Wildlife photography is a passion of mine, and I recently had the pleasure of capturing some stunning shots of a Bison calf at Antelope Island State Park in Utah. Antelope Island is a beautiful location with an abundance of wildlife, and Bison can often be seen roaming around the area.
As I was driving through the park, I spotted a large group of Bison making their way down from the mountains and towards the Great Salt Lake. I knew I had to capture this moment, so I parked my truck and waited patiently for the herd to cross the road in front of me.
As I watched, I noticed that several of the Bison had calves with them, including the one that caught my eye. The calf was adorable, with its fluffy fur and curious expression. I knew I had to capture its beauty on camera.
With my camera and lens resting on a beanbag draped over the open window of my truck for support, I began snapping away. The calf seemed unbothered by my presence and continued to explore the area around my truck, giving me plenty of opportunities to capture its every move.
Bison calves are particularly interesting subjects to photograph because they are born with a reddish-orange coat that gradually turns brown as they mature. They are also born with a set of tiny, curved horns called “buttons,” which will eventually grow into the massive horns that adult Bison are known for.
As I watched the calf and its mother interact, I was reminded of how important it is to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats. Bison were once hunted to near extinction, and although their numbers have recovered in recent years, they still face many threats, including habitat loss and hunting.
In conclusion, photographing a Bison calf at Antelope Island State Park was an unforgettable experience. Capturing the beauty and innocence of this young animal was a true privilege, and I hope that my photos will help to raise awareness of the importance of protecting these incredible creatures for generations to come.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Antelope Island State Park (Utah)
- Date and Time Taken: June 3, 2022 (08:19 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1/2
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Here is another photo I took of a Bison on this trip: Bison Taking A Dirt Bath and Bison Walking The Great Salt Lake Bed