Saturday, December 24, 2011

"A Winter Visitor"


Coyote  -  Allenspark, Colorado

My Prayer For You
&
Our Wild Brothers & Sisters

May the Joy of Nature
Fill you with happiness and cheer;
May peace reign supreme
Throughout the coming New Year!


My little friend depicted above has been a regular visitor
at our home in Allenspark, Colorado, for the past several months.

We have certainly enjoyed her visits
and hope you will enjoy this photograph I made of her.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

"bob WHITE!"

Bobwhite Quail  -  Santa Clara Ranch; Starr County, Texas

I invite you to check out my latest article, "Bird Photography on the Santa Clara" in the Fall/Winter issue of Nature Photographer magazine.

Lori and I have invited a group of friends to join us on the Santa Clara Ranch this coming May, for three days of unbelievable photography. One space is currently available. This is not a workshop. Simply a gathering of friends. We would love to have you join us. This past April when we were there, I shot over 16,000 images in three and a half days.

The dates are May 7-9, 2012. The ranch charges $185 a day, which includes photography from sunken, ground level blinds, lodging, meals, and maid service.

Contact me if you are interested at 303.747.2074, or via email at weldon@weldonlee.com

Click on the following link and check out the ranch's website:  http://santaclararanch.com/index.html

Sunday, December 11, 2011

"Lookin' For A Friend"

American Bighorn  -  Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado

I made this image Thanksgiving Day as Lori and I were driving down the Big Thompson Canyon on our way to Loveland, Colorado, for Thanksgiving Dinner. It is the fourth release in my series, "Wildlife of North America in Black & White."


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Are you a collector of wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? With the holiday season fast approaching, there's no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog are available for purchase. For details, go to my website, Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive notices of special offers on my photographs, along with news about my wildlife photo adventures? Then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

"You Called?"

Mule Deer - Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Colorado

Due to limited accessibility at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, it had been years since my last visit. However, viewing with envy,  posts of mule deer images on the Facebook page, Front Range Wildlife Photographers, Lori and I decided to go there on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and give it another try. This image is the result. Needless to say, I have changed my mind and will definitely be back.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

"Bring 'Em On"

American Elk  -  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Here's another image that I made during the recent elk rut. This one was made in Moraine Park. Hope you like it.

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Are you a collector of wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? With the holiday season fast approaching, there's no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for purchase. For details. go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive notices of special offers on my photographs, along with news about my workshops? Then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and beg receiving my eNewsletter.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

"Bugle Boy"

American Elk  -  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Every autumn the annual rut, or breeding season, of the American elk takes place. The mountains and valleys of Rocky Mountain National Park reverberate with the sounds of bugling bull elk as the gather their harems in a timeless ritual that began eons ago.

This is the third release in my "Mammals of North America in Black & White" series. It was made a few week ago, while guiding a friend in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

"Life at the Top"

American Elk  -  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Here’s another image I made a week ago . . . this one early one morning along Trail Ridge Road.

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Are you a collector of the wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website: Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee www.weldonlee.com

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN MY LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

"Rise 'N Shine"

American Elk  -  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

I made this image just before sunrise last Sunday in Horseshoe Park, while guiding Mike Caroff, a friend from California. It's always good when you can be at the right place at the right time.

Someone recently contacted me stating that being in the right place at the right time is the result of spending more time in the field. That's absolutely true. You will never be in the right place sitting at home on the sofa. You've got to spend time in the field. This is the secret to making great wildlife images.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

"The Intruder"

Wild Horse  -  Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, South Dakota

This is the second release in my "Mammals of North America in Black & White" series. It was made last May during our Wild Horses of the West photo adventure.

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Are you a collector of wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for purchase. For details. go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive notices of special offers on my photographs, along with news about my workshops? Then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and beg receiving my eNewsletter.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

"Look Into My Eyes"

"Look Into My Eyes"
Brown Bear  -  Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Over the next few months I will be releasing a new series of limited edition photographs – “Wildlife of North America in Black & White” This is the first release in that series. Only 500 will images will be printed. This image is available for purchase at this time. Subscribers to my eNewsletter will receive a special discount available only to them. Contact me if you are interested in becoming one of the first owners of what is certain to become an extremely popular series.

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Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN MY LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

"Scratchin' Post"

Brown Bear (yearling)  -  Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

My group and I encountered this yearling cub, along with its sibling and mother, several times during our recent wildlife photo adventure in Alaska. I named them The Sow & Double Trouble because one of the cubs would often bluff charge us as we were making pictures. I was fortunate to capture this image of the cub standing erect while scratching its back against a tree.

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Are you a collector of wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for purchase. For details. go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive notices of special offers on my photographs, along with news about my workshops? Then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and beg receiving my eNewsletter.

Friday, August 5, 2011

"Contentment"

Brown Bear (sow & cub)  -  Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

My group and I had been photographing this cooperative sow and her cub for quite some time. She eventually tired and decided to lay down. At that time, her six month old cub climbed on top of her, laid down as shown in this image, and without any cares in the world, went to sleep.

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Are you a collector of the wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

"PLAY TIME"


Brown Bear (cubs)  -  Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Lori Huff, my partner, and I returned yesterday from leading our Alaska Wildlife photo adventure this past week in Lake Clark National Park. First started in 2000, this has become one of our premier workshops. This year we were joined by friends Margaret Smith, from Bishopville, South Carolina, Harvey Shaffer, a veterinarian with practice in Longmont, Colorado who lives in nearby Berthoud, and Gary Wade, from Loveland, Colorado.

Although it's hard to imagine the photo opps could ever get any better than in years past, this year was unbelievable. We photographed sows with both twins and triplets. Plus, several boars also filled our viewfinders from time to time. One day was spent on nearby Duck Island photographing puffins, murres, and a variety of gulls. All in all, Alaska was phenomenal.

Are you a collector of the wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

"Lookin' Pretty"

American Beaver  -  Beaver Pond; Estes Park, Colorado

This image was made the same afternoon as the previous one. As you can imagine, the resident beaver were very cooperative. I was also able to make a couple of nice beaver images the following day, which I will share later.

Are you a collector of the wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Monday, July 18, 2011

"The Aspen Diner"


American Beaver  -  Fish Creek Pond; Estes Park, Colorado

I made this image last Friday at the beaver pond. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Are you a collector of the wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on my blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Monday, July 11, 2011

"Ruler of the Plains"


American Bison - Custer State Park, South Dakota

Bison are dangerous animals. Most of the time they’ll ignore you. Just when you think there is no problem - WATCH OUT! An upraised tail is warning sign that something’s about to happen, either a charge . . . or discharge. In either case, you don’t want to be too close.

Are you a collector of the wildlife photographic art by Weldon Lee? There is no time like the present to begin your collection! This image, along with others on this blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee.

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.



Friday, May 20, 2011

Dance With Me

Northern Cardinal - Santa Clara Ranch; Starr County, Texas

I made this image during a recent trip to the Santa Clara Ranch in south Texas. This image, along with others on my blog, are available for sale. For details, go to my website: Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee www.weldonlee.com

Would you like to receive photo tips, special offers on my photographs, and news about my workshops? If so, then click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST button on this page and begin receiving my eNewsletter.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Make My Day!

Wild Horses - Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, South Dakota
I photographed these two stallions fighting during one of my wild horse photography workshops. Lori and I will be leaving this coming weekend for South Dakota, where we will lead our Wild Horses in the Snow photo adventure. We still have space if your would like to join us . . . and if you can't make this one, we have two more wild horse adventures scheduled this year, one in May and the other in October. For details, go to my website, Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Symbol of Freedom

Bald Eagle - Kachemak Bay, Alaska

THE BALD EAGLE - SYMBOL OF FREEDOM

by Weldon Lee

The bald eagle - symbol of freedom, strength, and power - was adopted as the United States’ national emblem in 1782.

Unfortunately, that did not guaranteed protection of this magnificent bird. Several factors contributed to plummeting Bald Eagle populations in the 1900s.

For instance, the paying of bounties for dead eagles did not end until 1962. In Alaska, a pair of eagle feet brought two dollars. Compounding the problem was the use of DDT to control crop pests. Where the bounty hunters had failed, this dreadful pesticide almost succeeded.

Fortunately, these issues are behind us and Bald Eagles are making a comeback.

Today, the bald eagle ranges throughout most of North America.

Favored habitats are typically near large rivers, lakes, or the sea coast.

Nests are usually placed in the fork of a prominent, tall tree adjacent to an open area. It is a conspicuous, massive structure of sticks and branches.

Both male and female are involved with the construction.

Used annually, and added to each season, the nest may attain a height of 5 or 6 feet, be 9 or 10 feet in diameter, and weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds.

In the Rockies. two bluish-white eggs are laid sometime between February and April. In other areas, Florida for example, nesting may occur as early as November.

Both parents share incubation - 34 to 36 days - and rearing of the offspring.

Fledging occurs when the young are between two and three months old.

Young eagles face many dangers. Mortality is high. The pair will be fortunate if only two or three of their offspring reach maturity.

Full adult plumage - white head and tail feathers - is not attained until age four or five. Breeding and egg laying usually begins at this time and continues until their death at age nine or ten. Captive birds, however, have been known to live to the ripe old age of forty.

Bald eagles are capable of catching fish up to 15 pounds. In addition, small mammals, waterfowl, seabirds, and even carrion finds its way into their diet.
This image is available as a signed, limited edition photograph by special order. Go to my website, Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee, for details on pricing and framing.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

"GHOSTS FROM THE PAST"

Trumpeter Swan - Jackson, Wyoming

GHOSTS FROM THE PAST

The stately trumpeter swan, dressed in snowy white plumage and sporting a coal-black bill, was once common in much of the West.

However, one’s chances of seeing a trumpeter during the 1800s in the area where I live today was never very good, simply because of the absence of lakes and marshes at that time.

Then came hunting of these magnificent birds, mainly for their feathers which were used to adorn the hats and gowns of fashionable ladies of the day. As a result, by the early 1900s, the trumpeter had been hunted nearly to extinction. Research conducted in 1932, revealed that the Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana hosted the only population know to exist anywhere in the world. Sixty-eight swans remained.

This further reduced one’s chance of seeing a trumpeter locally to somewhere between zero and none.

Following the discovery of this small remnant population in 1932, immediate steps were taken to preserve the only known remaining habitat for the trumpeter. In 1935, the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was established.

Today, through much hard work their numbers in the Centennial Valley have stabilized to somewhere between 250 and 300 birds.

In the 1950s, a previously unknown population of trumpeters was discovered in Alaska and western Canada.

As a result, current estimates place their numbers close to 15,000, of which approximately 14,500 reside in Alaska and Canada.

One of these ghosts from the past took up winter residence in a lake not far from where I live. How long it will stay is anybody’s guess. That was a few years ago. It has yet to return.

Trumpeters, with their eight-foot wingspan and weighing close to thirty pounds, are the largest swan in the world, and the largest waterfowl in North America.

They are at home in the marshes, ponds, and lakes in both prairies and open wooded areas.

In the Arctic, nesting takes place among the many marshes on the tundra. While in the Rockies, they most often construct their nest near a moderately sized, secluded lake - often over thirty acres in size. Adequate open water is required by these heavy birds for takeoffs and landings.

To say trumpeters are territorial, would be an understatement. Requiring at least a fifteen acre breeding territory, they defend it religiously against all birds, even other species of wildlife. In fact, it is not uncommon for a pair to demand ownership of several hundred acres.

Nests are usually built during the month of May. A location close to shore, or on a small island is usually chosen.

In the Rockies, a muskrat or beaver lodge is often selected as the choice site on which to construct their nest.

Both the "cob" (male) and the "pen" (female) are actively involved in this activity. The cob gathers the nest material and brings it to the pen for proper positioning. Nest building continues through the incubation period. The final nest size may be anywhere from six to twelve feet in diameter, and a foot-and-a-half in height. Bulrushes, horsetail, cattails, and sedges are some of the more important items selected.

Actual construction takes about two weeks. The same nest is often used for many breeding seasons.

Once the nest is completed, the pen lays anywhere from two to nine eggs, a single egg laid every other day until the clutch is complete. Four to six eggs are typical.

During incubation, the cob stands guard nearby, ready to defend against all intruders, and may occasionally sit on the eggs while the pen is away feeding.

After an incubation period of between 33 and 37 days, the young cygnets hatch. This usually occurs by early July.

The young cygnets fledge - take their first airborne flight - when they’re between three and four months old.

Family bonds are tight. Not only do the adults pair-bond for life, they band together to protect their newly hatched, downy cygnets.

In the Rockies, it’s normal for family groups to remain near their breeding areas until freezing occurs, at which time they seek ice-free lakes and rivers.

Sago pondweed and duck potato tubers are significant foods for the trumpeter swan. However, the leaves, roots, and seeds of other aquatic vegetation, along with insects and crustaceans also find their way into the diet of these birds .

The voice of the trumpeter swan is sonorous and vibrant, embodying a series of loud, low-pitched trumpeting sounds, or honks. Witnessing a flock of trumpeters flying overhead, calling to one another, is an experience long remembered.

Will another trumpeter take up residence in the area? Will it choose to nest and raise its offspring in the nearby lake?

Probably not - but, who knows for sure. Only time will tell.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Northern Pintail:
Sleek, Elegant & Graceful

Northern Pintail - Bosque del Apache NWR, New Mexico
THE NORTHERN PINTAIL
© Weldon Lee

Sleek. Elegant. Graceful. Poised. Few words more fittingly describe the Northern Pintail.

While the female’s mottled brown markings are typical of most female ducks, the male with its dark brown head accentuated with a thin white line on either side and long pointed tail feathers is one of the most striking of all ducks.

Although the pintail is distributed throughout most of North America, higher population densities exist in the West.

Pintails have adapted to life on open prairies, where they are associated with lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are seldom found in densely wooded wetlands.

They are fast flyers, and with narrow, pointed wings they are extremely agile as they gracefully dart from one prairie pothole to the next. With their distinctive, short whistle they call out to other members of their clan for a point of reference. In winter, they’re frequently observed feeding in grain fields.

Breeding begins in late April, and often continues into July. Peak breeding activity occurs during May. Early nesting, combined with renesting following an initial nest failure, account for the extended breeding season.

The hen builds her nest by scraping a shallow depression in the earth and lining it with down. Although the usual nest location is among short grasses near the water’s edge, it’s not uncommon for an occasional nest to be located in a meadow some distance from water.

A typical clutch consists of six to nine cream-colored eggs.

Nest-building and incubation duties belong to the female. During the first part of this process the male usually stays nearby, not leaving until a few days after incubation begins. However, some males remain throughout the entire incubation period.

Within 23 days, nature’s miracle repeats itself as the newly hatched ducklings enter their new world.

Food consists of aquatic vegetation and plankton. To this is added an occasional snail, clam, or aquatic insect.

Normal feeding occurs as the pintails strain plants and plankton from the water’s surface through the comb-like edge of their bills.

The young pintails will make their first flights when they are between 36 and 57 days old.

Beginning in spring, and continuing into fall, northern pintails are a common sight on many lakes and waterways.

The largest numbers, however, are encountered during the spring and fall migrations. Since the fall migration is spread out over several months, higher concentrations are experienced during spring; their numbers peaking between late March and early April.

Good luck in locating and observing my favorite duck - the sleek and graceful Northern Pintail.

This image is available as a signed, limited edition photograph by special order. Go to my website, Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee, for details on pricing and framing options.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Waiting for Breakfast

"Waiting for Breakfast"
Barn Swallow - Adams County, Colorado
THE ACROBATIC BARN SWALLOW

Barn swallows, known for their acrobatic flight displays, are found virtually worldwide.

North American populations winter from Panama and Puerto Rico all the way to the southern tip of South America.

The barn swallow, dressed in its dazzling, iridescent blue cape and cinnamon vest is the only swallow on the continent to sport a deeply forked tail.

Barn swallows have become closely related to humans, all but abandoning their natural nesting locations in favor or barns, culverts, and bridge structures - even the front porches of suburban homes.

The swallow’s cup-shaped nest is assembled from mud pellets, scooped up by both male and female, mixed with various plant fragments. It is usually found stuck against a vertical wall or ledge.

Construction time for a new is one to two weeks. However, old nests are often refurbished. A nest may be solitary or build among other nests to form a colony.

Four or five white eggs, marked with reddish-brown splotches, are laid around the middle of May.

Nesting usually continues through mid-July, and appears to be somewhat uniform throughout the Rockies. Both male and female share in the incubation duties, as well a tending the young.

Incubation takes anywhere fro 13 to 17 days.

Food primarily consists of insects, with an occasional berry thrown in for desert.

During the first day or two after the young swallows hatch, the parents eat the fecal sac of their young. Then, for a while, the parents carry the sacs off. After about the twelfth day, the young swallows become "house broken;" they back up to the edge of their nest, and...just be careful of where you walk!

The young swallows will take to the air when they’re 18 to 23 days old.

During nest-building, it’s entertaining to watch swallows dive to the edge of a lake or stream and scoop up a mouthful of mud. Swallows constantly going back-and-forth to the same location is a major clue that a nest is under construction.

The next time you locate a nest of this avian acrobat filled to capacity with young swallows, spend an hour or so watching the parents as they circle about, catching insects on the wing for their offspring.

You’ll be glad you did.

This image is available as a signed, limited edition photograph by special order. Go to my website, Wildlife Photography by Weldon Lee, for details on pricing and framing options.