In Yellowstone National Park, much of the wildlife is hidden from view. You have to look carefully to find the animals and sometimes they will reveal themselves to you.
Elk in the Lamar Valley are hidden as they blend into the landscape traveling along a ridge top.
However, when they cross a pond they are revealed. The splashing water draws your attention and their pale colored rumps make you take notice of them.
From a distance, this just looks like two lumps in a field. Sandhill cranes’ plumage helps them stay hidden from view.
However, when they raise their head and you see their distinctive silhouette and red cap, they are revealed.
Pronghorn have bars of white on their coats that somehow help them stay hidden from view. These two does are wandering near the river’s edge.
However, when you see them close up, their markings are clearly revealed.
Sometimes all you see are tiny specks in the distance. You try to zoom in as close as you can with your lens but they still remain hidden. The white arrow in this fuzzy photo is pointing at two grizzly bears hundreds of yards away.
However, these magnificent creatures are revealed when you visit a place that helps conserve them. This image was taken at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana. I don’t think I would want to be that close to a grizzly on a trail so I will settle for this view. 😉
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Blending In – Or Standing Out?
Lovely examples of blending in – and how to reveal their whereabouts! I often find you have to wait and see, no rush, just wait…and the animals will reveal themselves.
Thanks. Yes, I agree. Sometimes the photographer needs to stay hidden to get the best shots.
They are fearsome creatures for sure. Incredible at blending into their environments. Well done!
Thanks Tina. I hope I never get very close to a grizzly but some of the other critters don’t like it when you get too close.
Fantastic pics! Those Sandhill Cranes look huge! 🙂
Thanks! Yep, the greater sandhill crane can stand up to 5 ft. tall and have a wingspan of over 7 1/2 feet. That’s big!
Excellently camouflaged they are!
Yes, they are. Like many of the creatures that live near you. 🙂
Pronghorn are my favorite. We have sandhill cranes in our yard. Love all the wildlife!
Both of these animals are nice to see because they’re a bit different. Maybe a bit magical even (to me anyway).
Me too! 🙂