A Memorable End to 2024 and Start to 2025 at Osage Hills State Park and Tallgrass Prairie Preserve!
As 2024 came to a close, I found myself immersed in the natural beauty of Osage Hills State Park and the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma. It was a remarkable way to wrap up the year, filled with stunning landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Here’s a recap of my adventures, complete with some incredible moments from the start of 2025.
Reflecting on the End of 2024
I spent the final days of 2024 exploring the serene landscapes of Osage Hills State Park and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. These locations offered the perfect backdrop for reflection and connection with nature. If you’d like to read more about my experiences, check out my blog posts:
- Starting the New Year at Osage Hills State Park
- A New Year’s Eve at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
- A Remarkable Encounter: White-Tailed Buck and Eastern Phoebe
- Continuing My New Year’s Eve at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
- Raptors of Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Welcoming 2025 in Nature
The magic continued into the new year as I spent New Year’s Day camping at Osage Hills State Park and exploring the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. The weather was perfect—clear skies and calm winds, a welcome change from the blustery conditions of previous days. I arrived at the preserve at sunrise after grabbing breakfast in Pawhuska, ready for another day of adventure.
A Coyote Encounter to Remember
Joining me on this adventure was my friend and talented photographer, Mia McPherson (On the Wing Photography). Together, we drove through the preserve, capturing the beauty of the landscape and its inhabitants. At one point, Mia spotted a coyote in the brush. I quickly found a safe spot to park, allowing us both to photograph this healthy, curious animal. You can see Mia’s stunning photos of the coyote here: One Beautiful Coyote At Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
When Mia first pointed out the coyote, I noticed it had something in its mouth. It dropped the object into the tall grass, and though I couldn’t see what it was, the coyote seemed to play with it—pouncing, picking it up, and dropping it again. What struck me was how aware the coyote was of our presence. It occasionally glanced in our direction but didn’t seem bothered. After a while, it either left the object in the grass or ate it—I couldn’t tell for sure.
The coyote then moved away, weaving through the tall grass and disappearing momentarily before reappearing on the road. It walked toward us, coming so close that I had to zoom in fully with my lens. I managed to capture numerous photos, and I’ve shared my favorites in this post. Eventually, the coyote turned and wandered back into the grass, disappearing from view.
Sharing Stories with Fellow Photographers
Later that day, I met Harry Burkalter (Facebook), who shared his own experience with what he believes was the same coyote. He had photographed it just days earlier, and it had also approached him closely. It was fascinating to hear his perspective and compare our encounters.
The Joy and Concern of Wildlife Photography
As a wildlife photographer, getting close-up shots of animals is always a thrill, especially when it’s done safely for both the subject and the photographer. However, I couldn’t help but feel concerned about how comfortable this coyote seemed around humans and roads. While it made for incredible photos, I worry about its safety, particularly with the risk of vehicle collisions.
A Perfect Start to the New Year
This trip was a perfect blend of adventure, photography, and reflection—a fitting way to end one year and begin another. If you ever find yourself near Pawhuska, I highly recommend visiting these incredible parks. The landscapes and wildlife are truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for peace and quiet, Osage Hills State Park and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are destinations you won’t want to miss.