The Birds of Yellowstone by Don Getty – Part One

The Birds of Yellowstone by Don Getty – Part One



When people plan to visit Yellowstone National Park, they generally anticipate seeing wildlife like bears, buffalo, elk, etc. and the natural wonders such as geysers and waterfalls. Often overlooked is the incredible variety of birds.

The Birds of Yellowstone by Don Getty – Part One
American Avocet, Yellowstone National Park

I drove away from two grizzlies in poor light which were just down the road from a group of American Avocets on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.

Pelican Wht MG 5785
American White Pelican, Yellowstone National Park

White Pelicans are fairly common during the summer. This one was photographed at Alum Creek in the Hayden Valley.

Owl GG Z2F4065
Great Gray Owl, Yellowstone National Park

Great Gray Owls can often be found in the Canyon Area. I photographed this one early in the morning near the Mud Volcano just a few weeks ago.

Jay Stlr Z2F5972
Steller’s Jay, Yellowstone National Park

Steller’s Jays are not common in the Park, but I found this one in the Nez Perce Ford picnic area.

Goldeneye Brrw D4B9899
Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Yellowstone National Park

Barrow’s Goldeneyes can often be found at Sylvan Lake.

Duck Ruddy Z2F4630
Ruddy Duck, Yellowstone National Park

Male Ruddy Ducks have brilliant blue bills. Floating Island Lake can be a good spot to find them.

Dipper D4B0431
American Dipper, Yellowstone National Park

American Dippers can regularly be found at Lava Creek, right by the picnic area. In fact they have nested on the side of the bridge at the picnic area.

Bluebird MtMR8D6559
Mountain Bluebird, Yellowstone National Park

Mountain Bluebirds can be found throughout Yellowstone. This male was photographed along the shores of Mary Bay on Yellowstone Lake.

Sapsucker Will Z2F1455
Williamson’s Sapsucker, Yellowstone National Park

Williamson’s Sapsuckers nested this spring in a cavity of a dead tree along the walkway to the Calcite Springs Overlook. I photographed them several times over a period of two weeks.

Raven D4B7909
Raven, Yellowstone National Park

Ravens are one of the most common bird species in the Park and are common throughout the year. This one was photographed near the Nez Perce Ford picnic area.

If you enjoyed these photos, watch for part two of this article coming soon.

The images in this article give you a sampling of the many species of birds I have photographed in Yellowstone. For many more photos of mammals, birds and landscapes from Yellowstone go to http://dongettywildlifephotography.com/p87851699

Don Getty

Don Getty

Don Getty has been an avid wildlife photographer for over 20 years. He resides in Wyoming, just 30 miles from Yellowstone Park. He photographs birds, mammals, reptiles and just about any living creature he can get in front of his lens. Wildlife photography has taken him throughout the Rocky Mountain region of the US and Canada, East Africa, South Africa, Costa Rica, Florida and Churchill Manitoba. He has received numerous awards and his images have appeared in many magazines, books and calendars.

Dive in!

Discover hidden wildlife with our FREE newsletters

We promise we’ll never spam! Read our Privacy Policy for more info

Don Getty

Don Getty

Don Getty has been an avid wildlife photographer for over 20 years. He resides in Wyoming, just 30 miles from Yellowstone Park. He photographs birds, mammals, reptiles and just about any living creature he can get in front of his lens. Wildlife photography has taken him throughout the Rocky Mountain region of the US and Canada, East Africa, South Africa, Costa Rica, Florida and Churchill Manitoba. He has received numerous awards and his images have appeared in many magazines, books and calendars.

Share this post with your friends




Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1 Comment