Music • Photography • Writing
National Parks Of The American Rockies
Yellowstone
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Most of the time bison relax in small herds in their pastures, keeping the calves far from the roads and the photographer. This photo was taken from quite a distance away using a telephoto lens.
I was lucky enough to get caught in a traffic jam waiting for a bison herd to cross the road. Even with my sturdy Volvo between me and the large bulls, I still drew away when they walked by. But it gave me a rare chance to get a close look at these majestic creatures.
Once present in herds of millions, bison almost disappeared in just 50 years. Yellowstone and Teton National Parks offered a refuge. One thing that really struck me was the surprising variation between individuals, like the different angles of the horns at left, a sign of healthy genetic diversity.
The bison isn't the only symbol of America that is thriving in Yellowstone. Bald eagles, once severely threatened by the widespread use of the now-banned insecticide DDT that weakened the shells of their eggs, have made a heartening come-back in recent years. This immature eagle waits by its nest for the return of its parents. Park officials cordoned off the nearby road to prevent the crowds of well-wishers from disturbing the eagles during this sensitive time.
One of the creatures of Yellowstone that has received the least respect, though, is the lowly bacterium. Thriving in conditions intolerable to other forms of life, these colorful, adaptable microbes give us a view of the inside of our planet and of the origins of life. And, in an exclusive, unprecedented display, I've discovered they also have an artistic side. To see my photos, click here.
Despite the ever-changing nature of Yellowstone, there is a timeless quality to the place that endures beyond the fires, the earthquakes, and the increasing tide of human presence. The world's first national park remains one of the world's very best.