Big Horn Sheep - Again? Must Be My Lucky Day!
I wrote a post recently about a visit to Georgetown, Colorado (Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep), where I was excited to have the opportunity to photograph big horn sheep in their natural habitat in the Rocky Mountains. Also recently, I wrote a post about my visit to the Tarryall Valley (Lost Creek Wilderness Area). This past Saturday, I took another drive through the Tarryalls. There had been snowfall, and I wanted to see this gorgeous valley as winter would present it.
To my great surprise and delight, once again I encountered big horn sheep! I knew they were in the area, but had never seen them there - and suddenly, there they were! An entire herd of about 15 or 20 head. (In Georgetown, I had seen only three).
They were near the side of the road, (on the shady side, unfortunatley), so I quickly pulled over, and was thrilled that they didn't bolt away. Even as I got out of the car, they seemed completely unperturbed by my presence. As I watched, and as they watched me, I was able to pick out the 'Big Daddy', a huge ram with enormous horns. Much bigger than those I saw at Georgetown. He was kept company by several lady friends, and many younger rams.
You can clearly see the battle scars on his horns as he fights for his rightful place in the herd. Head butting contests between rams can last as long as 20 hours!
A young ewe
A young adult ram
After a half hour or so, I moved on down the road. When finally I headed back, as daylight was fading, I discovered them still there, in the same place. Couldn't help myself. I stopped for more photos.
Holy Cow Ram! Can you just imagine carrying 30 pound horns around on your head all day?
Eventually they headed off into the rocky slopes, and I caught this young ram suggesting to the ewe in front of him that she move along a bit more quickly. He was not exactly gentle about it, either!
Talk about a 'kick in the butt'!
I am so grateful for each opportunity I have to photograph animals in the wild. How lucky we are to share our planet with such amazing creatures.
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