Banff/Jasper

Bighorn Sheep, but you might not know it

Funny, most of the available guides to mammals in North America picture only the adult males of each species.  Females?!?!  Youngsters?!?!

In Banff & Jasper I was on my own.  I couldn’t find “ranger-led” hikes or park specialists to help me.  It’s nice to be on my own when I want to spend 2 hours observing and photographing 3 sheep, but not good when I need information.  I finally downloaded a decent guide from Amazon.

The bighorn sheep is photographed in Glacier were all mature males.  I think I photographed these in Jasper – just north of Banff.

I think a ewe with a yearling lamb – the Princeton Field Guide notes that males and females herd separately except during rut.  (mmmmm?!?!)

Ewe with the lamb.

The difference in horns between the males in Glacier and the females here made me doubt my identification – which is why I bought the Field Guide.  But I was correct in my identification.

Older lamb.  The younger lamb was probably born in May and is still nursing.  While the yearling stays close, exploring the river looks interesting to the younger and off he/she goes!

 

Over the edge and out of sight!

But maybe being closer to mom would be good!

Back and ready to rejoin the mom and older lamb and head off.  But first …

Before they walk off, no harm in posing for the camera!

First, the yearling ..

And two of the newborn!

Now, back to mom for both lambs!

Such a wonderful two hours for me – so happy to have spent time with them!

But please note – with no help from old or new friends, I’m only guessing that it’s two lambs (only one is born each year) and at their ages.

Next, scenics of Banff and Jasper …