In such surroundings – occasional as our visits may be – we can achieve that kind of physical and spiritual renewal that comes alone from the wonder of the natural world.
~Laurence Rockefeller
To celebrate our wedding, Melissa and I did something we have never done – went to our favorite place, without a group. While we have had a day or two to ourselves here and there over the years, we were always prepping for a group’s arrival. This time, it was just us, and we were going to do another first – camp and backpack in Yellowstone. Even though I have been there over 40 times, I had never camped in the park or backpacked. So, this was going to be something special…except the weather decided maybe we needed a reminder of our inability to control things in this amazing landscape. It decided to rain, and rain, and rain a bit more. An entire day of rain on our first full day in the park and that was something I had never experienced in all my trips. But, it turned out to be just fine as we had a chance to spend time with friends and relax a bit, which has always been tough when leading a group.
Here are a few of the highlights of our time in our shared paradise (oh, and I just returned from dropping Melissa off at 4 a.m. at the airport so she can lead a trip to Yellowstone with a youth group from the museum, lucky her)…
The Slough Creek cliffs held a special treat again this year (click photos to enlarge)
Golden eagle nest on cliff face
It was a great trip for birds…
Swainson’s hawk carrying a snake
White-faced ibis
Yellow warbler at the beaver pond
The cliff swallows had just returned and did not seem to appreciate the rain either
Tree swallow eyeing the camera
A male mountain bluebird looking fine
Peregrine falcon on her precarious nest on the edge of a cliff
Peregrine nest location from overlook near Calcite Springs
Immature bald eagle
Bald eagles and ravens on elk carcass in Soda Butte Creek
Other wildlife made an appearance as well…
Red fox on snow field at Dunraven Pass
Pronghorn buck surveying his domain
Pronghorns can even survey the scene behind them due to the placement of their large eyes
Coyote on the prowl
Sometimes signs are not enough
Newborn bison calf gets cleaned by mom
This mom finally had to climb the tree to retrieve her baby
A discussion on tree-climbing behavior once they were back on the ground
And, as usual, the scenery was fantastic…
Late season snow at Dunraven Pass
Daisy geyser erupts creating a rainbow in the mist
Reflections near Junction Butte
Double rainbow along Soda Butte Creek
Sunset along the Lamar River
Full moon setting in Lamar Valley
Roads End Naturalist 
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Thank you, Mary Kay.
Ow how I miss Yellowstone. The landscape and animals are great! Hope you had a wonderful time!!
It was, as always, special.
Wowsers. Takes my breath away.
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Thanks.
Love the photo of the pronghorn’s head from behind. And, oh, that momma bear-baby bear discussion shot – heart melting! I remember hiking in the Dunraven Pass area looking for grizzlies. Beautiful place. Glad you had a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing the remarkable wildlife.
Thanks, Deb.
Besides having a great trip, you got great shots to share in your presentation for the CH Bird Club this upcoming season!
I was trying!
From the photos, your time in the Park was exquisite despite the rain. Nice to see how much we missed in our several visits. But we didn’t miss it all… :<)
Always special no matter the weather.
Beautiful photos! We were there earlier this month and had weather ranging from 70 degree days to snow falling. Yellowstone is always a magical kind of place.
Agreed!
That photo of the tree swallow…so cute!!
Thanks. They are very photogenic.
Oh my, what a beautiful collection of photographs! You caught so many great wildlife shots! And the general scenery is incredible. Thanks for the wonderful photos and descriptions.
Thanks, Tim.
You are welcome. Happy blogging.
Thanks for sharing — the quote, the photos, your love of nature.
Thanks, Susan.
Mike. Congratulations! What a wonderful honeymoon trip!! Question: is the golden eagle 🦅 nest on the cliffs to the right of the road Just before you get to the first campsite area at Slough Creek? Thanks! Betsy
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Thanks, Betsy! Yes, that is where the eagle nest is. And the peregrine nest is on the left side of the second pullout past Calcite Springs overlook headed toward Tower. It is the pullout that has a curb in it. You must be out there now…have fun!