lauren_larsenn
California Bighorn Sheep
Like mother like daughter! Sooo I haven't been up to see my bighorn heard in forever and I think they must be mad at me because they reallllyyy gave me a hard time today. My dad and I drove out to the Wenaha wilderness in Eastern Oregon where I have photographed elk a deer before. While we were pushing it just based on the fact that we were only going for a day, we expected to see at least a few things. Sadly, the only elk we saw was a small bull w/ several cows....at dark. Shots didn't come out :( So, instead of staying, we just took our time driving back and decided to try to go for the bighorns. What I didn't realize is at this time of year, the rams and ewes are together. When it is only rams, they are never afraid of me and never run. But, when ewes are involved, they are super skittish. I walked about a mile back from the exit along the slope working my way up to the very top along the Ridgeline. When I finally came to them, I was surprised because they headed back toward me, above me, and over a small cliff where I could no longer see them. I realized quickly I needed to move back and go up to meet them, but I didn't get there in time. They passed me and walked along the ridge up into the cliffs. I did not get my best shots today of them and I really had my ass kicked by the slope,,, they just so happened to be in the absolute steepest part, where I began to use my hands to help me climb and had a VERY tough time coming down. Still, it was fun to see them again and I definitely need to just go and spend a day over there.
OH! And surprisingly, Steve was not in this herd. There were about 20 animals, probably 10 ewes, 5 young, and 5 rams. But, all of the rams were smaller, none compared to Steve. He must be wandering alone right now. I must find him when I go up again!
California Bighorn Sheep
Like mother like daughter! Sooo I haven't been up to see my bighorn heard in forever and I think they must be mad at me because they reallllyyy gave me a hard time today. My dad and I drove out to the Wenaha wilderness in Eastern Oregon where I have photographed elk a deer before. While we were pushing it just based on the fact that we were only going for a day, we expected to see at least a few things. Sadly, the only elk we saw was a small bull w/ several cows....at dark. Shots didn't come out :( So, instead of staying, we just took our time driving back and decided to try to go for the bighorns. What I didn't realize is at this time of year, the rams and ewes are together. When it is only rams, they are never afraid of me and never run. But, when ewes are involved, they are super skittish. I walked about a mile back from the exit along the slope working my way up to the very top along the Ridgeline. When I finally came to them, I was surprised because they headed back toward me, above me, and over a small cliff where I could no longer see them. I realized quickly I needed to move back and go up to meet them, but I didn't get there in time. They passed me and walked along the ridge up into the cliffs. I did not get my best shots today of them and I really had my ass kicked by the slope,,, they just so happened to be in the absolute steepest part, where I began to use my hands to help me climb and had a VERY tough time coming down. Still, it was fun to see them again and I definitely need to just go and spend a day over there.
OH! And surprisingly, Steve was not in this herd. There were about 20 animals, probably 10 ewes, 5 young, and 5 rams. But, all of the rams were smaller, none compared to Steve. He must be wandering alone right now. I must find him when I go up again!