On the second day of my trip (New Year’s Eve), I arrived at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve before sunrise. You can read about my first day at Osage Hills State Park here: Day 1 Blog Post.
Exploring the Largest Protected Tallgrass Prairie
The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, located in Osage County, Oklahoma, spans 39,650 acres. It is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie in the world. Established by The Nature Conservancy in 1989, it provides critical habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including over 2,100 bison and numerous bird species. Among the avian residents is the imperiled greater prairie chicken, a highlight for bird enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore this expansive preserve via a 15-mile scenic driving loop and hiking trails, which reveal over 700 plant species and an abundance of wildlife. The preserve employs innovative land management practices, like the “patch-burn” approach, to maintain the prairie’s health. For photographers and nature lovers, it’s an extraordinary destination.
Wildlife Watching in Windy Weather
The weather that morning wasn’t ideal. Clouds and high winds made conditions challenging for steady shots and clear lighting. I adapted by using my truck as a windbreak and adjusting my settings to capture fleeting moments when the light improved. Despite the difficulties, I remained optimistic about the opportunities ahead. My primary goal was to see and photograph Short-eared Owls. These owls are a winter highlight at the preserve, arriving alongside other raptors like rough-legged hawks and northern harriers.
As daylight broke, I began driving the 15-mile loop. The first animal I spotted was a Northern Harrier, gliding low over the prairie. I quickly grabbed my camera and captured some shots of its elegant flight.
Continuing along the loop, I came across one of the preserve’s most iconic residents—the bison. A small group stood grazing near the road, their shaggy coats rippling in the wind. One large bull raised its head, briefly locking eyes with me before resuming its calm, methodical chewing. The moment felt like a glimpse into a timeless prairie scene. I photographed a few from inside my truck, capturing both close-ups and distant shots to showcase their size and the vast prairie they inhabit. Bison are a staple of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, and their presence adds a timeless feel to the landscape. Throughout the day, I encountered more of these impressive animals, taking additional photos as opportunities arose.
Looking Forward
The next highlight of my morning was spotting a beautiful white-tailed buck. However, the encounter turned out to be so remarkable that it deserves its own post. Stay tuned for the full story of what happened during this amazing moment.
While the weather didn’t fully cooperate, the diversity of wildlife at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve made this New Year’s Eve unforgettable. From the graceful flight of the Northern Harrier to the imposing presence of the bison, each encounter showcased the resilience and beauty of prairie life. These experiences offered unique photographic moments despite the challenging conditions. The bison and raptors provided plenty of photographic opportunities, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to this incredible location.