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Today in the Park Report
April 19, 2002


Spring Griz by John W. Uhler ©

Signs of Spring - Griz by John W. Uhler ©





19 Apr 2002 - Friday


The crew for this Today in the Park report consisted of Carlene and myself. We left Gardiner in the morning and it was a beautiful spring day to be headed home. The roads were clear but there is plenty of snow still on the ground in the park. We saw a few elk on the hill sides as we drove from the north entrance at Gardiner to Mammoth. There were two tents and a few RVs in the Mammoth Campgrounds (a few hardy souls).


Carlene had her first opportunity to herd bison as we headed up the hill to Swan Lake Flats. It seemed the bison knew the park was open also and were headed up from Mammoth to snowy pastures or grazing grounds. There were about 20 bison walking up the road just before Golden Gate and as we slowly made our way around them, they still have their thick rich winter coats and are such magnificent animals. It was nice to have a buffalo escort into the park. No other cars or problems with this encounter.


Swan Lake Flats and the mountains surrounding the valley are still dressed in beautiful winter white and with the bright blue sky it was awe inspiring! We had a very nice drive down the west side road. Some of the small ponds and parts of the lakes are still frozen and it all looked and felt wonderful.


Just before Berly Spring, there was a large bald eagle perched on a dead tree just off the road looking magnificent. Usually when I stop to try to take a picture, they fly off. They are very shy. This one posed. Carlene rolled down the window and I took photos from the van as to not disturb him. I was able to get a few photos before he spread his great wings and swooped off north following the Gibbon River. Nice photo op!


The area south of Roaring Mountain to Norris was great. North Twin Lakes are thawing and the area is still pretty much snow covered. We had a nice easy drive along the Gibbon. There were bison at the Norris Campground turnoff in the meadow and folks had stopped to take some pictures.


We hit the road construction just south of Norris. There is a four or five mile section that is just dirt, but it is much better as dirt than when it was paved! We took it a little slower and enjoyed spring at high elevation in the Rockies. We then hit pavement again on the section of road that will be torn up when the new road on the east side of the Gibbon is finished. Gibbon Falls has a medium flow and looked great.


Road construction started again just south of Gibbon Falls. We waited in line for a lead truck and just chatted and enjoyed looking at the area. We waited about fifteen minutes and then had a nice slow drive through the construction zone. We saw elk and buffalo along the way.


Just before Madison Junction, we spotted a lone buffalo cow and a tiny calf slowing making their way west towards the road. Our first bison calf of the year! That was exciting! The tiny calf was trotting as fast as it could to keep up with mom.


We turned west at Madison and headed to West Yellowstone. The Madison River is beautiful as always. There were Canada Geese and ducks on the river. We did not see any Trumpeter Swans on the river! That was a bummer! Riverside drive is not plowed, so we were not able to make that drive along the Madison and look for the Great Blue Heron that is usually here at this time migrating through.


We went in to West Yellowstone and had lunch and visited with old friends. We ate at the Canyon Street Grill and visited with the owners, Gus and Linda Tureman. It was great to see and visit with old friends and catch up on all the local news.


On our trip back through the park, we did get to see another bald eagle flying along the Madison River and we were blessed to see a Great Blue Heron stalking some food in the Madison just before the seven mile bridge. Oh, I almost forgot, when we were headed out we did get to see one more calf of the year just before seven mile bride. The buffalo are spread out from just west of the Madison Campgrounds to seven mile bridge along with elk.


All in all is was a great trip and it felt so good to be back home and enjoy the park with a few others who anticipated and took advantage of opening day! We are looking forward to another great year in the Stone!




Wildlife Seen on This Trip


Buffalo with two calves of the year, two bald eagles, one coyote, ducks, Canada geese, elk, one Great Blue Heron, hawks and other birds.


Take care my friends until next time!


Lamar Valley Sunset by John W. Uhler ©

Lamar Valley Sunset by John W. Uhler ©


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