"The Cycle Continues"

Mule Deer  -  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado

I made this image last November during the rut. This buck was the biggest one I've seen in a long time. 

His entire focus was on the does in the area, making it easy for me to photograph him. Lori and I spent most of the day working bucks in the area near the old visitor center. As we were getting ready to leave, we decided to head south on Havana Street. It was near 58th Avenue, where we found these two, along with a dozen or so other does and bucks. We stayed there and worked them until sunset.

An Old Horse & A Young Horse

Me & A Member of the Gila Herd   -  Sunka Wakan

Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, South Dakota

Lori and I returned from South Dakota this past weekend, where we led our Wild Horses in the Snow photo adventure. In spite of the fact that there was practically no snow, we had a great time. It was certainly warmer this year than during our same workshop last year . . . 60-degrees warmer, to be exact.

One of things that is so special during this adventure, not unlike many of the workshops we conduct, is the connection and interaction we experience with our subjects. I've talked about it. I've written about it. However, you'll never really know what it's like until you experience it yourself.

"Awaiting Spring"

Pine Grosbeak  -  Allenspark, Colorado

Pine Grosbeaks have been daily visitors at our bird feeders for about a month. One morning when I went to let Diana our for her morning constitutional, there were a dozen, or so, feeding on our front porch. One thing is certain, they are always welcome guests and have definitely added a bit of color to the snowy landscape around our home in the mountains.

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"Winter Respite"

American Elk  -  Estes Park, Colorado

Lori and I made a run to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Estes Park a couple of days ago on St. Valentine's Day. Afterwards, we decided to take a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park and see what we might encounter in the way of wildlife subjects. About the only thing we came across in the Park were a trio of coyotes, images of which I will share with you a little later. However, on the way into the Park, we encountered a couple of bull elk near McGregor Mountain Lodge, along Fall River Road. It was snowing pretty good, which added to the mystique of the day.

Together, We Can Make A Difference

"Bright Eyes"

Leopard  -  Kenya, Africa

Changing Our World:  One Photograph at a Time

©2012 Lori Huff

  

The wind is howling, so rather than brave the elements, I decided today would be a good time to go through some of my images. As I sit in front of the computer in my nice cozy cabin, a warm fire glowing in the wood stove, I start to think about what my images are saying to other photographers and to people in general. Here are the thoughts I would like to share and hopefully get you thinking of ways to spread this message to others.

Wildlife photographers introduce others to various insights in the world of nature. Every time we show an image of our wild brothers and sisters, we create an awareness of how these animals live and the habitat where they reside.  Our needs are destroying the world – more oil, more timber, more roads. The list goes on and on. We are destroying the very habitat these animals need to survive.

The places we visit and photograph may someday vanish. If we, as photographers and as a people, do not involve ourselves in protecting our wild brothers and sisters and the places where they live, the only thing that will remain are pictures of a vanishing wilderness.

Look at your photographs, and those of others. Continue photographing the world of nature, but more importantly, SHARE your images. You are building a portfolio of our natural world. Become one with nature. Believe in what you are doing and you will return with life changing images. Know that one person can change the world, and that my friend is you.

So, as the snow starts to fall and the wind continues howling, I can’t help but think of our wild brothers and sisters. What can we do to assure their survival, not only for their sake, but also for future generations as well as ours? 

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Lori Huff, my partner, is an accomplished photographer in her own right. She and I share the same values when it comes to our wild brothers and sisters. That's why I chose to share this article that she wrote, in hopes that it will motivate others to action on behalf of wildlife around the world.

- Weldon Lee

Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures Hosts Wild Horse Fundraiser

On a sad note . . .

Our Little Friend - Allenspark, Colorado

The coyote depicted above and in my post dated December, 24, 2011, was a regular visitor to our home in Allenspark. Whenever she would come for a visit, our dogs always announced her arrival. Although a little skittish, she never ran whenever this happened. She was always tolerant whenever Lori, or I, photographed her through our living room window.

Day after day . . . week after week, she would come. Then, all of a sudden, she stopped coming. What happened to her? We worried. Had she been hit by an automobile? Hopefully, no one had shot her. Perhaps, she had found a mate and they had run off together to start a family. After all, she was approaching her first birthday.

Yesterday, we learned through the grapevine that our neighbor had been boasting how he had recently shot and killed a coyote. Surely, he didn't kill our little friend. Is that what happened to her? Did he shoot the little visitor who had provided so many photo opportunities for Lori and I? Although, we may never know for sure, this was probably her fate.

My question is "WHY?" What did she ever do to harm anyone. Certainly, she deserved better.

The neighbor in question claims to be a hunter. I have nothing against hunters who eat what the kill. However, I have no respect for anyone who kills simply for the sake of killing, or to hang a trophy on the wall.

Skip, you're no hunter. You're a killer. It's individuals like you that give a black eye to hunters.