Grand Teton, day 4

Day 4 in Grand Teton was pretty much a day-trip back to Billings Airport, for our flight on to Las Vegas. We rose very early, ate and jumped in the car, heading back into Yellowstone. We stopped at LeHardy rapids to photograph this California Gull in the park:















In the Hayden Valley, the herd of Bison was about, including this male:















and this calf, close by:















I was delighted to finally see some Brown-headed Cowbirds sat atop a Bison, these two look like they're courting too:
















A little further up the valley a Cinnamon Teal soaking up the early morning sun:















We broke our journey at Mammoth, as we felt we hadn't checked out the Hot Springs area properly, and George had recommended it as a must see. The following snaps illustrate some of the features of the area including the terracing effects:

After Mammoth it was time to leave the park. I will always remember visiting both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, they are remarkable places where man mingles with the wilds. The biggest issue is going to be the preservation and if possible the extension of what is wild, which will require resolve to ensure it happens. Hunting should only be for essential herd maintenance with man having as little impact, in every way, on the area as possible. Then these parks and their wild inhabitants will be preserved for future generations to visit and be awed.

p.s. looks like a return visit is on the cards, plans are being hatched and we're still less than a week from our return flight, going to need to start saving up very soon indeed :)