September is a busy time for photographers and creatures alike.  Having just finished my Fall season tours for the year, I thought I'd share some thoughts and observations ...

The Autumnal Equinox, time once again for equilibrium between the hours of day and night; the retreating green chlorophyll from Cottonwood and Aspen reveals a tapestry of gold, red and orange; brilliant leaves shimmer in the exceptional September light, enticing migrant photographers from thousands of miles away.

As the fall colors peak, the shortening days produce hormonal changes in Bull Elk – antler rubbing, tree thrashing, aggression, harem round-up and bugling signal the elk rut.  Likewise, male Pronghorn defend and breed tightly controlled harems.  Anticipating winter, flowers are scarce, marmots have begun hibernating, Pelicans have disappeared whilst Grizzlies and Beaver have shifted into hyper-drive.  Migrant birds are passing through, but a few Bluebirds, Kestrels and Osprey delay their Southern departure for as long as possible.
 

My September highlights included sharing and photographing with new clients, an encounter with a lone grey wolf, bugling elk, charismatic dippers, and a French television crew, more of which in my next blog …
 

A handsome bull controlled a harem of around 30 cows, half dozen or so of which had wandered too far way – he bugled, calling for them, they came running as if for their lives.  Satisfied all were accounted for, he watched proprietarily as he sent them across the Madison River and into the trees.  Once all were across, he followed.

When the temperatures were unseasonably warm for September, the elk were seen cooling off in the Gardiner River whilst the humans opted for the Boiling River.

Late afternoon along the Yellowstone River with blue sky and yellow aspens combining to turn the river a burnished gold; for over an hour, an American Dipper joyfully bathed, sang and feasted with enthusiasm right in front of our lenses.

September is a magical time …..