Project Athena - Day 119 (Animals)

Tatanka

“30-60 million bison once roamed the great plains of North America. By the close of the 19th century, it’s estimated that less than 1,000 bison survived.”
— Tatanka: Story of the Bison

Today, I felt compelled to find bison for the last animal photo in this theme. As I was driving North to the Wyoming border where I knew of some herds, I was contemplating the essence  of the bison and the qualities they symbolize. Here are some of the words that came up in the stillness of the drive that describe bison for me: protection, feminine courage, abundance, knowing, steadfastness, patience, strength, presence, connected, survivor, stoic, giving for the greater good, family, independent, spirited, abundance, and gratitude.

Considering these animals were once seriously endangered on this planet, I am very grateful to all those who took up their cause and protected them from extinction. In honor of these great survivors, today I spent my meditation time in gratitude for the sacredness of all of life and all of creation. I bow to life and the abundance that is. Smiling

 

Bison Calf Nursing

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 200mm • F5.6 • 1/400s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 118 (Animals)

I See Ewe.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
— John Burroughs

You know you live in a wondrous place when a 20 minute drive up the canyon with the intention of finding a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep yields several shooting opportunities on any given day. I think she looks like she is smiling.

Rocky Mountain Big Horn SheepNikon D3200 • Nikon 70-300mm lens • 195mm • F6.3 • 1/100s • ISO 800

Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 70-300mm lens • 195mm • F6.3 • 1/100s • ISO 800

Project Athena - Day 117 (Animals)

Mooo!

“When a cow laughs, does milk come out her nose? ”
— Author Unknown

More baby cuteness. This fresh little calf was fascinated by the camera lens today. She posed for me, showing off her playfulness, naivete, and sweet personality. I hope she grows up to be a dairy cow in a loving home.

Calf

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 70-300mm lens • 300mm • F6.3 • 1/1250s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 116 (Animals)

I Heart Llamas

“The Llama is a woolly sort of fleecy hairy goat, with an indolent expression and an undulating throat; like an unsuccessful literary man.”
— Hilaire Belloc

Why are baby animals always so cute? I especially love crias (baby llamas and alpacas).

In my parallel life, I live on a small farm just West of Loveland raising alpacas or llamas for their wool. It's a modest income but being with the animals is reward enough and besides, my photo business provides more than enough financial resources. I also have chickens for their fresh eggs, horses just for fun, a small grape orchard for making wine, a grow house for year round organic vegetables and all things medicinal, plus three Siberian Husky dogs named Luna, Dakota, and Buck who love to pull me around on a sled in the winter snow.

Smiling.

Llamas

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 70-300mm lens • 155mm • F6.3 • 1/400s • ISO 400