-amd-Indian-Peaks.jpg Autumn Canada Geese Arrival, Rocky Mount  Canada geese fill the sky and announce their arrival with raucous honking on the Colorado prairie in autumn, part of the fall migration. Branta canadensis Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-grasses-and-cottonwoods-in-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/autumn grasses in fogII.jpg Autumn Grasses and Cottonwoods in Fog Yellow Indian grass and big bluestem grass in full autumn color contrast with cottonwood trees in thick fog. Morning fog is a frequent occurence in autumn on the prairie. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-autumn-SR-II.jpg Autumn Sunrise  Colorful native grasses, predominantly big bluestem, seemingly stretch to the Front Range mountains one autumn morning. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-sparrow-in-sage/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/sage-sparrow.jpg Sagebrush Sparrow in Sage  At the eastern end of his range, a sagebrush sparrow perches on Wyoming big sagebrush in Gunnison Basin. Just a few sagebrush sparrows have been identified in Gunnison Basin by Dr. Pat Magee of Western State College. I was fortunate to set up a blind in a sagebrush recovery area and photograph this beautiful bird. Sagebrush sparrows are a sagebrush obligate songbird, in decline due to habitat loss. Amphispiza belli Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/juvenile-bald-eagle-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMA-Juv-BE-port.jpg Juvenile Bald Eagle Portrait  A juvenile bald eagle loafs on a cottonwood branch along the shores of Lake Ladora. He tolerated my presence while I photographed from my vehicle with a window mount. I left without disturbing the bird. Winter is the season for eagles on the prairie along the Front Range and numbers have steadily increased in recent years. Haliaeetus leucocephalus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-buck-in-frosty-sage/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/PDM-winter-sage-mule-deer-buck.jpg Mule Deer Buck In Frosty Sage  A member of the Pinedale Mesa mule deer herd on winter range. The herd, once numbering over 5,000 animals has dropped to a record low of about 2,000 since gas drilling operations began in 2001, a 60% decline.  Odocoileus hemionus Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinedale-mesa-winter-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pinedale-mesa-wintersunrise.jpg Pinedale Mesa Winter Sunrise  A colorful sunrise lights the sky over the Wind River Range and Pinedale Mesa while Pinedale is shrouded in fog. I was on the Mesa to photograph mule deer on their winter range. The Pinedale mule deer herd has suffered severe impacts to their population and share winter range with large scale gas drilling operations.  Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/the-44-and-upper-hoback/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/The-44-Upper-Hoback.jpg The 44 and Upper Hoback  Puffy clouds linger over the Wyoming Range as a violent thunderstorm moves over the Teton Range to the north. I was flying a LightHawk mission with Chris Boyer of Kestrel Aerial Services to document roadless wilderness threatened by natural gas drilling. Two potential gas fields that have been leased would turn this scene into an industrial complex like the Jonah Field and southern end of Pinedale Mesa - sacrificial landscapes. Update: Conservationists across the region have succeeded in preserving "The 44", as announced by the USFS, but there is a renewed industry effort to develop this important area. The "Noble Basin/South Rim Unit" aka: Upper Hoback is protected forever after The Trust For Public Land purchased the gas leases and retired them in perpetuity! Thanks to LightHawk for aerial support. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/la-barge-oil-and-gas-fields-aerial-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/La-Barge-Oil-and-Gas-Fields-Aerial-View.jpg La Barge Oil and Gas Fields Aerial View  Natural gas drilling pads and industrial facilities surround chemical waste ponds in the LaBarge Gas Fields. The waste ponds contain fracking chemicals that have been pumped into the earth to create fissures in shale and release gas. Wyoming has recently passed legislation requiring energy companies to reveal what chemicals are used in "fracking" fluid.  Thanks to LightHawk for aerial support. Sublette County, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/in-escalante-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/in escalante II.jpg In Escalante Early winter along the Escalante River. Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/canyon-wall-detail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CNMcanyonwalldetail.jpg Canyon Wall Detail Morning light illuminates a canyon wall from the Coke Ovens Trail. Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-canyon-moon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BCOTG-moon-1-blend.jpg Black Canyon Moon  Moonrise over the Black Canyon and Gunnison River, 1,700 feet below my vantage point. Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-canyon-view-ii/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BCOTG-cyn-view.jpg Black Canyon View II  Vertical walls rise above the Gunnison River in this view from the Black Canyon's North Rim. Peaking over the edge is guaranteed to cause vertigo. Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mormon-barn-and-grand-teton-in-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GTeton-barn-winter-fog.jpg Mormon Barn and Grand Teton In Winter The Grand Teton peaks above clouds  and towers over the well-known historic barn from Antelope Flats.   Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grand-teton-homestead/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GT-homestead-I.jpg Grand Teton Homestead  A Mormon Row homestead in winter, from sagebrush-covered Antelope Flats. The Teton Range is obscured by clouds. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grand-teton-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GT-GrandTeton.BTwinter.jpg Grand Teton Winter Spindrift blows off the Grand Teton from the flanks of Blacktail Butte. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-fire/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-Controlled-Burn.jpg Prairie Fire  Firefighters from the USFWS and USFS set a controlled burn to eliminate invasive crested wheat grass. Restoring shortgrass prairie that has been turned over is a lengthy process that takes decades. Fire and large grazing ungulates - bison or rotated cattle are important elements of prairie reclamation. This area will be chemically treated when the crested wheat emerges in spring, allowing native grasses to flourish. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-cottonwoods-and-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cottonwoods-&-fog.jpg Autumn Cottonwoods and Fog  Sunlight filters through autumn cottonwood trees and fog along the Gunnison River at Neversink. Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-mesa-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/black-mesa-autumn-sunrise.jpg Black Mesa Autumn  Warm autumn sunrise light paints cliffs above the Black Canyon Gorge on Black Mesa. Vast aspen forests, cottonwoods, and gambel oak add to the diversity of Black Mesa's sagebrush uplands.  Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ohio-pass-aspen-forest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/OHpass-aspen-forest.jpg Ohio Pass Aspen Forest  Golden aspen leaves decorate a spruce tree in an aspen forest like gold coins. Ohio Pass is a short two miles from Kebler Pass, home to some of the largest aspen colonies in the world. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-forest-autumn-glow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/IndPass-Aspen-I.jpg Aspen Forest Autumn Glow  With sun setting on high peaks, the aspen forest along Independence Pass glows with autumn gold.  White River National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hayden-gold/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Hayden-gold.jpg Hayden Gold  Hayden Mountain, in the historic silver mining district near Ironton Ghost Town and Red Mountain Pass, is covered in golden aspen in peak fall color. I made this image during a lull in a strong autumn storm, with low clouds adding drama to the scene. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-tundra/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/autumn-tundra.jpg Autumn Tundra Autumn alpine tundra is decorated in rich hues of red and gold with low-hanging clouds drifting across ridge lines. The Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton offers some of Colorado's finest mountain views - from a road that is... Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-aspen-and-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/SJ-aspen-and-clouds.jpg Autumn Aspen and Clouds  Brilliant autumn aspen trees in peak color contrast with low clouds draped across a mountainside near Silverton. Colorado's San Juan Mountains offer some of the best viewing of the fall color spectacle in late September and early October. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/squaretop-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/squaretop-fog.jpg Squaretop Fog Morning Fog on the Upper Green River adds a layered look to this scene below aptly named Squaretop Mountain on an August morning. This area, where the Green River pours from the mighty Wind River Range, is one of my favorite places in Wyoming.   Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/derelict-rorbu/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Rorbu.jpg Derelict Rorbu  A derelict Rorbu, or fisherman's cabin in Hennignsvær, on Austvågoy Island.  Henningsv https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/reine-reflections/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Reine-reflection.jpg Reine' Reflections  The rugged Lofoten mountainscape is reflected in the calm waters at Reine'. This fishing village is emblematic of the jaw-dropping scenery and rich colors of the Lofoten Islands. It's not like this all the time though, Lofoten is above the Arctic Circle and is renowned for its foul weather. Reine' - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/storskaselva-flow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Storskogselva-river.jpg Storskaselva Flow  Storskaselva (river) flows clear and cold through Rago National Park in eastern Norway, above the Arctic Circle.  Rago National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rago-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Rago-view.jpg Rago View From a high point in Rago National Park, a stream feeds Storskaselva (river). Rago is a remote National Park that borders Sweden and hosts breeding populations of lynx and wolverine. Unlike US National Parks, you have to hike to see this stunning landscape. Rago National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mushroom-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/mushroom.jpg Mushroom Closeup  A bug's view of a mushroom growing among tiny ferns in Rago. This remote National Park bordering Sweden is home to great wildlife diversity, including breeding populations of lynx and wolverine. Photographers: I inverted the center column of my tripod and mounted the camera upside down to get underneath the mushroom. The lens is an old 70-300mm zoom with close-up attachment filter for macro work. Rago National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/munkan-evening/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Munkan-Evening.jpg Munkan Evening  Sunset on Munkan Mountain from a small pool with cotton grass high on Moskenesoya Island. We backpacked from the ocean to this alpine environment above the Arctic Circle, a remarkable contrast!  Moskenesoya - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lofoten-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Merraflastinden-morning.jpg Lofoten Morning  Merraflestinden and Gylltinden (mountains) absorb early morning light from high on the island of Moskenesoya. The mountains are flanked by Djunfjorden (where the bridge is) and the fishing village of Sorvagen. We backpacked to this high point near Munkebu Hut to experience an alpine environment above the ocean - and above the Arctic Circle. Moskenesoya - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lofoten-twilight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Lofoten-Twilight.jpg Lofoten Twilight  Arctic twilight over Justholmen (lighthouse) on Flakstad Island. The purity of light on the Lofoten Islands is like nowhere else I've ever photographed.  Flakstad - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kelp-patterns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Kelp-patterns.jpg Kelp Patterns Golden-colored kelp lies in chaotic patterns along the north coast of Flakstad, on the Lofoten Islands.   Flakstad - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flakstad-beach-color/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Flakstad-beach-color.jpg Flakstad Beach Color Colorful sea flora covers the rocky coast on the north side of Flakstad, one of the Lofoten Islands. The distant mountain is Digertinden - on Lofoten these vertical peaks rise from the sea. Lofoten is remarkable for the combination of alpine and ocean environments in a setting above the Arctic Circle.  Flakstad - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flakstad-coast/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/_Flakstad-coast.jpg Flakstad Coast Evening light highlights the rugged northern coast of Flakstad on the Lofoten Islands. Distant Digertinden (mountain) gives a sense of the vertical nature of these arctic islands.  Flakstad - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/torvtak-cabin/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Torvtak.jpg Torvtak Cabin  An earth-roofed log cabin along Saltfjorden in Bodø, Norway. Traditional torvtak roofs are very energy efficient and stabilize the structure - no two are alike with flowers, grass, even trees growing on the roof! Bod https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/saltfjorden-evening-glow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Saltfjorden-Evening-Light.jpg Saltfjorden Evening Glow  Sunset above the Arctic Circle seems to glow for hours before turning to near dark. Although we were visiting in late August, we never saw total darkness while in the arctic. Bod https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/russvatnet-blue/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/russvatnet-kollhoin.jpg Russvatnet Blue Glacial Russvatnet Lake curves around Kollhøin Mountain in Jotunheimen. The scale in this landscape is enormous - we spent about half a day walking around the lake en-route to Glitterheim Hut.   Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rowboats/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/rowboats-A.jpg Rowboats  Colorful rowboats in a lagoon near Å, a fishing village on the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. Yes, the name of the town really is Å.  https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/galdhpiggen-climbers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/On-Galdhopiggen.jpg Galdhopiggen Glacier Climbers  Climbers cross a short section of Styggebrean Glacier near the summit of Galdøpiggen, Norway's tallest mountain. The lofty 2,469 meter summit can be climbed via glacier travel or the easier route from Spiterstulen. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/on-bessegen-ridge/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/On-Bessegen.jpg On Bessegen Ridge  Marla prepares to descend from the 1,791 meter high point on Bessegen Ridge. This iconic scene features glacial-fed Gjende Lake on the left and freshwater Bessvatnet on the right. One of Norway's most famous hikes, we traveled 15 kilometers from Gjendesheim to Memurubu Hut that day and were thankful for fair weather.  Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gjende-rain/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Muru-Gjende-rain.jpg Gjende Rain  Low clouds and rain make for a moody morning scene along the shores of Gjende Lake. Muru flows from Austre-Memurubrean Glacier high above. The location is next to Memurubu Hut, which can be reached by hiking or taking a boat taxi from Gjendesheim. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sun-break/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Herjangsfjorden-sun-break.jpg Sun Break  Stormy skies allow a few rays through at sunset on Herjangsfjorden, near Narvik. Narvik is north of the Arctic Circle and is known for the German invasion of 1940 that leveled the city. Narvik, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gjende-cabins/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gjende-cabins.jpg Gjende Cabins  Rustic cabins are reflected in the turquoise waters of Gjende, a large glacier-fed lake in Jotunheimen. These aren't troll cabins, it seemed the large cabin on the right was being used for lodging at Gjendesheim. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hennigsvr-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Henningsvaer-storm.jpg Hennigsv A building storm approaches the fishing village of Hennigsvær, on the southern coast of Vagan, one of the Islands of Lofoten. There are many moods to these islands above the Arctic Circle and heavy rain is commonplace. Hennigvær is known as the "Venice of Norway" for its canal through the center of town. Henningsv https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/home-of-the-giants/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/LOTG-Urdalstinden.jpg Home Of The Giants  Urdalstinden stands tall in this view of giant Jotunheimen Peaks. The name Jotunheimen translates literally to "Home Of The Giants" and is the landscape for a number of Norway's tallest peaks. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gjende-evening-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gjende-evening-refl.jpg Gjende Evening Reflection  A clearing storm reflects in the calm waters of Gjende, a massive glacial lake in Jotunheimen Nasjonal Park. We were just starting our hut to hut journey in Jotunheimen and staying at the Gjendesheim DNT cabin. The ridge on the right is Bessegen and the trek across Bessegen is one of Norway's most famous hikes. Jotunheimen National Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/galdhpiggen-summit-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Galdhopiggen-Summit-View.jpg Galdhopiggen View The high peaks of the Jotunheimen Range and massive glaciers are on full display from the summit of Norway's highest peak. We hiked to the summit from Spiterstulen, a lodge in Jotunheimen National Park that is accessible by traveling hut to hut on foot, and by car and bus from the town of Lom.  Jotunheimen Nasjonal Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/galdhpiggen-summit-hut/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Galdhopiggen-Summit-Hut.jpg Galdhopiggen Summit House  Galdhøpiggen's frosty summit hut looks lonely in the rising alpine fog. Just prior to making the image, 50 or so climbers had been lounging on Norway's highest peak - I made the shot just before we descended the 2,469 meter mountain. Visitors can buy t-shirts, coffee, tea, bottled water, patches, candy, and probably more in the summit hut. Jotunheimen Nasjonal Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fishing-net/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/fishing-net.jpg Fishing Net  A fishing net awaits the start of cod season in the village of Reine' in Norway's Lofoten Islands. Cod season begins in late autumn and along with tourism, is the major industry of the Lofoten Islands. Reine' - Lofoten, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ferns-and-birch/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ferns-and-birch.jpg Ferns and Birch Late summer ferns in chaotic patterns on the edge of a birch forest. Rago National Park is in a remote area near Sweden, north of the Arctic Circle. Rago Nasjonal Park, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bryggen-waterfront/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Bryggen-waterfront.jpg Bryggen Waterfront  The historic storefront buidings of Bryggen, Bergen's oldest area, are contrasted with modern housing and boats along Bergen's waterfront. Bergen, Norway https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lookout-peak-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/lookout-mountain-sunset.jpg Lookout Peak Sunset  Sunset lights alpine tundra and distant storm clouds over the Wind River Range from Lookout Peak. Remarkably, this roadless landscape is leased for a full scale gas drilling operation that I had to see it for myself before it is destroyed. The Wyoming Outdoor Council and Citizens Protecting the Wyoming Range are among the conservationists contesting the lease and seeking permanent protection for this special place in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.  Update: The Trust For Public Land purchased the leases and the Upper Hoback is protected forever! Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestone-needle-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/crestone-needle-reflection.jpg Crestone Needle Reflection  Crestone Needle's mirror reflection in placid Lower South Colony Lake. Low morning clouds add drama to this colorful mountain scene. Crestone Needle is one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners, or 14,000 foot peaks, and stands 14,191'.  Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestones-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/crestones-&-KC.jpg Crestones Sunrise Warm light at sunrise lights the Crestones and Kit Carson Mountain from Humboldt Peak's 14,064' summit. Although the light is warm, the morning was quite chilly at 14,000 feet. These iconic peaks are three of Colorado's 54 fourteeners and register L to R: Crestone Needle, 14,191', Crestone Peak, 14,294' (Colorado's 7th highest mountain), and Kit Carson Mountain, 14,165'.  Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestones-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Crestones-pano-web.jpg Crestones Morning  A panoramic view of three Colorado fourteeners from the summit of Humboldt Peak, 14,064'. The prominent peaks are L to R: Crestone Needle, 14,191', Crestone Peak, 14,294', and Kit Carson Mountain, 14,165'. Broken Hand Peak is on the left hand side of Crestone Needle, with the Blanca group in the distant left. The pyramid shaped shadow is cast by Humboldt, the peak our group climbed for this sunrise view. ** Available in special sizes. Please contact Dave if you're interested in a custom print.  Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/humboldt-climber/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Mark-on-Humboldt-web.jpg Humboldt Climber  A climber reaches the ridgeline below as clouds envelop Crestone Needle, 14,191' and Crestone Peak, 14,294'. A sunrise climb of Humboldt Peak paid off with a remarkable high alpine experience. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestone-needle-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/crestone-needle-fog-II.jpg Crestone Needle Fog  Morning Fog obscures most of Crestone Needle, 14,191'. The viewpoint is high on Humboldt Peak, 14,064'. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kit-carson-massif/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Kit-Carson-Massif.jpg Kit Carson Massif  Valley fog rises to the high reaches of Kit Carson Mountain, 14,165'. The view is from Humboldt Peak, 14,064' just after sunrise in late July. The fog raced up the valley and obscured the mountain shortly after I made this image. Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/brewers-sparrow-in-song/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/brewers-song.jpg Brewer's Sparrow in Song  Brewer's sparrow are a sage obligate species; meaning they are obligated to breed in sage. Brewer's sparrow, sage sparrow and sage thrasher are three sage obligates that are generally discussed with sage grouse and all are in steep decline due to habitat loss. Many species require vast, unbroken landscapes of healthy sagebrush for survival. Spizella breweri Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sage-and-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/sage-and-aspen.jpg Sage and Aspen  The complexity of the sagebrush landscape is dispayed here with Wyoming big sagebrush, native grasses and aspen trees.  Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-canyon-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BCOTG-canyon-view-2.jpg Black Canyon View  Peering over the edge into a vertical drop of 1,700 feet isn't for the faint of heart. Appropriately, Exclamation Point provides the viewpoint. Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stone-and-pine/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LC-stone-&-pine.jpg Stone and Pine  A gathering storm and soft light on granite rock formations in Lost Creek. This view of the Tarryall Mountains is from a high ridge in the southern end of the wilderness.  Lost Creek Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-in-sage/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen-in-sageBW.jpg Aspen in Sage A small stand of aspen stand out in the open landscape. In a week or two the aspen will be adorned in spring leaves.  * This image is presented in a square format. For print orders please use the smaller dimension or contact Dave to discuss. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ball-cactus-flower/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/ball-cactus-flower.jpg Ball Cactus Flower Sometimes it can be a lot of fun to seek out the smallest things in a massive landscape. I visited this plot of land on successive days and noticed flowers opening up on day 2. The flower in this macro view is smaller than a dime. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CNM-storm-at-sunset.jpg Sunset Storm  Sunset light sneaks through a cloud break as a spring storm engulfs the Book Cliffs and Grand Valley.  Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-sage-grouse-strut/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GSG-strut.jpg Greater Sage Grouse Strut  A Greater sage grouse male "struts", or displays for female attention on a lek in Wyoming's sagebrush country. The annual mating display is one of nature's great events and takes place from around the end of March to mid-May. Greater sage grouse were recently designated "warranted but precluded" from listing under the Endangered Species Act, a message to all Western stakeholders to work together for the welfare of the bird and its habitat. Many biologists believe the future health of Western lands hinges on preserving critical core habitat for this umbrella species. Centrocercus urophasianus Upper Green River Basin, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aztec-butte-afternoon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aztec-butte.jpg Aztec Butte Afternoon Aztec Butte rises above grassland on Island In The Sky. It's a remarkable juxtaposition to find a wide open grassland "island" on this promontory above the surrounding red rock pinnacles and spires of Canyonlands. There is a hiking trail to the top of Aztec Butte, where one can explore Anasazi graineries. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dead-horse-juniper/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DHP-juniper.jpg Dead Horse Juniper  A Utah juniper clings to canyon's edge above a bend in the Green River. The image was made just before dawn. Dead Horse Point State Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hartmans-sage-and-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GUN_hartman-winterI.jpg Hartman's Sage and Fog  Fresh snow and fog in a winter dreamscape. Hartman's is both a recreatiional and natural wonderland and I was the only visitor on this winter morning. The dominant sagebrush is Big Wyoming Sagebrush.  Hartman's Rocks, Gunnison Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-eagle/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GT-bald-eagle.jpg Winter Eagle A bald eagle "loafs" on a cottonwood branch along the Gros Ventre River, one February afternoon. Raptors spend about 80% of their time resting and conserving energy in winter.  Haliaeetus leucocephalus Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-moose-on-antelope-flats/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GTAFbullmooseport.jpg Bull Moose on Antelope Flats  A bull moose, still carrying his antlers pauses while browsing on bitterbrush. The landscape is Antelope Flats, with a backdrop of Blacktail Butte. Moose are among the large ungulates who spend time in sagebrush habitat.  Alces alces Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-moose/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GTwintermoose.jpg Winter Moose  A bull moose feeds on bitterbrush on Antelope Flats, near Kelly, Wyoming. While we tend to think of moose as swamp dwellers and willow eaters, they also spend time in sage. These are the buffer lands for the large mammals of The West. Alces alces Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/aspen-impression/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/apen-impression.jpg Aspen Impression An impressionistic scene of aspen boles and summer grasses.  The image was made by moving the camera during exposure - quite liberating for someone who uses a tripod nearly 100% of the time! Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-arch/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/sunset-arch-SS.jpg Sunset Arch The setting sun creates a sun star in a notch of Sunset Arch. The arch is aptly named because it faces west and catches golden last light. But in winter the sun sets in the south, behind Straight Cliffs. Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-bison-bull/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/frostybisonbull.jpg Winter Bison Bull  A large bison bull grazes in sub-zero temps on Christmas Eve morning. The RMA bison herd was unconcerned with my presence - in fact they moved towards me as I photographed. American bison are the largest land mammal in North America. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-sunset-arch/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunset arch II.jpg Winter Sunset Arch The last warm rays of a winter afternoon light Sunset Arch before the sun disappears behind the Straight Cliffs. The arch is framing a distant Navajo Peak.  Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/escalante-alcove/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/escalante alcove.jpg Escalante Alcove Marla Showalter and our dog, Abby stand in a massive alcove along the Escalante River in Escalante River canyon. The air temperature between shade and sun feels like a 40 degree difference in early December. Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/in-escalante/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/inEscalanteIII.jpg In Escalante  A juniper snag "points" to bare cottonwoods and red canyon walls in Escalante River Canyon. This image was made on a chilly backpacking trip in early December. Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pikes-peak-over-garden-of-the-gods/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pikesgardenII.jpg Pike's Peak Over Garden of The Gods  On a frigid morning well below zero, ice clouds swirl around Pike's Peak as spotlighting illuminates North Gateway Rock in Garden of The Gods Park near Colorado Springs. Colorado Front Range. Pike National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bighorn-ram-close-up/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bighorn Ram Close Up II.jpg Bighorn Ram Close Up  A large bighorn ram curls his upper lip while following a ewe during the autum rut, or mating season. The Georgetown herd can be viewed easily and the animals are very active in November. Ovis canadensis ** Available as a square print. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-falls-on-big-dominguez-creek/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/big dominguez falls.jpg Autumn Falls on Big Dominguez Creek Big Dominguez Creek spills over canyon walls in Big Dominguez Canyon. Golden cottonwood trees add a splash of autumn color to the red rock canyon. Anasazi Native Americans traveled this canyon for 13,000 years to access the Uncompahgre Plateau. Their artifacts and petroglyphs can be found throughout the region. Dominguez Canyons Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/big-dominguez-canyon-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/big dominguez view.jpg Big Dominguez Canyon View Morning light chases lingering clouds in this autumn view of Big Dominguez Creek running through Big Dominguez Canyon.  Dominguez canyons Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blacktail-bison/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blacktail bison.jpg Blacktail Bison  A herd of bison passes over a flank of Blacktail Butte after the first snow of the season. I was surprised to see young calves so late in the year as calving season is normally May and June. Bos bison Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/teton-range-over-red-hills/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/tetonsredhillVII.jpg Teton Range Over Red Hills  The Teton Range stands tall over the Red Hills and rolling sage of the Gros Ventre Basin. I hiked to the top of a hill before sunrise to make this image. The location was selected for context within the sagebrush ecosystem, which wraps around the great mountain ranges of the American West. This area is also part of the migration path of the Teton Pronghorn Herd; the longest migration of mammals in the lower 48 states. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pronghorn-buck-in-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/prong-in-snow-II.jpg Pronghorn Buck in Snow  A member of the Teton pronghorn herd stands in fresh autumn snow at Antelope Flats. The first snow of the season started the pronghorn moving on their annual migration to the Upper Green River Basin, a journey over 120 miles. It is the longest land mgration in the lower 48 states and some pronghorn travel up to 170 miles for winter range. After spring calving, the Teton herd returns to the National Park. Antilocapra americana Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grand-teton-in-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/grand-teton-clouds.jpg Grand Teton in Clouds  The Grand Teton is shrouded in clouds one autumn afternoon. Standing 13,770', the Grand Teton is the tallest peak in the Teton Range.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/change-of-seasons---aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/teton aspen.jpg Change of Seasons - Aspen A briilant aspen glade contrasts with the snowy landscape as fall gives way to the first winter storm of the season. Just a small window in the clouds allows a glimpse of Mount Moran. Populus tremuldoides Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/talus-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/talus ref.jpg Talus Reflection White granite talus is reflected in placid Copper Lake, creating an abstract view. Copper Lake is spectacularly situated on Copper Ridge, with commanding views of the North Cascade Range.  North Cascades National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fog-below-mount-sekrit/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Ruth Crk fog.jpg Fog Below Mount Sekrit  Fog fills the Ruth Creek valley below Mount Sekrit. The image was made from Hannegan Camp in the Mount Baker Wilderness, which is near the northwest border of North Cascades National Park. Mount Baker Wilderness Area, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/copper-lake-fog-and-sun/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/copper lake fog and sun.jpg Copper Lake Fog and Sun Copper-colored sunrise light reflects in Copper Lake as fog rises from the valley below. Moments later the entire basin was filled with dense fog. North Cascades National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/north-cascades-storm-break/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ruth storm light.jpg North Cascades Storm Break A sun break lights the dense forest as a storm builds over Mount Ruth, Mount Shuksan and Icy Peak. This storm held off until we reached our new camp and set up the tent for the night. North Cascades National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/shuksan-peak-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/shuksan SR.jpg Shuksan Peak Sunrise Warm sunrise light highlights the rugged terrain of Shuksan Peak and Jagged Ridge from Hannegan Peak. North Cascades National Park, WA North Cascades National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/windom-peak-over-unnamed-lake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunlt lk windom.jpg Windom Peak Over Unnamed Lake The vertical relief from Windom Peak's summit is very apparent in this view of an unnamed alpine lake, some 3,000 feet below. Windom Peak is one of three fourteeners - 14,000 foot peaks in the Chicago Basin area of the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado. Weminuche Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunlight-peak-and-sunlight-spire/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunlight peak, spire.jpg Sunlight Peak and Sunlight Spire Afternoon sun highlights two high and iconic peaks of the Needle Range from the summit of Windom Peak, 14,082'. Sunlight Peak is 14,059' and Sunlight Spire is just 5 feet short of being Colorado's most challenging fourteener. Vestel and Arrow Peaks of the Grenadier Range are just behind the spire and Jagged Peak is in shadow on the right side of the image.  Weminuche Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/eolus-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/eolus SR.jpg Eolus Sunrise The highest fourteener in the Needles Range, Mount Eolus catches first light in late August. Eolus stands 14,083' and towers over Chicago Basin in the San Juan Mountains. It is one of three fourteeners in the area and frequently climbed with Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. Weminuche Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-tarn-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/South Boulder SR Tarn.jpg Sunrise Tarn The Continental Divide reflected in a tarn at the headwaters of South Boulder Creek, James Peak Wilderness, CO James Peak Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/upper-green-river-flow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Upper Green Flow.jpg Upper Green River Flow The Green River flows strong as it departs the Wind River Mountains through sage country on its way to meeting the Colorado River in Utah's Canyonlands. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/toll-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/toll sunsetv2.jpg Toll Sunset  After an evening of groppel snow and thunder, a small clearing allows warm sunset light to bathe Mount Toll. The shores of Pawnee Lake in the Indian Peaks backcountry provide the foreground.  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-tarn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sunrise Tarn.jpg Sunrise Tarn A colorful sunrise is reflected in a high apine tarn that is the headwaters of South Boulder Creek. The alpine tundra is a brilliant green in late July. James Peak Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/roan-moonshine/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Roan Moonshine.jpg Roan Moonshine  A full moon illuminates the Roan Cliffs on the Roan Plateau as gas rigs drill the Rulison Field below. The Roan has been one of Colorado's most threatened wild places for years and the current BLM record of decision calls for limited drilling on the top of the plateau. This surface disturbance is unneccessary because the gas can be reached with directional drilling from the base of the plateau.  Piceance Basin, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/emerald-peak-from-mount-belford-summit/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/EmeraldfromBelford.jpg Emerald Peak from Mount Belford Summit Iowa Peak, 13,831' rises above low-hanging clouds in this early morning view from the summit of Mount Belford. The Sawatch range is home to Colorado's highest peaks, with countless hiking and climbing options among these giants of The Rocky Mountains.  Collegiate Peaks Wildernness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/vermillion-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Vermillion-SR.jpg Vermillion Sunrise A sunrise grand view across expansive Vermillion Basin to Cold Spring Mountain and Limestone Ridge. This spectacular wilderness-quality landscape is threathened by oil and gas industrialization. Vermillion Basin Proposed Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/adobe-town-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/adobetownmorning2.jpg Adobe Town Morning A warm June sunrise lights the rugged rock formation in Adobe Town, the heart of Wyoming's southern Red Desert. This wilderness-quality area is threatened by oil and gas industrialization. Red Desert, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-on-the-green-river/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/greenriverdiamondbreaksSS.jpg Sunset on the Green River The banks of the Green River and Diamond Breaks glow in the last light of the day after heavy thunderstorms. One of the most important rivers in the American west, the Green winds its way through the refuge en-route to Gates of Lodore. Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-sage-grouse-male-display/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GSG male display 3.jpg Greater Sage Grouse Male Display A male greater sage grouse inflates his chest to impress a female during the spring mating season. Grouse use the same "lek" for mating throughout their lifespan and are severely threatened by oil and gas industrialization and fragmentation. Jackson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dead-horse-sunrise-panorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DH Pano 4 web.jpg Dead Horse Sunrise Panorama A panoramic view of the Green River and The Gooseneck in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. ** This is a non-standard panorama image. Please email Dave for sizing and print pricing. Dead Horse Point State Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/green-river-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GR SS.jpg Green River Sunset  Warm sunset light highlights the beutifully rugged landscape from the Green River Overlook in Canyonlands NP. The Island In The Sky stands 1,200 feet above the White Rim, with views of three mountain ranges and countless canyons. Canyonlands National park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-rim/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/white rim closeup.jpg White Rim  Late afternoon sidelight highlights the White Rim and rugged canyons above the Green River. Green River Overlook in The Island In The Sky district of Canyonlands.  Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/amasa-back-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Amasa Back View.jpg Amasa Back View A whimsical self-portrait, kicking back on Amasa Back Trail. Near Moab, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/broken-rock/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/green-river-abstract-IITS.jpg Broken Rock  Shattered rock at the base of Island In The Sky looks like terra cotta tiles in this abstract view from Green River Overlook. Canyonlands National park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dead-horse-dawn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/dead horse dawn.jpg Dead Horse Dawn  Just before sunrise, all of Canyonlands seems to glow in shades of red and magenta. A juniper on the canyon rim adds depth to this view of the Gooseneck in the Green River far below Island In The Sky.  Dead Horse Point State Park, UT https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-tailed-prairie-dog-sitting-up/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BTPD sitting up.jpg Black-tailed Prairie Dog Sitting Up A shortgrass prairie keystone species, some 160 animals depend upon the prairie dog for survival.  Cynomys ludovicianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/porcupine-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RFporcupineIII.jpg Porcupine Closeup Rocky Flats was a plutonium trigger manufacturing site throughout the cold war and beyond. It is now a designated National Wildlife Refuge, waiting for funding. The area is contiguous with Boulder Open Space, with xeric tallgrass prairie and diverse flora and fauna. I was thrilled to find this North American porcupine in a cottonwood tree one April morning. Erethizon dorsatum Rocky Flats Designated NWR https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/columbine-avalanche/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB columbine field.jpg Columbine Avalanche In mid-July, an American Basin avalanche slope is covered in blue columbine, Colorado's State Flower. San Juan Mountains, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/parlin-barn-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pitkin barn web.jpg Parlin Barn Winter Historic Parlin Barn in mid-winter. Gunnison Basin, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/denali-close-up/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/denali closeup.jpg Denali Close Up Mt. McKinley, or Denali by its Athabascan name, is the namesake of Denali NP in Alaska. It is 20,320 feet tall and the highest peak in N. America. The vantage point for this view is Snowy Dome. Denali National Park, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/eldorado-winter-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/eldorado-morning-v2.jpg Eldorado Winter Morning Morning sidelight on Redgarden Wall. Eldorado Canyon is near Boulder, Co and connected to Boulder's excellent open space trail system. Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-coke-ovens/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cnm-coke-ovens-winter.jpg Winter Coke Ovens The "coke ovens", rock formations carved by cycles of freeze and thaw with a dusting of snow. Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-canyon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CNM-Winter-Canyon-web.jpg Winter Canyon Red canyon walls stand over snowy piñon-juniper forest. Artist Point provided the view. Colorado National Monument, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winters-paintbrush/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Mount-Ouray-winter-sr.jpg Winter's Paintbrush Sunrise paints red streaks across the sky over 13.971' Mount Ouray in the southern Sawatch range. The view is from the Middle Fork of the S. Arkansas River Valley, near Monarch Pass. San Isabel National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/arapaho-winter-sage/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Arapaho-winter1.jpg Arapaho Winter Sage Late afternoon winter sun, sagebrush and shadow patterns in this grand view of Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge near Walden, Colorado. The refuge is in North Park, a high mountain valley ringed by The Snowy Range, Never Summer Range, and Park Range. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/arapaho-winter-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/arapaho-nwr-winter2.jpg Arapaho Winter Morning Drifted snow and sagebrush create foreground patterns in this view from Owl Ridge. The distant mountains are the Snowy Range. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/leadville-schoolhouse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Leadville-schoolhouse-2.jpg Leadville Schoolhouse Leadville's 1889 schoolhouse with a light dusting of January snow. Leadville stands at 10,000 feet on the edge of Colorado's tallest mountains in the Sawatch Range. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-canyon-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GCOTG-winter.jpg Black Canyon Winter Pulpit Rock provides the airy view of the Gunnison River and vertical cliffs. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, CO Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-ranch-winter-barn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/white-ranch-barn-winter.jpg White Ranch Winter Barn The historic White family barn surrounded by a winter forest covered in fresh snow.   White Ranch Park, Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-ranch-winter-landscape/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/white-ranch-flocked-landscape.jpg White Ranch Winter Landscape A grand view of White Ranch and the historic White family barn after an early January snow.  White Ranch Park, Jefferson County Open Space, COlorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-ponderosas/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/white-ranch-flocked-ponderosas.jpg Winter Ponderosas Ponderosa pines are cloaked in fresh winter white and contrasted against a pure blue winter sky. Pinus ponderosa White Ranch Park, Jefferson County Open Space, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blacktail-plateau-winter-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blacktail-butte-winter-storm.jpg Blacktail Plateau Winter Storm A New Year's blizzard on the sage flats obscure most of Blacktail Plateau. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gros-ventre-winter-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gros-ventre-sunrise.jpg Gros Ventre Winter Sunrise Tosi Peak, 11,380' below a colorful winter sunrise. The Gros Ventre Range is one of three mountain ranges that surround the Upper Green River Basin, near Pinedale, part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  Gros Ventre Wilderness Area, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinedale-anticline-drilling-rig/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pinedale-anticline-rig.jpg Pinedale Anticline Drilling Rig A drilling rig on the Pinedale Anticline is backed by the jagged peaks of the Wind River Range. Natural gas drilling on the the sage steppe poses a significant threat to native birds and mammals, including greater sage grouse and migrating pronghorn and mule deer. Near Pinedale, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pronghorn-below-wind-river-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pronghorn-below-wind-rivers.jpg Pronghorn Below Wind River Range Pronghorn graze and rest on a wind-blown ridge in Wyoming's Upper Green River Basin. In autumn, pronghorn migrate from Grand Teton National Park to the Pinedale area and as far as the Red Desert. The pronghorn migraton is the longest land migration in the lower 48 and the third longest on earth. The migration corridor and winter range are severely threatened by natural gas drilling and development. Antilocapra americana Near Pinedale, WY https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/loveland-pass-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Loveland-Pass-SR.jpg Loveland Pass Sunrise From a high alpine ridge above Loveland Pass, a winter sunrise lights the Tenmile-Mosquito ranges over A-Basin and Breckenridge Ski Areas. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/artist-point-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cnm-coke-ovens-web.jpg Artist Point Sunrise The morning sky lights up in pastels in this sunrise view from Artist Point in Colorado National Monument. The rock formations below the rim are the "coke ovens", erooded by wind and water over thousands of years. Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bugling-bull-elk-in-horseshoe-meadow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bugling-elk-vert.jpg Bugling Bull Elk in Horseshoe Meadow Golden morning light renders a large bull elk and surrounding landscape shades of copper during the autumn rut. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kissing-couple-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CNM-SR-web.jpg Kissing Couple Sunrise A fiery sunrise cloud over kissing couple formation is prelude to an autumn storm. Colorado National Monument, CO Colorado National Monument, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-elk-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/RMNP-bull-elk.jpg Bull Elk Portrait A magnificent bull elk during the autumn rut in Horseshoe Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sievers-mountain-gold/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/siever.jpg Sievers Mountain Gold Golden autumn aspen trees add a colorful contrast to the red rock on Sievers Mountain in late September.   Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-sopris-autumn-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/MB-thomas-lks-sr.jpg Mount Sopris Autumn Reflection The Eastern Peak of Mount Sopris is reflected in Thomas Lakes one autumn morning in late September. This was a rare combination for me - still water for a mirror reflection and golden aspen in a high alpine lake. These aspen were just clinging to their leaves, to be dropped for the season in a few fleeting days.   Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-sopris-autumn-panorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sopris-pano-web.jpg Mount Sopris Autumn Panorama Mount Sopris makes for an enchanting view from Glenwood Springs through Basalt when traveling in the Roaring Fork Valley. The mountain is "only" 12,953 feet - small by Colorado standards - yet the vertical rise above the valley makes Sopris a very impressive mountain. This colorful autumn view shows Sopris decorated in golden aspen and red hues of oakbrush.  ** special sizes available - contact Dave for a larger jpeg and pricing. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-grasses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMNP-autumn-grasses.jpg Autumn Grasses Colorful native grasses grace Moraine Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cinque-terre-village/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Cinque-Terre1.jpg Cinque Terre Village Manarolla, one of five islands in Cinque Terre National Park, makes a colorful display over the azure blue Ligurian Sea. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fanes-night/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-fanes-night.jpg Fanes night Fast-moving clouds in the Dolomite sky over Rifugio Fanes fade to darkness. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fanes-barns/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-barn-peaks.jpg Fanes Barns Peaks of old barns mimic the surrounding peaks of the Dolomites in Fanes Valley. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tyrol-house/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-Tyrol-house.jpg Tyrol House A colorful Tyrol house in Val Gardena. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/night-fort/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DOL-WW1-fort-night.jpg Night Fort A relic of the WW1 alpine war between Italy and Austria stands sentinel just after sunset. This Austrian fort represents the furthest advance for Austria in a war that saw more soldiers killed by avalanche and elements than bullets. Much of the northern side of the Dolomites remains heavily influenced by Austrians.Dolmite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fanes-valley-afternoon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-Fanes-Valley.jpg Fanes Valley Afternoon Rifugio Fanes and farm buildings dot the Fanes Valley in a beautiful September afternoon. Dolomite Apls, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cristallo-morning-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DOL-cristallo-detail-2.jpg Cristallo Morning Light Piz Popena and Cima Di Mezzo, peaks in the Cristallo Gruppe gather morning light just after sunrise.Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cristallo-in-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DOL-Cristallo-detail.jpg Cristallo in Clouds Afternoon clouds surround the Cristallo Gruppe with Piz Popena, 3,152 meters in full view. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rifugio-bolzano-in-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-Rif-Bolzano-fog.jpg Rifugio Bolzano in Fog A thick mist envelopes Rifugio Bolzano at dusk. We arrived in the fog and realized how spectacular the surrounding mountains are the next morning. The rifugio is situated at 2,457 meters with a commanding view of Cima Catinaccio and many spectacular named peaks. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/trail-to-alpe-di-tires/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-Alpe-Terres-trail.jpg Trail to Alpe di Tires Below Cima Di Terrarossa, our trail leads to Rifugio Alpe Di Tires - nicely situated on a 2,400 meter pass. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tre-cime-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-tre-cime.jpg Tre Cime Clouds The infamous Tre Cime Laverado stone walls lay long shadows across the valley floor as clouds swirl around the summits. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/moon-over-cristallo/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DOL-moon-over-Cristolo.jpg Moon Over Cristallo Clouds part just before sunset to reveal a moon over Piz Popena in the Cristallo Gruppe. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dolomites-stone-detail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-stone-detail.jpg Dolomites Stone Detail The Dolomites glacial past is written in stone in the Fanes Gruppe. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/croda-rossa-shadow-and-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-croda-rossa.jpg Croda Rossa Shadow and Light The aptly named Croda Rossa is shown in an interplay of shadow and light. Our trek circumnavigated this great peak, which looks different from every angle. Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cima-cartinaccio-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-Pez-SR-web.jpg Cima Cartinaccio Sunrise Sunrise bathes the summit of Mt. Pez as fast-rising clouds wrap around mountain ridges on Sciliar Schlern like ocean waves.  Dolomite Alps, Italy https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-clouds-on-sciliar-schlern/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/DOL-Sciliar-Schlern-clouds.jpg Sunrise Clouds on Sciliar Schlern From the summit of Mt. Pez, we watched clouds rise and wrap around ridges and peakson Sciliar Schlern, a high plateau in the Dolomites. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flat-tops-summer-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flat-tops-summer-snow.jpg Flat Tops Summer Snow Parting storm clouds reveal fresh summer snow on high peaks ~ contrasted with green meadows in mid-August. Flat Tops Wilderness, CO Flat Tops Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wood-grain-detail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flat-tops-wood-grain.jpg Wood Grain Detail A fallen pine shares its history in wood grain patterns.  Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stormy-sunset---hooper-lake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flat-tops-hooper-ss.jpg Stormy Sunset - Hooper Lake A sunset storm cloud passes as another drops summer snow on Hooper Lake. The droplets are pea-sized gropple snow in mid-August!  Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hooper-lake-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Hooper-Lk-new.jpg Hooper Lake Sunrise Early morning light breaks through lingering storm clouds to illuminate a high ridge in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Hooper Lake catches the reflection. Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/castle-peak-sunrise-panorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/CastlePano-web.jpg Castle Peak Sunrise Panorama Castle Peak, 14,265' stands above Conundrum and Cathedral Peaks in this view of the rugged Elk Range. The mountains are glowing in pink sunrise light just after a sunrise rain passed over the range. Various sizes available up to 24x96" ~ call Dave for pricing.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/castle-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/castle-sr-new.jpg Castle Sunrise Castle Peak, 14,265' gathers pink sunrise light from this Taylor Pass viewpoint. Conundrum, a sub-peak and named 14'er, stands just to the right of Castle. A rare morning rainstorm passed right at sunrise and Castle was bathed in diffused light.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/clearing-storm-above-american-basin/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-clouds.jpg Clearing Storm Above American Basin Morning sun parts clouds on unnamed 13,000 foot stone sentinels above American Basin. Late July monsoon rains pounded our camp all night, before giving way clear skies.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-sneffels-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sneffels-massif-ref.jpg Mount Sneffels Reflection Monarch of the San Juans, 14,150 foot Mount Sneffels is reflected in Wright Lake high in Yankee Boy Basin. Late July marsh marigolds and leftover winter ice offer a stark contrast.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/columbine-bee/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/columbine-bee.jpg Columbine Bee A bumblebee slumbers in a Colorado blue columbine blossom, reminding us of the small wonders in a massive landscape. American Basin, Gunnison National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dallas-divide-storm-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DallasDivWFstorm.jpg Dallas Divide Storm A summer thunderstorm over the Sneffels range is viewed from the Dallas Divide. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dallas-divide-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/DallasDivWFstorm.jpg Dallas Divide Storm A summer thunderstorm over the Sneffels range is viewed from the Dallas Divide.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gilpin-peak-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/YBB-Gilpin-ref.jpg Gilpin Peak Reflection Just after sunrise, Gilpin Peak, 13,694' is reflected in Wright Lake high in Yankee Boy Basin. Although the image was made at the end of July, ice lingers on the lake, contrasting with the marsh marigold wildflowers along the shoreline.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yellow-bellied-marmot-in-wildflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/YBB-marmot.jpg Yellow-bellied Marmot in Wildflowers A curious yellow-bellied marmot is backed by a colorful field of cinquefoil in upper Yankee Boy Basin. I had a great time for about half an hour, watching the antics of this magnificent creature.  Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yankee-boy-volcanic-cliffs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/YBB-basalt-cliffs.jpg Yankee Boy Volcanic Cliffs Vertical cliffs decorated with the verdant greens of mid-summer offer a glimpse into the San Juans volcanic past. Yankee Boy Basin. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wildflower-garden/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/AB-garden.jpg Wildflower Garden A mountainside tapestry of wildflowers and rich green grasses in American Basin. Colorado blue columbine, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, and American bistort are the dominant flowers.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-bear-wildflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/black bear flowers web.jpg Black Bear Wildflowers Indian paintbrush decorate this scene near Black Bear Pass with vibrant red color. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/alpine-sunflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/alpine-sunflowers-evans.jpg Alpine Sunflowers Alpine sunflowers, also known as "old man of the the mountains" face the sun on a high ridge below Mount Evans. The view to the south includes Mount Logan, Kataka Mountain and South Twin Cone Peak. The distant valley is South Park.  Mount Evans Wildeerness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/high-peaks-of-the-sangre-de-cristos/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blanca-grp-humb.jpg High Peaks of the Sangre De Cristos From the summit of 14,064' Humboldt Peak, a view to the south reveals the ruggedness of the Sangre De Cristo Range. The distant peaks are the Blanca, Little Bear, Lindsey group - Colorado's southernmost 14'ers.   San Isabel National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-evans-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/evans-sunset-.jpg Mount Evans Sunset Sunset one summer evening over the Colorado Rockies, as seen from the summit of Mount Evans. From this vantage point, many peaks can be counted - Quandary, Pike's, Long's, Holy Cross, Squaretop, and Gray's and Torrey's to name a few. Home to the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Wilderness Area offers high country access without equal.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/isabelle-falls-below-shoshoni-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/isabelle-falls-.jpg Isabelle Falls Below Shoshoni Peak In early July, the winter snowpack is melting rapidly and water is rushing from the Colorado mountains. This perspective is just below Lake Isabelle and the mountain above the cascade is Shoshone Peak.  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jumping-mountain-goat-kid/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/jumping-goat.jpg Jumping Mountain Goat Kid A young mountain goat shows his mountain skills by leaping to the same rock as his mom. This young goat is roughly a month old and able to keep up with the adults in this high alpine wilderness. Oreamnos americanus Mount Evans Wildeerness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mountain-bluebird-male-feeding/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Evans-MTNBB.jpg Mountain Bluebird Male Feeding A male mountain bluebird perches on a bristlecone pine snag while holding an insect. Early July is nest-building season and a pair of bluebirds were making their nest near the Mt. Goliath Visitor Center.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-evans-summit-lake-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/evan-sr-refl..jpg Mount Evans Summit Lake Reflection Mount Evans, 14,264' and one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners" is reflected in Summit Lake, just after sunrise. Early July is a time of transition to summer for this high alpine wilderness.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-sherman-summit/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sherman-summit.jpg Mount Sherman Summit Sun-cupped snow lines the high ridege to Mount Sherman's summit. This 14,036' peak is considered by many to be Colorado's easiest 14'er; but we added nearby Mount Sheridan and Gemini Peak - both high 13'ers - to spice up our hike. In spite of Sherman's reputation, the view of the Sawatch Range across the valley makes for one of Colorado's most scenic views.  Mosquito Range, San Isabel National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/juniper-and-stone/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GOTG-juniper-BW.jpg Juniper and Stone An ancient juniper tree clings to sandstone with South Gateway Rock in the distance. Garden Of The Gods State Park, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/juniper-and-south-gateway/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GOTG-juniper-2.jpg Juniper and South Gateway A juniper clings to sandstone, framing a distant South Gateway Rock. Garden Of The Gods Park, CO Garden of The Gods Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/male-burrowing-owl-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/male-B-owl.jpg Male Burrowing Owl Portrait A male burrowing owl hunts from his perch on a fence post near the natal burrow. Burrowing owls migrate from Mexico and Texas to nest and raise their young in abandoned prairie dog burrows - another reason to love prairie dogs! As I was observing this little owl, a coyote meandered too close to the natal burrow, were the young are underground - and the owl dive-bombed the coyote in the head, chasing him off. Fearless!  Athene cunicularia Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/june-bison-calf-nursing/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/june-calf-nursing.jpg June Bison Calf, Nursing One of three bison calves born in the spring of 2008 nurses with a backdrop of the Flatirons and Indian Peaks. This expansive view with American plains bison reminds us of the wildness on the Great Plains before the bison extirpation of the 1870's and 1880's. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/anvil-cloud-at-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/big-cloud.jpg Anvil Cloud At Sunset A massive anvil cloud catches sunset light over the James Crain Prairie near Boulder. In late spring and summer, these clouds usually form in the afternoon and drift over the eastern plains by sunset; but this cloud was churning and gaining altitude as it traveled south to north, parallel to the foothills. After sunset, it drifted away to the east.  Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flatirons-spring-snow-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Flatirons-spring-snow-v2.jpg Flatirons Spring Snow May snow on Bear Peak contrasts with green native grasses and ponderosa Savannah. Bear Peak is part of the Flatirons formation near Boulder. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/chautauqua-fog-and-spring-grasses/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gregory-fog.jpg Chautauqua Fog and Spring Grasses Early morning fog obscures a small spire at the entrance to Gregory Canyon, from Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado. May rains have turned the prairie below the foothills to a carpet of green.  Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/granite-spires-over-new-fork-canyon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/new-fork-spire-vtres.jpg Granite Spires Over New Fork Canyon Late afternoon sun lights granite spires rising above New Fork Canyon in Wyoming's Wind River Range. These were our first close-up views of "The Winds" on our fall trek. The Wind Rivers are among the finest ranges we've ever had the joy of experiencing.  Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-calf-nursing/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-calf-nursing.jpg Bison Calf Nursing A 6-day old bison calf nurses at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. The calf was born on Mother's Day, 2008. The herd is very protective of the calf and it is remarkable to see the agility in a baby bison. Within six months, he'll weigh over 400 pounds! Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flatirons-spring-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Flatirons-spring-snow-v2.jpg Flatirons Spring Snow Sunrise lights Bear Peak, 8,461' as snow contrasts with spring-green grasses. Bear Peak lies on the southern edge of the Flatirons, Boulder's iconic rock formations. This area is a hiking, biking, horseback riding mecca and a eco-hotspot, where the Great Plains meet the mountains.  Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pawnee-buttes-and-eroded-sandstone/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pawnee-buttes.jpg Pawnee Buttes and Eroded Sandstone Remnants of an ancient sea and a landmark for settlers crossing the plains, the iconic buttes rise above the surrounding grassland. Pawnee National Grassland, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pinon-canyon-footprint/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pinon-canyon-footprint.jpg Pinon Canyon Footprint What does 418,000 acres look like? That was the question that I wanted to answer with this panorama, taken from the top of Mesa De Maya in Los Animas County, CO. This sweeping view to the north takes in nearly all of the proposed Pinon Canyon footprint; a land mass as large as all of the Denver metro area. It is the last intact shortgrass prairie steppe in Colorado - on the most endangered ecosystem on the planet. No Place For War! Prints available in various sizes 8x40" up to 16x80". Contact Dave for pricing. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/picture-wildflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/picture flowers.jpg Picture Wildflowers Threadleaf wildflowers carpet the grassland in Picture Canyon, located in the Carrizo Unit of the Comanche National Grassland in southeast Colorado. Comanche National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/canyon-petroglyphs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PinonPetroglyphs.jpg Canyon Petroglyphs Southeast Colorado canyons are rich with archeological sites; many of which have not been explored. In the canyon where these petroglyphs were located, a perennial spring, and an apparent abundance of wildlife offered a good life for the Native American inhabitants.  Los Animas County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cow-with-calf-in-spring/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pinonCow-with-Calf.jpg Cow With Calf in Spring On a private ranch in Los Animas County, a cow and calf pose for the photographer with a backdrop of Mesa De Maya. Cow-calf ranches in southeast Colorado support the local economy and contribute to the health of the grassland through sustainable grazing practices. There is a movement towards organic ranching. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/southeast-grassland-from-mesa-de-maya/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Pinon-Cyn-Footprint-MDM.jpg Southeast Grassland From Mesa De Maya Standing on Mesa De Maya in Los Animas County, this view to the north shows much of the planned Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site expansion area. Ironically, there is no Piñon Canyon - it is a site name created by the Army. In reality, the planned expansion encompasses nearly all of southeast Colorado and would displace 5th and 6th generation ranching families. Los Animas County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-rock-landscape/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Red-Rocks-Detail.jpg Red Rock Landscape Boulders on a tilted slope of sandstone lead to a lone snag on top of the rocks.  Red Rocks Park, Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yuma-county-homestead-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/yuma-homestead-BW-.jpg Yuma County Homestead A dustbowl homestead stands under a magnificent autumn prairie sky in Yuma County, CO. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yuma-county-homestead/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/yuma-homestead-.jpg Yuma County Homestead A dustbowl homestead stands under a magnificent prairie sky on Colorado's eastern plains. Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dust-bowl-relic/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/dust-bowl-house-hereford.jpg Dust Bowl Relic A reminder of the dust bowl stands watch over the Colorado shortgrass prairie near the town of Hereford, CO in Weld County. I can't resist stepping inside these ghost houses and contemplating life on the plains in the 1930's. Weld County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mountain-goat-and-mt-eolus-14083-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/goat-and-eolus-new.jpg Mountain Goat and Mt. Eolus, 14,083' An adult male mountain goat stands watch over Chicago Basin with a backdrop of Mount Eolus. Our group was climbing Sunlight Peak and came upon this goat just below 14,000 feet. Oreamnos americanus Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fiery-furnace/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fiery-furnace-two.jpg Fiery Furnace A variety of textures and colors in late afternoon light at the Fiery Furnace area. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/green-river-overlook-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/green-river-overlook-BW.jpg Green River Overlook A boulder hangs on the rim of Island In The Sky at the Green River Overlook in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. The power of nature and rugged beauty of Canyonlands are evident in this view of the White Rim and serpentine river. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mountain-goat-nanny-and-kid/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mountain-goat-nanny-and-kid.jpg Mountain Goat Nanny and Kid A mountain goat kid appears to kiss his mom well above timerliine on Mount Evans.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mountain-goat-kids/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mountain-goat-kids.jpg Mountain Goat Kids Playful mountain goat kids find their position on a rock in the vast Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO. Mount Evans is known as the best place in North America to view mountain goats. Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ashcroft-main-street-in-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Ashcroft-main-st.jpg Ashcroft Main Street in Autumn Golden aspen trees are the backdrop for buildings in the ghost town of Ashcroft. The town's heydey was 1885, when 3,500 people lived here and supported 20 saloons and 6 hotels. The town has had numerous lives and is a well-preserved tourist destination today.  White River National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hilltop-mine-from-mount-sherman-saddle/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Hilltop Mine.jpg Hilltop Mine from Mount Sherman Saddle The Hilltop Mine is dwarfed by a massive mountain landscape, as seen from the 13,500' saddle of Mount Sherman - 14,042. Mount Sherman can be climbed from either the Leadville or Fairplay side and is considered one of Colorado's easiest fourteeners. The views are among the very best, though. Hilltop mine produced $600,000 in silver ore during its peak in 1888. Pike National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-rim-from-grandview-point/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/grandview-BW.jpg White Rim From Grandview Point A juniper snag points towards the White Rim and distant Abajo Mountains from Grandview Point in Canyonlands National Park, UT. I made this image under overcast skies as clouds were just beginning to lift and reveal fresh snow in the mountains. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/green-river-overlook/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/green-river-overlook.jpg Green River Overlook Blocks of Sandstone perched on the edge of Island In The Sky provide the foreground for this view of the Green River and the White Rim. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/murchison-mountains-storm-breaking/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/murchison.jpg Murchison Mountains, Storm Breaking After a night of pounding rain, sun breaks through clouds at sunrise to reveal the Murchison Mountains in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/arnica-field-on-ponderosa-savanna/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/doudy wildflowers.jpg Arnica Field on Ponderosa Savanna Ponderosa savanna is blanketed with orange arnica wildflowers during a wet spring. The bloom would only last a week or so before the flowers wilted under warm and dry conditions.  Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blanketflower-closeup-boulder-open-spac/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blanket flower .jpg Blanketflower Closeup, Boulder Open Spac A colorful, backside view of blanketflower on the James Craine Prairie. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pink-plains-penstemon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pink-penstemon.jpg Pink Plains Penstemon A "river" of pink plains penstemon in full bloom on the Bohart Ranch. The Nature Conservancy Bohart Ranch https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/summer-sky-over-chalk-bluffs-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/chalk-bluffs-summer-sky-BW.jpg Summer Sky Over Chalk Bluffs Summer cloud patterns fill a summer sky over the Chalk Bluffs on the Pawnee National Grassland. The bluffs provide important nesting habitat for raptors; including prairie and peregrine falcons, as well as golden eagles. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/animas-forks-hotel-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/animas-forks-hotel-BW.jpg Animas Forks Hotel The stately hotel stands sentinel over the ghost town of Animas Forks. A high-altitude mining community, Animas Forks reached a population of 450 in 1883. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/animas-forks-hotel/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/animas forks hotel.jpg Animas Forks Hotel An icon of the infamous Animas Forks ghost town, the venerable hotel stands sentinel over the former mining town. Founded in 1873, Animas Forks was a bustling community of 450 people by 1883. In 1884, 25 feet of snow buried the town and residents tunneled from one building to the next. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/star-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/star mtn.jpg Star Peak Star Peak, 13,521' is beautifully lit by warm light, late one autumn afternoon.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/road-to-durango/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Road to Durango.jpg Road to Durango The Needle Mountains rise above Highway 550 in this southern view. In early August, the alpine tundra is a lush green. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/chair-mountain-and-autumn-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Ragged autumn.jpg Chair Mountain and Autumn Aspen A mountainside of golden aspen trees provide a colorful foreground for this early morning view of Chair Mountain.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-aspen-boles/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen boles winter.jpg Winter Aspen Boles A stand of winter aspen in the Routt National Forest, north of Steamboat Springs. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/thamkserku-nepal-khumbu/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/thamserku2.jpg Thamkserku, Nepal Khumbu An icon of the Khumbu region, Thamserku's vertical walls are impressive from this vantage point. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wildflowers-in-silver-basin/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wildflowers in SB.jpg Wildflowers in Silver Basin A distant Potosi Peak looms over a brilliant field of wildflowers in Silver Basin near the town of Ouray. The high altitude basins near Ouray are world-renowned for their spectacular wildflower displays. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/backlit-aspen-on-mcclure-pass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mcclure aspen sun web.jpg Backlit Aspen on McClure Pass McClure Pass, near Marble, CO has magnificent stands of aspen. This grove, in peak autumn gold, is catching the last light of the day from the sunstar at the base of the photo.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prayer-flags-on-gokyo-ri/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Gokyo-flags-web.jpg Prayer Flags On Gokyo Ri With a backdrop of Himalayan peaks, prayer flags catch the wind - they are placed in high places by Sherpas so their prayers will be blown to the Gods. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunlight-spire-and-windom-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunltspire windom newweb.jpg Sunlight Spire and Windom Peak From high on Sunlight Peak, Sunlight Spire leads the eye to Windom Peak, 14,082'. Sunlight Spire falls just one foot short of 14,000 feet and would be Colorado's most difficult 14'er!  Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mountain-goat-and-mt-eolus-14083/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/goat and eolus newweb.jpg Mountain Goat and Mt. Eolus, 14,083' A male mountain goat peers over the edge with a spectacular backdrop of Mount Eolus. We came upon this goat while climbing Sunshine Peak, very close to 14,000 feet. Eolus, Sunshine, and Windom are the three fourteeners that are accessible from Chicago Basin. Weminuche Wilderness Area, Colorado. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-elk/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winter elk master.jpg Winter Elk After watching this bull elk graze with his head buried in deep snow, he looked up with a mouthful of vegetation from a warm stream. Yellowstone's thermal features allow nutritious plants to grow in a harsh environment. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lone-bison/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lone bison.jpg Lone Bison From Lamar Valley, a lone bison is dwarfed by the massive landscape. Long afternoon shadows cross a mountainside of snow. Bos bison Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/moon-over-gallatin-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/moon over absarokas.jpg Moon Over Gallatin Range A setting full moon just before sunrise over the Gallatin Range. The image was taken from the Blacktail Deer Plateau in the northern part of the park.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mammoth-hot-springs-and-absaroka-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mammoth hot springs and absarokas.jpg Mammoth Hot Springs and Absaroka Range Early morning sun lights this scenic of Mammoth's main terrace and the Absaroka Mountain Range.   Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snow-covered-boulders/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/YL lamar river snow boulders.jpg Snow Covered Boulders Boulders in the Lamar River are covered in deep snow during a particularly snowy winter season. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lamar-valley-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lamar valley winter.jpg Lamar Valley Winter The snow-covered Lamar River leads to the Absaroka Range one winter afternoon. One of Yellowstone's many spectacular valleys, Lamar is home to the Druid wolf pack and many native creatures.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/clearing-storm-reveals-windom-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/windom-reweb.jpg Clearing Storm Reveals Windom Peak Windom Peak, 14,082' and one of three fourteeners in the area (upper left) towers over Chicago Basin as a fierce summer storm clears for the evening. Our group endured daily thunderstorms during a monsoon season that arrived in July of 2007.  Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elk-mountains-panorama/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winter elk pano web.jpg Elk Mountains Panorama Teocalli Mountain rises above the surrounding Elk Range in this winter panorama.  Available as a a 12X60" print ~ ask Dave for details. Near Crested Butte, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/slate-river-and-ruby-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/slate river -22 web.jpg Slate River and Ruby Range The Slate River leads to a snowbound Ruby Range in pre-dawn light. The air temperature at the time was -22 degrees.  Crested Butte, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/boston-mine-twilight/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bostonminetwilight.jpg Boston Mine Twilight In Mayflower Gulch, a cabin of Boston Mine ruin lies below 13,951 foot Fletcher Mountain. A candle in the window provides the only warmth in this frigid high altitude scene, taken just after sunset. San Isabel National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-ponderosa-forest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winter ponderosa forest.jpg Winter Ponderosa Forest A snow-laden spruce tree stands out in a foggy ponderosa pine forest along the Mesa Trail.  Pinus ponderosa Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/frosty-lake-ladora/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ladora winter.jpg Frosty Lake Ladora Cottonwoods along Lake Ladora are covered with frost one frigid winter morning.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/frosty-grassland/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/frosty prairie and mtns.jpg Frosty Grassland On a frigid winter morning, hoar frost coats every blade of grass and sage in this view of plains meeting the Front Range of the Rockies.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/frosty-bison-bull/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/frosty bison bull.jpg Frosty Bison Bull A bull bison is covered with frost in a landscape of hoar frost. The temperature was zero degrees the day after Christmas. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bald-eagle-in-cottonwood/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/eagles-in-cottonwoods.jpg Bald Eagle in Cottonwood A wintering bald eagle "loafs" in a cottonwood tree at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, CO. The image was made just before sunset near the winter solstice. The initial idea for a refuge came about because then-endangered bald eagles were discovered roosting at RMA. Haliaeetus albicilla Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hoar-frost-on-ponderosa-pines/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/frosty ponpine web.jpg Hoar Frost on Ponderosa Pines A thick coating of hoar frost covers everything on the ponderosa savannah during a snowstorm. Boulder County Open Space, CO (OSMP) https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-below-sangre-de-cristo-range/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/crestone bison web.jpg Bison Below Sangre De Cristo Range Bison graze below a backdrop of Kit Carson Peak, Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak on The Nature Conservancy's Medano Zapata Ranch in Baca County. The ranch adjoins Great Sand Dunes National Park and is home to over 500 species of plants and animals. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-gothic-fall-color/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gothic mtn web.jpg Mount Gothic Fall Color Mount Gothic is draped in golden autumn aspen and early morning light. Near Crested Butte, CO. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ohio-pass-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Ohio Pass Rock and Aspen web.jpg Ohio Pass Autumn Boulders provide a lead-in to golden aspen trees and the distant Castle formation on Ohio Pass one autumn morning.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/glowing-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/OH pass aspen web.jpg Glowing Aspen Aspen in peak fall color seem to glow with color just after sunset. Ohio Pass, near Gunnison, Colorado Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunlit-aspen-glade/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Gothic sr aspen.jpg Sunlit Aspen Glade Morning sunlight grazes the tops of golden aspen trees near the town of Gothic. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/golden-aspen-and-hillside/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gothic asp hillsd web.jpg Golden Aspen and Hillside Golden aspen stand in contrast to the bold lines of a hillside near Gothic and Crested Butte, CO. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/below-laplata/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/below LaPlata web.jpg Below LaPlata LaPlata Peak, 14,336' towers over a meadow as Marla contemplates the effort to climb this majestic mountain. Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/east-beckwith-mountain-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Beckwith Lost Lk web.jpg East Beckwith Mountain Reflection East Beckwith Mountain is reflected in Lost Lake Slough at sunrise as autumn aspen add streaks of gold.   Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/maroon-bells-sunrise-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Maroon Bells reflection web.jpg Maroon Bells Sunrise Reflection Maroon Peak, 14156' and North Maroon Peak, 14,014' are reflected in Maroon Lake at sunrise. Peak autumn color in the aspen forest and magenta clouds add to the image. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-sparring/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison sparring web.jpg Bison Sparring During the August rut, two young bison bulls lock horns to prepare for future opportunities to mate. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-bison-rut-behavior/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA bison rut web.jpg Bull Bison Rut Behavior A bull bison tastes the air for female estres during the rut, or mating season.  Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wind-river-alpenglow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-lozier-alpenglow.jpg Wind River Alpenglow Evening alpenglow lights the high peaks of the Wind River Range from our perch above Lozier Lakes. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/new-fork-canyon-in-morning-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-New-Fork-Cyn.jpg New Fork Canyon in Morning Light Sunrise grazes rock walls high above New Fork Canyon in this view from a high ridge near Lozier Lakes. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/trekking-in-the-winds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-MJO-trekking.jpg Trekking in The Winds My wife, Marla departing Summit Lake on our backpacking loop.  Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wind-river-rock-detail/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-rock-detail.jpg Wind River Rock Detail The ruggedness of the Wind River Range is evident in this image above New Fork Canyon. Bridger-Teton national Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/glover-peak-sunrise-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/glover-peak-ref-web.jpg Glover Peak Sunrise Reflection Glover Peak catches sunrise light while reflected in Green Lakes above timberline in "The Winds".  Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/full-moon-over-new-fork-canyon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Moon-Over-New-Fork-web.jpg Full Moon Over New Fork Canyon A setting full moon just before it drops behind New Fork Canyon in early dawn. Bridger-Teton Wilderness, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-on-rock-face/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-sunset-rock-wall-web.jpg Sunset on Rock Face Sunset light warms an unnamed rock face in "The Winds". Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/golden-grasses-below-unnamed-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-golden-grasses-and-rock-web.jpg Golden Grasses Below Unnamed Peak Early evening light and tree shadows stream across an alpine meadow below an unnamed mountain.   Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/golden-light-over-lozier-lakes-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-lozier-light.jpg Golden Light Over Lozier Lakes Warm afternoon light and cloud shadows create an interplay of light at Lozier Lakes below Gannett Peak, 13,804'. Gannett Peak is Wyoming's tallest mountain. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/golden-light-over-lozier-lakes/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WR-lozier-light.jpg Golden Light Over Lozier Lakes Cloud shadows create an interplay of warm light and shadow over Lozier Lakes. Gannett Peak, 13,804' and the highest mountain in Wyoming provides the backdrop. Bridger-Teton Wilderness, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/crestone-needle-sunrise-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/crestone needle 720pix.jpg Crestone Needle Sunrise Reflection Crestone Needle, 14,191' in warm sunrise light is reflected in upper South Colony Lakes.  Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-thunder-book/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PT cover web.jpg Prairie Thunder Book Dave Showalter's First Book ~ Prairie Thunder Wins The Pictorial Category At the Colorado Book Awards! Published by Skyline Press in Pueblo, Colorado, the book is a conservation photo essay that traces the history of conservation on Colorado's Eastern Plains. Prairie Thunder details the numerous problems facing grassland recovery and introduces the Central Shortgrass Prairie Partnership. The spellbinding beauty of Colorado's Great Plains is presented here in a seasonal format. Award winning writer Richard Manning, author of "Grassland" and numerous books contributed a compelling foreword that places the central shortgrass prairie in a global context. Dave worked four years on the Prairie Thunder project and the book is endorsed by Audubon, Colorado. Contact Dave for personalized copies, or Skyline Press through the Prairie Thunder website at www.prairie-thunder.com https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tabaguache-vista/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/tabaguache view web.jpg Tabaguache Vista A majestic view of the Collegiate Peaks from the summit of Tabaguache Peak, 14,155'. Mount Antero, Mount Princeton, Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard, and LaPlata Peak are among the high summits that can be seen from Tabaguache.  Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/unnamed-mountain-reflected-in-lost-lake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lost lake web.jpg Unnamed Mountain Reflected in Lost lake Early summer green tundra on an unnamed peak is reflected in placid Lost Lake. Gore Range, Colorado Eagle's Nest Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/night-fox/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/swift-fox-night.jpg Night Fox A threatened swift fox patrols the night in Pawnee National Grassland. Swift fox have been called "ghosts of the plains" and are mostly nocturnal. Vulpes velox Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mountain-plover-female/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mtn-plover.jpg Mountain Plover Female State threatened mountain plovers nest on Colorado's shortgrass prairie in spring, preferring almost barren ground. About one half of the world's mountain plover population spends summer on the Pawnee National Grassland. Charadrius montanus Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-cow-licking-calf/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/licking-calf.jpg Bison Cow Licking Calf A bison cow licks her young calf on a warm May morning. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-cow-and-calf-resting/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cow-and-calf-resting-.jpg Bison Cow and Calf Resting A bison cow rests with her three week old calf on a warm spring morning.  Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/canyon-owl-fledgling/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/GHO-fledling-in-picture.jpg Canyon Owl Fledgling This great horned owl fledgling is the last to leave the nest for the season and will fledge within a day or two. Picture Canyon in Comanche National Grassland is home to a wide range of bird life, including great horned and screech owls. Comanche National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lark-bunting-male/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lark bunting master.jpg Lark Bunting Male Colorado's state bird, the lark bunting is a spring through summer migrant on the eastern plains. Many songbirds are in sharp decline due to habitat loss. Calamospiza malanocorys Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/spring-grass-and-shale-hills/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wind-grass-and-shale-hills.jpg Spring Grass and Shale Hills Wind-blown needle and thread grass contrast with rich green shale hills in Comanche National Grassland near LaJunta. Comanche National Grassland, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-return/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bull-bison.jpg Bison Return! A bull American prairie bison charges from the trailer to his new home at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. Wild bison were extirpated from the Colorado prairie in the 1880's and the new herd marks an historic return after over 100 years missing from Colorado's shortgrass prairie. Bos bison Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snow-covered-yucca/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snowy-yucca-master.jpg Snow-covered Yucca Yucca plants buried in deep snow look somewhat alien after the second huge snowstorm of the season.   Yucca glauca Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ferruginous-hawk-with-rabbit/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/F-hawk-w-rabbit.jpg Ferruginous Hawk With Rabbit Out of the corner of my eye I saw a hawk dive - on closer inspection, I realized it was a ferruginous hawk with a fresh-caught cottontail rabbit. The rabbit strayed too far from its burrow in search of food and wound up feeding a hawk...and later a coyote. Buteo regalis Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/spotlight-on-winter-flatirons/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flatirons-snow-fog.jpg Spotlight on Winter Flatirons Sun and Fog reveal shapes of the Flatirons on a below zero morning near Boulder, CO. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-pine-and-foggy-flatirons/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flatirons-pine-fog.jpg Winter Pine and Foggy Flatirons On a sub-zero morning, sun breaks through fog to reveal a hint of the Flatirons near Boulder, CO. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-bull-silhouette/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-silhouette.jpg Bison Bull Silhouette A massive bull bison makes a striking silhouette against the setting sun. Bison bison Buffalo Groves Ranch, near Kiowa CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-cow-with-newborn-calf/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-cow-with-calf.jpg BIson Cow With Newborn Calf A bison cow with her rust-colored newborn calf moving to pasture within hours of birth.  Bison bison Buffalo Groves Ranch, near Kiowa, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-columbine-flower/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-columbine.jpg Red Columbine Flower A blazing red columbine flower is perhaps the most beautiful of the Colorado wildflowers. What a juxtaposition in this rugged landscape!  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/coiled-western-rattlsnake/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/western-rattlesnake.jpg Coiled Western Rattlsnake A western rattlesnake shows his displeasure with me by coling and rattling to let me know he means business. A 600mm lens enabled me to keep a safe distance. Crotalus viridis Plains Conservation Center, Aurora, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/jackrabbit-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/jackrabbit.jpg Jackrabbit Portrait A black-tailed jackrabbit is backlit by morning sun, highlighting his whiskers and enormous red ears. Jackrabbits will remain sentinel until they are absolutely sure they've been spotted.  Lepus californicus Plains Conservation Center, Aurora, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-sumac-and-pine/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sumac-&-pine.jpg Autumn Sumac and Pine A sea of blazing red sumac surrounds a single ponderosa pine along the Mesa trail. This image required "ladderpod" - an 8 foot ladder with my window mount ball head on top. Passersby gave me some very strange looks!   Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lone-tree-and-drited-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/drifts-and-lone-tree.jpg Lone Tree and Drited Snow Living near the foothills between Golden and Boulder, one comes to expect high winds anytime weather shifts. The wave patterns were formed by extreme high wind that followed a three foot snow dump. Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/roxborough-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/roxbo-color.jpg Roxborough Autumn Scrub oak in full autumn color and red sandstone formations in Roxborough State Park. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/garden-gold/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GOTG-gold.jpg Garden Gold Golden autumn cottonwood trees against red rock in Garden of the Gods. Cottonwood trees stage their fall color display in October, after aspen drop their leaves at higher elevations. Garden of The Gods Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/west-mitten-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/w-mitten-sr.jpg West Mitten Sunrise West Mitten Butte is silhouetted against a colorful sunrise.  Monument Valley Tribal Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/island-in-the-sky-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rim-view.jpg Island-In-The-Sky Sunrise A sunrise view of the Island-In-The-Sky canyon rim from the White Rim.  Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/the-mittens/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mittens-classic.jpg The Mittens West and East Mitten Buttes in warm light, one spring afternoon.  Monument Valley Tribal Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fisher-towers-over-the-colorado-river/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/fisher-towers.jpg Fisher Towers Over The Colorado River Fisher Towers and the La-Sal Mountains bathe in sunset light over the Colorado River.   Manti La-Sal National Forest, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/courthouse-towers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/courthouse-towers.jpg Courthouse Towers Vertical Courthouse Towers in warm afternoon light, contrasted against deep blue sky.  Arches National Park, Utah https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/vishnu-temple-from-horseshoe-mesa/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/horseshoe3.jpg Vishnu Temple From Horseshoe Mesa Soft light on Vishnu Temple from Hoseshoe Mesa in the Grand Canyon. The vertical wall on the left side of the frame is part of Horseshoe Mesa.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/inner-canyon-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/horseshoe2.jpg Inner Canyon Light Late afternoon sun spotlights golden rock from Horseshoe Mesa.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hance-rapids/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/hance-rapids.jpg Hance Rapids Late afternoon light at Hance Rapids on the Colorado River in the bottom the Grand Canyon.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/american-flags-on-mount-elbert/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Flags-on-Elbert-.jpg American Flags on Mount Elbert Five days after 9-11, we climbed the Black Cloud route on Elbert; deciding that climbing is a great way to express our freedom. On reaching the summit, we saw the large flag -a poignant moment that we'll never forget. Our friend Carol added the second flag. Mount Massive Wilderness Area https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/geneva-creek-runoff/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/geneva-creek.jpg Geneva Creek Runoff Geneva Creek roars with runoff from melting snowpack on the high peaks of the Mount Evans Wilderness Area in early summer. Mount Evans Wildeerness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/alpine-forget-me-nots/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/forgetmenots.jpg Alpine Forget-Me-Nots Alpine forget-me-not wildflowers on Arapaho Pass in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. These tiny wildflowers provide an interesting juxtaposition against the rugged surrounding landscape. Eritrichum aretioides  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/democrat-group---winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Dem-group-winter.jpg Democrat Group - Winter A mid-winter view of the Democrat group of fourteeners from the summit of Quandary Peak. The peaks in view are Mount Lincoln, 14,286'; Mount Cameron, 14,239'; Mount Bross, 14,172'; and Mount Democrat, 14,148'.   Pike National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/torreys-and-grays-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/torreys-and-grays-winter.jpg Torrey's and Gray's Winter Torrey's Peak, 14,267' and Gray's Peak, 14,270' one winter afternoon from a 13,000' ridge above Loveland Pass.  Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/shavano-summit-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Shavano-summit-view-to-Ante.jpg Shavano Summit View A view to the north from the summit of Mt. Shavano 14,229' shows the spine of the Collegiate Range to Mt. Antero, Mt. Princeton and beyond.  Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bull-elk-in-kawuneeche-valley/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/elk-kaw-val-rmnp.jpg Bull Elk in Kawuneeche Valley A pair of bull elk resting in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/winter-barn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/winter-barn.jpg Winter Barn Horse stables in a winter storm on the west side of the park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elk-scarred-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/scarred-aspen.jpg Elk-Scarred Aspen Mottled aspen, chewed and scraped by elk in the RMNP backcountry.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/big-thompson-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/big-thpsn-riv.jpg Big Thompson Sunrise Sunrise lights the high peaks above the Big Thomson River in Moraine Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hallet-gold/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/hallet-gold.jpg Hallet Gold Hallet Peak, a RMNP icon, towers over a golden aspen forest in peak autumn foliage.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/gothic-mountain---through-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GothicmtnASPEN.jpg Gothic Mountain - Through Aspen Sunrise lights Gothic Mountain, viewed throughed a silhouetted aspen glade.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/clearing-storm-over-the-flatirons/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snowy-flatirons.jpg Clearing Storm Over The Flatirons Morning sun lights the flatirons as a winter storm passes.  •Prints available up to 30x45" - contact Dave for large print pricing. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/praire-sunrise-and-flatirons/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/prairie-SR---flatirons.jpg Praire Sunrise and Flatirons A fiery winter sunrise over rolling prairie lights the sky and distant Flatirons. Boulder County https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowy-bluestem/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/big-bluestem-in-snow.jpg Snowy Bluestem Big bluestem grasses, still red from autumn are contrasted against fresh snow along the Doudy Draw trail.   Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yavapai-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/yavapai1.jpg Yavapai Sunset A warm and red sunset on the Kaibab Plateau from Yavapai Point on the south rim. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/prairie-window/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/prairie-window.jpg Prairie Window "The Pawnee"  Grassland reflected in an old schoolhouse window.  Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-from-mather-point/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunset-yaki-point.jpg Sunset From Mather Point The Grand Canyon fades to darkness as a golden sunset disappears behind the North Rim. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bright-angel-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bright-angel-view.jpg Bright Angel View A clear view across the Grand Canyon to the North Rim for Bright Angel Point. Part of the Bright Angel Trail can be seen in the lower left.  Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/chichigof-old-growth/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/chichigof-forest.jpg Chichigof Old Growth A game trail with sitka deer antlers leads into old growth forest on Chichigof Island in southeast Alaska. Tongass National Forest, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/stillwater-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/stillwater-ss.jpg Stillwater Sunset A blazing sunset over the Stillwater River in northwest Montana.  Stillwater National Forest, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/saint-mary-lake-before-dawn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snow-goose-island.jpg Saint Mary Lake Before Dawn Wild Goose Island and Saint Mary Lake in blue pre-dawn light.  Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ponderosa-pines-in-rattlesnake-canyon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ponderosas-in-rsnake.jpg Ponderosa Pines in Rattlesnake Canyon A ponderosa pine forest in Rattlesnake Recreation Area near Missoula, Montana. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-gould-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mt-gould.jpg Mount Gould Reflection Mount Gould is reflected in the still waters of Lake Josephine.  Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/logging-in-glaciers-shadow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/glacier-logging.jpg Logging in Glacier's Shadow A lumber operation in the shadow of Glacier National Park. Northwest Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lunch-creek-wildflowers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/lunch-creek.jpg Lunch Creek Wildflowers Colorful wildflowers below a cascade on lunch creek.  Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/garnet-door/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/garnet-door.jpg Garnet Door A second story door in the ghost town of Garnet caught my attention - apparently there used to be stairs and this was a way for boarders to go to the outhouse. Garnet Ghost Town, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cedar-forest-floor/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cedar-forestfloor.jpg Cedar Forest Floor A rich green carpet in dense cedar forest along Trail of the Cedars.  Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wolves-in-foggy-meadow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wolves-in-fog.jpg Wolves in Foggy Meadow Gray wolves of the Basin Creek pack chase one another in a foggy meadow. My wife and I will never forget standing in a backcountry meadow watching wild wolves at play.  Canis lupus Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/lower-falls---yellowstone-river/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/upper-falls.jpg Lower Falls - Yellowstone River The Lower F of the Yellowstone River in The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/teton-moonset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/teton-moonset.jpg Teton Moonset A full moon drops behind the Grand Teton in pre-dawn light. The temperature at the time was 27 below zero.   Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mt-sheridan-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sheridan-ref.jpg Mt. Sheridan Reflection Mt. Sheridan is reflected in Heart Lake at Sunrise. The image was made on the last morning of our Heart Lake loop backpacking trip. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-sheridan-through-burned-forest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sheridan.jpg Mount Sheridan Through Burned Forest Snags from the '88 fires are silhouetted against Mt. Sheridan at sunrise.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/moose-cow-and-calf/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/moose-cow-and-calf.jpg Moose Cow and Calf While camped on the shoreline of Heart Lake, this moose cow and calf wandered into our camp on their way to the lake. Other than the occasional glance in our direction, they seemed unconcerned with our presence.  Alces alces Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/heart-lake-from-sheridan/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/heart-lake-from-sheridan.jpg Heart Lake From Sheridan Heart Lake viewed from the summit of Mt. Sheridan. The climb up Mt. Sheridan was a side trip on a backcountry trip around Heart Lake.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/in-hayden-valley/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/hayden-vall.jpg In Hayden Valley Early morning clouds over Hayden Valley.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-over-the-white-river/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wht-river-sunset.jpg Sunset Over The White River Sunset spotlights a distant mountain over the White River.  Mount Rainier National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wahkeena-falls-in-spring/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wahkeena-falls.jpg Wahkeena Falls in Spring The double falls of Wahkeena Falls roar during spring runoff.  Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/little-horsetail-falls/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/little-horsetail.jpg Little Horsetail Falls Little Horsetail Falls, also known as ponytail falls seem to shoot out of solid rock over a hiking trail.   Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/spirit-lake-floating-forest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/floating-forest.jpg Spirit Lake Floating Forest Mount Adams towers over Spirit Lake and the "floating forest" below. The white area in the lake is actually thousands of huge, dead pine trees that were deposited into Spirit Lake in the '80 Mount Saint Helens eruption.   Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/rainier-climbers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/climbers-on-dis-cleaver-5.jpg Rainier Climbers Climbers with RMI Guides ascend the Disappointment Cleaver on Mount Rainier. A spring storm dumped six feet of snow on the mountain, making travel difficult. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/yellowstone-rebirth/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ystone-growth.jpg Yellowstone Rebirth New growth returns to Yellowstone's forests, burned in the infamous fires of '88. Many thought these fires were devastating; yet time has proven they were most beneficial to the ecosystem.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/heart-spring-winter/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/heart-spring.jpg Heart Spring Winter Heart Spring, in Yellowstone's upper geyser basin.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grand-teton-one-winter-afternoon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/grteton-winter.jpg Grand Teton One Winter Afternoon A winter view of The Grand Teton, 13,770 feet and the highest peak in the Teton Range.  Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bleached-pine-in-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bleached-pine.snow.jpg Bleached Pine in Snow An intimate view of a pine bleached by geyser steam in mid-winter.  Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tongass-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Tongass-fog.jpg Tongass Fog Fog drifts through dense forest in Tongass National Forest. Tongass National Forest, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/nizina-glacier-aerial/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/nizina-glacier-aerial.jpg Nizina Glacier Aerial A bush plane view of serpentine Nizina Glacier. Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/road-to-denali/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/denali-rd.jpg Road to Denali Denali (Mt. McKinley) rises high above the arctic tundra. The lone road through the park adds scale to this massive peak. Denali is 20,320 feet high and the tallest mountain in North America.  Denali National Park, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/denali-grizzly/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Denali-Grizzly.jpg Denali Grizzly A male (boar) grizzly bear in colorful autumn tundra. Ursus arctos Denali National Park, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/denali-and-foraker-morning-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/denali-from-stony-dome.jpg Denali and Foraker Morning View Denali (Mt. McKinley) and Mount Foraker in early morning from the top of Stony Dome. Marla and I climbed Stony Dome from our backcountry camp for this stunning view. Denali National Park, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-bear/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/autumn-bear.jpg Autumn Bear Although this grizzly bear is small in the frame, he still dominates the taiga forest landscape. Just outside of Denali National Park, along the Denali Highway. Ursus arctos South-central Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/waydelich-creek/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/waydelich.jpg Waydelich Creek Waydelich Creek flows through dense old growth forest. Tongass National Forest, Alaska https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/greater-prairie-chicken-male-on-lek/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/GPC-portrait.jpg Greater Prairie Chicken Male on Lek A greater prairie chicken male performs his mating ritual to impress a female on the main lek near Wray, Colorado. Tympanuchus cupido Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/summer-sky-over-chalk-bluffs/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/chalk-cliffs.jpg Summer Sky Over Chalk Bluffs Puffy White clouds drift over the Chalk Bluffs late one summer afternoon. The Chalk Bluffs provide important nesting habitat for raptors that include peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, and golden eagle. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snow-and-salt-brush/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snow-and-salt-brush.jpg Snow and Salt Brush A winter blanket of white covers salt brush and distant bluffs on Colorado's Eastern Plains.  Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/first-snow-aspen/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/first-snow---aspen.jpg First Snow-Aspen The first snowstorm of the season blankets an aspen forest while autumn leaves cling to the trees.   Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elk-mountains-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Fall-Color-on-Mt.-Sopris.jpg Elk Mountains Autumn Autumn golden aspen and ochre red oakbrush create a tapestry of color on a mountainside in "The Elks."   Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-buck-in-rut/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mule-deer-buck-in-rut2.jpg Mule Deer Buck in Rut A massive mule deer buck tastes the air to test a doe's readiness for mating, or estrus level during rut. The behavior is called "flehmen". This image was made in the last light of day as the sun dropped behind the Rockies.   Odocoileus hemionus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-elbert-and-ellingwood-ridge/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Elbert-from-LaPlata.jpg Mount Elbert and Ellingwood Ridge Ellingwood Ridge provides a lead-in to Mount Elbert, 14,433' from nearby LaPlata Peak, 14,336'. Ellingwood Ridge has a technical route to LaPLata.  Mount Massive Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-harvard-from-columbia/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Harvard-from-Columbia.jpg Mount Harvard From Columbia Mount Harvard, 14,420' rises above Horn Fork Basin. The view is from neighboring Mount Columbia, 14,073'.  Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/dallas-peak-from-sneffels-summit/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/dallas-mtn.jpg Dallas Peak From Sneffels Summit Dallas Peak, 13,809' towers over the blure lakes high in the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness. The view is from the summit of Mt. Sneffels, 14,150'.  Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wildflower-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flowers-tarn-refl.jpg Wildflower Reflection Colorado Blue Columbine, Bluebells and King's Crown are among the wildflowers reflected in a Silver Basin alpine tarn.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/falls-on-nellie-creek/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/nellie-creek.jpg Falls on Nellie Creek A small waterfall on Nellie Creek, viewed through aspen trees from the 4WD road to Uncompahgre Peak trailhead.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/change-of-seasons---hayden-mountain/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/snow-aspen.jpg Change of Seasons - Hayden Mountain A heavy snow blankets the San Juan Mountains and Hayden Mountain as aspen trees are reaching peak autumn color.  Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/redcloud-and-sunshine-from-handies/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Sunshine-&-Redcloud-from-Ha.jpg Redcloud and Sunshine From Handies Redcloud Peak, 14,034' and Sunshine Peak, 14,001' Tower over Grizzly Gulch from the summit of Handies Peak, 14,048'.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/whitecross-mountain-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/whitecross.jpg Whitecross Mountain Reflection Whitecross Mountain, 13,542' is reflected in an alpine tarn just after sunrise.  Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/veronica-mountain-at-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/veronica-mtn.jpg Veronica Mountain at Sunset The last light of the day grazes the summit of Veronica Mountain at sunset on day one of the trek to Machu Picchu. Veronica Mountain is sacred in Incan culture. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/qonchamarca-ruin-through-mist/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/qonchamarca3500.jpg Qonchamarca Ruin Through Mist Ethereal mist swirls around the Qonchamarca ruins below Runcaray Pass along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/spotlight-on-machu-picchu/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/machupicchufog.jpg Spotlight on Machu Picchu Sunlight parts thick fog to reveal the ruins of Machu Picchu. This was a moment of pure magic that we will never forget on day four of the Inca Trail trek. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/machu-picchu-doorway/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/machu-doorway.jpg Machu Picchu Doorway A doorway in the ruins at Machu Picchu leads to a view within the ancient Inca complex. Machu Picchu, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/machu-picchu-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/machudetail.jpg Machu Picchu Closeup A closeup view of the ruins at Machu Picchu and the amazing stonework of the Inca. Machu Picchu, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/machu-picchu-ruins/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/machuclassic-dos.jpg Machu Picchu Ruins A grand view of Machu Picchu with agricultural terraces in the foreground. Machu Picchu is the number one tourist destination in Peru. Machu Picchu, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/machu-picchu-classic-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/machu-classic.jpg Machu Picchu Classic View A classic view of the ruins at Machu Picchu on day four of our Inca Trail trek. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/llactapata/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/llactapata-ruin.jpg Llactapata Llactapata ruin viewed from above on the Inca Trail. This ruin is seen early on day one of the trek to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/inca-trail-in-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/inca-trail-fog.jpg Inca Trail in Fog The Inca Trail slices through fog near Sayacmarca ruin on day two of our trek to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/inca-fountains/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/inca-fountain.jpg Inca Fountains Ancient Incan fountains outside of Cusco. Near Cusco, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/entering-inca-cave/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/inca-cave.jpg Entering Inca Cave Marla enters the infamous Inca Cave along the Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu on day three of the trek. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/huayna-picchu-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/huayna-picchu-view.jpg Huayna Picchu View The spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, as seen from Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/descending-dead-woman-pass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/descendingdeadwmn.jpg Descending Dead Woman Pass Marla descends Warminwanusca, or "Dead Woman" Pass on the second day of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Warminwanusca is the most difficult pass on the trek, at nearly 14,000 feet of elevation. Inca Trail, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cusco-town-square/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cusco.jpg Cusco Town Square The picturesque Cusco (Peru)central square, as viewed through pillars. Cusco is the starting point for adventures to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Cusco, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pisco-from-base-camp/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pisco-base-camp.jpg Pisco From Base Camp A look back at Pisco Peak, 5,750 meters, from base camp the morning after we climbed the peak.  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/huascaran-and-crevasse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/huascaran-crevasse.jpg Huascaran and Crevasse A crevasse high on Pisco Peak leads to a view of Huascaran, 6,768 meters. The high Cordillera Blanca is a land of ice - what a thrill to climb there!  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pisco-summit-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/pisco-view.jpg Pisco Summit View From the summit of Pisco Peak, 5,750 meters many of the high peaks in the Cordillera Blanca can be seen. Words cannot express the grandeur. Quitaraju, Alpamayo and Artesonraju make up part of this skyline.   Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/huascaran-morning-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/huascaran.jpg Huascaran Morning Light Sunrise light warms Huascaran, 6,768 meters - Peru's tallest mountain. The view is from the glacier on the ascent of neighboring Pisco Peak. Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/huandoy-peak-and-fog/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/huandoy.jpg Huandoy Peak and Fog Huandoy, 6,354 meters in early morning light as fog rises from the valley below. Huandoy is virtually unclimable because of extreme avalanche danger.  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/chopicalqui-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/chopicalqui.jpg Chopicalqui Sunset Sunset light on Chopicalqui, 6,354 meters, above the Pisco glacier.  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/peruvian-women-with-child/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/villagers.jpg Peruvian Women With Child Villagers in a tiny farming village along the Santa Criuz trekking route pause for a photograph. These kind, gentle people were happy to pose and thrilled to see their image on my digital LCD.  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/santa-cruz-farming-village/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/farming-village.jpg Santa Cruz Farming Village A small, traditional farming village along the Santa Cruz trekking route.  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/taulliraju-above-the-clouds/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/taullipampa.jpg Taulliraju Above the Clouds Taulliraju, 5,830 meters rises above the clouds in early morning light.  Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/punta-union-descent/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/PU-descent.jpg Punta Union Descent Marla and our guide, Victor descend misty Punta Union Pass on the Santa Cruz trekking route. Cordillera Blanca, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/view-from-punta-union-pass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/punta-union.jpg View From Punta Union Pass The sign at the top of Punta Union Pass ~ 15,600' is the foreground in a view of much of the Santa Cruz trekking route. Cordillera Blanca, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/quenal-trees-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/quenal-trees.jpg Quenal Trees Closeup Quenal trees, an icon of Huascaran National Park, form interesting patterns. Huascaran National Park, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/quitaraju-clearing-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/quitaraju-clearing-storm.jpg Quitaraju Clearing Storm Morning sun spotlights Qutaraju, 6,036 meters as storm clouds clear.  Cordillera Blanca Range, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/robeson-peak-winter-morning/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/robeson-pk.jpg Robeson Peak Winter Morning Winter sun warms frosty Robeson Peak, 13,140' , viewed from Loveland pass. Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bighorn-ram-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BH-ram.jpg Bighorn Ram Portrait A bighorn (sheep) ram near Georgetown, one of the best places along the Front Range to view these majestic creatures. Ovis canadensis Arapaho National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/treasure-vault-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Treasure-Vault-Lk-refl.jpg Treasure Vault Reflection Unnamed peaks are reflected in appropriately named Treasure Vault Lake just after sunrise.  Holy Cross Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/holy-cross-ridge-passing-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Holy-Cross-Ridge.jpg Holy Cross Ridge Passing Storm A thunderstorm passes in the valley below Holy Cross Ridge in Holy Cross Wilderness. Holy Cross Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/colorado-blue-columbine/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/blue-columbine---huron.jpg Colorado Blue Columbine Blue columbine, Colorado's state flower near the trailhead to Mt. Huron. Collegiate Peaks Wildernness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hyenas-on-kill/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/hyenas.jpg Hyenas on Kill Hyenas feed on a wildebeast after an overnight kill in Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro National Conservation Area, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/hippos-in-wallow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/hippos.jpg Hippos in Wallow "These hippos look like rocks, those rocks look like hippos" is what our gude, Khalid told us while in Ngorongoro.  Ngorongoro National Conservation Area, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/african-elephant-female-and-calf/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/elephants1.jpg African Elephant Female and Calf An African elephant cow and calf graze the Taringire savannah. Taringire National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kilimanjaro-glaciers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/kili-glac.jpg Kilimanjaro Glaciers Crater glaciers are seen from the summit of Kilimanjaro, 19,340'. Our guide told us that these glaciers, now destined to disappear due to global warming, once filled the craters. It is estimated that all of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro will be gone by 2025.  Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/on-kibo/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/marla-and-michael.jpg On Kibo Marla and our assistant guide, Michael point to porters who are ferrying water across the saddle to our next camp. This was an acclimitization hike in preparation for our Kilmanjaro summit attempt. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kibo-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/kibo-ss.jpg Kibo Sunset As a snowstorm passes, sunset lights Kibo just before sunset. Kibo is the smaller sibling peak to Uruhu on Kilimanjaro.  Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kilimanjaro-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/kili-sr.jpg Kilimanjaro Sunrise Sunrise over the African continent as seen from high on Mount Kilimanjaro. We were just below the summit when the sun broke the horizon beyond Kibo, the smaller peak on Kili. It was well below zero while we climbed for hours in darkness and seeing the sun warmed our bodies and spirits.  Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kilimanjaro-grasslands/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/kili-grassland.jpg Kilimanjaro Grasslands Mount Kilimanjaro, 19,340' in morning light from the grasslands ~ one of five distinct ecosystems on the mountain. This image was taken from our camp at about 13,000 feet. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African Continent - the glaciers on Kili are barely visible in this image and predicted to be lost to climate change within 20 years. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-and-white-colobus-monkey/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/colobus.jpg Black and White Colobus Monkey A black and white colobus monkey is seen feeding low in the tree canopy along our trekking route.   Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/kilimanjaro-porters/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/coca-cola-porters.jpg Kilimanjaro Porters Our porters carry loads on the descent from Kilmanjaro along the "Coca-Cola" route. Kilmanjaro National Park, Tanzania Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/banana-bike/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/banana-bike.jpg Banana Bike A Masai man uses a bicycle to transport bananas in a Masai village. Tanzania, East Africa https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/giant-lobelia/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/africa-lobelia.jpg Giant Lobelia A giant lobelia plant in the grasslands that surround Mount Kilimanjaro.  Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/nepali-porters/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/porters-at-sag-checkin.jpg Nepali Porters Porters rest their loads at the check-in to Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park at Namche Bazaar . Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mani-stone-2/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mani-stone.jpg Mani Stone A mani, or prayer stone with ancient prayers along the Everest "highway". Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mani-stone/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mani-stone.jpg Mani Stone A prayer, or "mani" stone with centuries-old carvings along the trekking route to Namche Bazaar and Everest base camp.  Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/napali-school-children/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/kids.jpg Napali School Children School kids in uniform along the Everest region trekking trail. We had just given these kids new pens.   Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/light-on-cho-oyu/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cho-oyu.jpg Light on Cho Oyu Cho Oyu, 8,153 meters in late afternoon light from Gokyo. From this location Cho Oyu was only 10 miles distant, on the Tibetan border (now China).  Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ama-dablam-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ama-dablam-sr.jpg Ama Dablam Sunrise A colorful sunrise over Ama Dablam, 6,856 meters high and an icon of Nepal's Khumbu region. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ama-dablam-and-chorten/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ama-chorten.jpg Ama Dablam and Chorten Ama Dablam, one of the iconic peaks of the Everest region is fronted by a chorten and prayer flags.   Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-everest-classic-kala-patthar-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/everest.jpg Mount Everest Classic Kala Patthar View Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak at 8,850 meters; Lhotse, 8,501 meters and Nuptse, 7,861 meters as seen from Kala Pattar. Kala Patthar is a 5,550 meter trekking peak (really a hill in comparison) near Everest base camp. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-tail-buck-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/WT-deer-vert.jpg White-tail buck portrait A majestic white-tail buck pauses in a clearing during the autumn rut. Odocoileus virginianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/snowy-egret-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-snowy-egret.jpg Snowy Egret Reflection Snowy Egrets are surprisingly common in riparian areas on the prairie. After hours of waiting, this creature landed right in front of my blind on Lake Derby. Egretta thula Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-buck-chasing-doe/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/rma-buck-and-doe.jpg Mule Deer Buck Chasing Doe During the autumn rut, a large mule deer buck chases a doe. RMA has some of the largest mule deer in North America. Did the buck catch the doe? Yes! Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/burrowing-owl-with-beetle/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/RMA-B-owl-w-beetle.jpg Burrowing Owl with Beetle A male burrowing owl pauses before making a food delivery to young in the natal burrow. Males are easily distinguished from females in early summer - they are bleached from hunting in the hot sun while the female tends to her young underground. Athene cunicularia Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mule-deer-silhouette-at-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mule-deer-silhouette.jpg Mule Deer Silhouette at Sunset A mule deer buck is silhouetted against a colorful backdrop of sunset and the Front Range. Odocoileus hemionus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/long-eared-owls-on-nest/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/LEO-yawning.jpg Long-eared Owls on Nest A female long-eared owl with two of her offspring on their nest in a dense thicket. These reclusive owls are seldom seen because of the habitat they prefer. Asio otus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/ladora-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/ladora-autumn.jpg Ladora Autumn Blazing cottonwoods at peak autumn color along the shoreline of Lake Ladora one October morning. A large print of this photograph will be displayed in the new RMA visitor center. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/flicker-feather-and-cottonwood-leaves/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Flicker-feather---leaves.jpg Flicker Feather and Cottonwood Leaves The tail feather of a red-shafted northern flicker on frosty autumn cottonwood leaves. Colaptes auratus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-tailed-prairie-dogs-on-burrow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BT-prairie-dogs.jpg Black-tailed Prairie Dogs On Burrow Black-tailed prairie dogs are a keystone species of the shortgrass prairie because 160 different creatures depend on them for food and shelter. Cynomys ludovicianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunflower-field/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/sunflowers-erie.jpg Sunflower Field Commercial sunflowers near Erie, Colorado. This image marked the introduction of "ladderpod", an eight foot ladder with my window-mount ball head on top. Photography is often about solving problems; and this is my ungainly solution to being height-challenged! Near Erie, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-rocks-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-rocks-autumn.jpg Red Rocks Autumn Poplars with their autumn foliage and red sandstone formations in Red Rocks Park outside of Denver. Red Rocks Park, Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-fox-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-fox-potrait.jpg Red Fox Portrait A red fox appears to pose as I photographed him through tall native grass. Wheat Ridge Greenbelt. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/northern-flicker-in-tree-hole/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/flicker-in-tree-hole.jpg Northern Flicker in Tree Hole A red-shafted northern flicker peers from a tree cavity. Common members of the woodpecker family, flickers are cavity nesting birds. Colaptes oratus Chatfield State Park, Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-in-eldorado-canyon/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/eldo-cyn-autumn.jpg Autumn in Eldorado Canyon Autumn color and fallen leaves along Boulder Creek in narrow Eldorado Canyon. Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cottonwood-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cottonwood-sr-chatfld.jpg Cottonwood Sunrise Bare cottonwood trees are silhouetted against a colorful winter sunrise.  Chatfield State Park, Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-runing-in-snow/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-running.jpg Bison Runing in Snow A young bull bison running in snow - after a prolonged drought, bison began chasing one another in a heavyweight game. I am convinced these creatures were acting out of joy with the arrival of snow. Denver herd (captive). Jefferson County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bison-bull-closeup/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bison-bull-closeup.jpg Bison Bull Closeup One of our most iconic and imposing creatures, the American Bison was nearly hunted to extinction in the late 19th century. Today there are still relatively few wild bison in America, but conservation groups are working to re-establish this keystone species on the Great Plains. Denver herd (captive). https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/multnomah-falls-cascade/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/multnomah-cascade.jpg Multnomah Falls Cascade A closeup view of a cascade on Multnomah Falls in the Columbia Gorge.   Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/peruvian-mercado/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mercado.jpg Peruvian Mercado A typically colorful market, or mercado in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru. Cordillera Blanca, Peru https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/baobob-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/baobob-sunset.jpg Baobob Sunset An ancient baobob tree is silhouetted at sunset. Taringire National Park, Tanzania https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunrise-on-ingraham-glacier/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/xl/Rainier-SR.jpg Sunrise on Ingraham Glacier The Ingraham Glacier and a distant Mount Adams absorb the first rays of sunlight from Disappointment Cleaver on Mount Rainier.  Mount Rainier National Park, Washington https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-hood-aerial-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mt-hood-aerial.jpg Mount Hood Aerial View Mount Hood as seen from the air, late afternoon one summer day.  Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon. https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/nuptse-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Nuptse-sunset.jpg Nuptse Sunset Sunset grazes the peak of Nuptse, 7,881 meters high in the Himalayas of Nepal. Peaks of Everest and Lhotse are to the left and right of Nuptse in this image. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/spotlight-on-nuptse/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/nuptse-light-and-shadow.jpg Spotlight on Nuptse Nuptse, 7,881 meters is spotlit by late afternoon sunlight. This Himalayan giant guards Mount Everest and Lhotse in this view. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-on-cho-oyu/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Cho-Oyu-sunset.jpg Sunset on Cho Oyu The last rays of the day highlight the summit of Cho Oyu, 8,153 meters and the sixth highest peak in the world. The view is from Gokyo, in the heart of Nepal's Khumbu Region. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cho-oyu-above-the-dudh-kosi/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cho-oyu-and-flags.jpg Cho Oyu Above the Dudh Kosi Cho Oyu, 8,153 meters is the world's sixth highest peak. This image was made above Machermo, at 4,500 meters. Prayer flags are placed on high ridges and mountains because Tibetan Buddhists believe their prayers will be blown to their Gods by the wind. As afternoon clouds close in on Cho Oyu, the Dudh Kosi, or milk river flows clear and cold off of nearby Mount Everest. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunlight-on-trail-of-the-cedars/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/trail-o-cedars.jpg Sunlight on Trail of the Cedars Streaks of sunlight filtered by tall cedars on Trail of the Cedars. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/grinnel-point-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Grinnel-Point.jpg Grinnel Point Reflection Grinnel Point is reflected in Swiftcurrent Lake from Many Glacier Lodge. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/huron-peak-from-missouri-mountain/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/huron-from-missouri.jpg Huron Peak From Missouri Mountain Huron Peak, 14,005 is the distant peak from the summit of Missouri Mountain, 14,067'.   Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/halfmoon-lakes-from-massive/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Halfmoon-Lakes---massive.jpg Halfmoon Lakes From Massive Halfmoon Lakes are tiny blue orbs from the summit of Mount Massive, 14,421'. Massive is Colorado's 2nd highest peak. Mount Massive Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/wetterhorn-and-matterhorn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/wetterhorn-and-matterhorn.jpg Wetterhorn and Matterhorn Wetterhorn Peak, 14017' and Matterhorn Peak, 13,590' from high on Uncompahgre Peak. The volcanic rock in the foreground is common throughout the range. Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/three-peaks-of-red-mountain/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-mtn-detail.jpg Three Peaks of Red Mountain A colorful view of Red Mountain, high in the San Juans.  Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-mountain-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-mountain-reflection.jpg Red Mountain Reflection Red Mountain No. 1 is reflected in an alpine tarn above Gray Copper Gulch. Uncompahgre National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/uncompahgre-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/14uncompahgresunrise.jpg Uncompahgre Sunrise A golden sunrise illuminates Uncompahgre Peak, 14,309'after a a clearing storm. The electrical strom lasted all night and is one of the most violent we've ever experienced.  Uncompahgre Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/sunset-on-longs-peak/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/longs-sunset.jpg Sunset on Longs Peak Sunset lights The Diamond on Longs Peak, 14,255' from the Boulder Fields, high camp on the keyhole route. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/keyhole-ridge/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/keyhole-rdg---glacier-gorge.jpg Keyhole Ridge Keyhole Ridge leads to Glacier Gorge from the summit of Long's Peak, 14,255'. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/keyhole-climbers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/keyhole-climbers.jpg Keyhole Climbers Climbers rest in The Keyhole en-route to Longs Peak (14,255') just before sunrise. The Keyhole is the namesake for the most popular route on Long's, the highest peak in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/bugling-bull-elk/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Bugling-Elk-vert.jpg Bugling Bull Elk A bull elk bugles for a mate with a backdrop of changing aspen. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-rock-lake-sunrise-reflection/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-rock-lake-one.jpg Red Rock Lake Sunrise Reflection The jagged crest of the Indian Peaks in warm sunrise light, reflected in Red Rock Lake.  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-evans-and-summit-lake-at-sunrise/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/14k-evans-from-summit-lk.jpg Mount Evans and Summit Lake at Sunrise Mount Evans, 14,264' catches first light from Summit Lake.  Mount Evans Wilderness Area, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/tallgrass-and-cottonwoods/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/tall-grass-and-cottonwoods.jpg Tallgrass and Cottonwoods The Nature Conservancy's Fox Ranch. Autumn grasses in rich red color line a cottonwood forest along the Arickaree River. The grasses along the river form a strip of tallgrass praire - unique in Colorado. Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-prairie-storm/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/prairie-storm-yuma.jpg Autumn Prairie Storm On a balmy autumn day, an incoming storm foretells a major change in weather on the eastern plains. Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/pawnee-buttes-aerial-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/P-Buttes-aerial.jpg Pawnee Buttes Aerial View  A raptor's view of the infamous buttes as seen from a small plane. Remants of an ancient inland sea, the Pawnee Buttes are an important raptor nesting site for peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, and golden eagle. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/fox-ranch-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Oglalla-capsunset.jpg Fox Ranch Sunset  Last light of the day grazes capstone of the Ogallala formation above the Arickaree River on The Nature Conservancy's Fox Ranch. "The Fox" is an operating cattle ranch that practices resposible land management and a migratory grazing strategy.  Yuma County, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/apishapa-in-late-afternoon-light/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/apishapa-2.jpg Apishapa in Late Afternoon Light Warm late afternoon light across this southern grassland canyon. Apishipa is home to a diverse wildlife population that includes bobcat, mountain lion, black bear, and may raptors. Apishapa Canyon State Wildlife Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/cottonwood-on-castlewood-canyon-rim/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/cottonwood-and-canyon.jpg Cottonwood on Castlewood Canyon Rim  A cottonwood tree in peak autumn color is contrasted against the canyon rim background. Castlewood Canyon State Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/apishapa-canyon-sunset/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/apishapa-sunset.jpg Apishapa Canyon Sunset  Located in the southern Colorado prairie, Apishapa Canyon is a beautifully diverse and remote area with a wide variety of native prairie creatures. Apishapa Canyon State Wildlife Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/black-footed-ferret/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/BFF.jpg Black-footed Ferret  Black-footed ferrets were once near extinction when a small population was discovered in Wyoming in the mid-80's. The recovery of this critically endangered creature is one of our greatest success stories; yet the population remains unstable. The recovery center near Fort Collins raises ferrets until they are ready for release into the wild and has released more than 2,600 animals to date. This individual was released one week after I photographed him. The black-footed ferret is dependent on large, healthy prairie dog complexes. Habitat loss and predation of prairie dogs are their biggest threats. The Conservation Cente is located on the shortgrass prairie north of Fort Collins. Mustela nigripes National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mtn-bluebird-male-portrait/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mtn-bluebird.jpg Mtn Bluebird Male Portrait Mountain bluebirds use nesting boxes throughout the summer months. This male was a prolific hunter, making frequent trips to the nesting box to feed his young. Sialia currucoides Castlewood Canyon State Park, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/red-aspen-along-the-ohio-pass-road/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/red-aspen---ohio-pass.jpg Red Aspen Along the Ohio Pass Road Red aspen trees at sunset along the Ohio Pass road. Aspen clones of a single plant will change color at the same time and in the same color pallette. Red aspen are an exception in a sea of gold color. Gunnison National Forest, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/maroon-bells-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/mbells-fall-closeup.jpg Maroon Bells Autumn  Maroon Peak, 14,165' and North Maroon Peak, 14,014' are decorated with golden aspen trees. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elk-range-autumn/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/gothic-fall-color.jpg Elk Range Autumn Peak autumn color in the elk range along the road from Crested Butte to Gothic.  White River National Forest, CO https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/castle-view/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/castle-ridge-south.jpg Castle View Endless ridges of multi-colored mountains in the elk range, looking across the south ridge of Castle Peak, 14,265'. Castle is the tallest peak in the elk range.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/elk-range-from-conundrum-peak-14060/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/bells-from-conundrum.jpg Elk Range From Conundrum Peak, 14,060' From the summit of 14,060' Conundrum Peak, all of the high peaks in the elk range can be seen. The Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, Snowmass and Capitol make a spectacular skyline.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/white-tail-fawn-in-grass/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Fawn1.jpg White-tail fawn in grass A white-tail fawn, maybe three days old is hidden in spring grasses. Born scentless, this fawn will be able to outrun a coyote within a week of birth. Odocoileus virginianus Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/blazing-star-close-up/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Blazing Star.jpg Blazing Star Close-up Blazing star wildflowers, also known as "velcro plant" are a late-bloomer on the shortgrass prairie. Vast areas of white flowers can be seen in late August after summer monsoon rains. Nuttalia decapetala Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/mount-elbert-winter-ascent/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Elbert winter climb.jpg Mount Elbert Winter Ascent My wife Marla snowshoes up 14,433' Mt. Elbert in blustery conditions. Elbert is the tallest peak in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. Mount Massive Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-aspen-layers/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/Aspen Layers.jpg Autumn Aspen Layers Patterns of aspen and pine glow in warm autumn light.  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Colorado https://www.daveshowalter.com/photo/autumn-aspen-boles/ https://www.daveshowalter.com/images/large/aspen boles in autumn MB.jpg Autumn Aspen Boles An intimate view of an aspen forest in peak fall foliage along the road to Independence Pass. 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