The Custer State Park Welcoming Committee.

That’s what these buffalo were for us one morning towards the end of the summer we were heading around the loop. Roy has been pretty good at finding the buffalo because they move about 2 to 3 miles a day. The fun thing was trying to figure out where they would show up. It was kind of a surprise when we pulled around the corner to see this.

There was a small group hanging around the self-pay entry station to the park. (I’m glad we had our pass park.) The buffalo were just hanging around the start or end of Wildlife loop depending what direction you are going. This was really fun just watching them scratch and hanging across the road. In this area is also where the volunteers that work in the State Park stay with their RVs.

They also wanted to make sure we knew buffalo are dangerous do not approach as they stood under the sign.

Just a side note I ran across this article 15 Fun Facts about Our National Mammal

After our welcoming committee it was off to find the burros and maybe my stalker again I had more carrots. Yes, I saw my stalker and I did feed him. All was forgiven and he promised me no more kisses. I do have to say the baby is getting big and has started to let people touch her. Although I do think she is still a tad nervous you can see it in her eyes. Here are a few more pictures of baby and mommy. It is nice that she is still nursing.

We also got to see a mutual petting/cleaning session going o between two of the burros. Roy even moved the car to get a better video. I tried to get a shot of the two but could not get an angle until I moved and caught one of them being a butt licker. It also seemed like Roy needed cleaning because his headlight got some action.

It was still early in the day so we decided to take the dirt road that runs between Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. It was here where we had seen quite a few prairie dogs in the past and the bunny who would not move. They seem to have spread out this year. Although we were able to catch a few enjoying peanuts.

We also saw a bluebird and he let me capture his best side. After lunch we ran into the burros again. This time we let them be.

Not to be forgotten I did get my butt shot of the big horn sheep.

So what do you do….

when Sturgis is in town and you are not a biker? Roy and I decided to get up early and explore the park some more. We went out one morning after a day and night of rain which left water in the rivers and streams. The reason I bring up the water and rain is not to whine about it. The rain was able to provide water so these Turkey Vultures could bathe and dry their wings. The funny thing is we have not seen them in that spot since. I do say photography is 80% timing. There were at least 20 turkey vultures siting in the trees. I was able to take my time and enjoy, observe and yes, photograph these birds. I don’t think I realized until that morning how large of a wingspan they have. Here is more details on the turkey vultures.

That same morning we also had the opportunity to feed the burros. (This was the first 5lb bag of carrots). I am getting better with the burros being as close as they are. I know they are just looking to be fed. The best part about the burros is how much Roy enjoys feeding them and getting close to them. Leave it to him to find out how soft their lips are and how flat their teeth are. (Yes, he did touch both.)

The first thing we encountered were some pronghorns. I’ve said this before. This year we have seen quite a few more than the last time we were here. I know there are at least two sets of twins.

Right before we stumbled upon the turkey vultures we drove up right next to a buffalo who was close enough to pet. (I did not) The rest of the herd was down the hill.

We were just driving the loop and came across this berry branch encased in spiderweb

That evening we were treated to deer crossing the road right in front of the car.

Open Windows

Yes, it happened again. No kisses or attempted kisses, she just wanted to let me know she would like an apple. The begging burros were at it again. This is the first time that one has actually stuck their head inside the car. I froze but I will say I’ve come a long way. You can judge for yourself by these two photos. The first photo was from our trip in 2013. I was terrified and Roy I think bribed me with maybe ice cream or something later. That’s my story at least. The second photo is this year when one of the burros probably, the same white burro or a relative of the white burro who terrorized me previously stuck his head in. If you look closely in my right hand you will see a piece of apple. I did feed him, and I wasn’t as scared as I was in 2013.

I have never understood some of the irrational fears that I have. Birds, trains, animals that can’t eat me but are friendly. I am getting better with all of these. (I however will not get over my fear of helicopters.) I’ve gone from bowling for burros as a way to feed them (see photo) to gingerly handing the piece of apple to them and quickly pulling the hand back.

The funny thing is Roy enjoys and gets a kick out of the burros. This is a picture of him from 2013. If you notice I am safely in the car. It is enjoyable seeing him twinkle and smile as he is exploring the animals up close. I on the other hand will sit back and continue to take photos of them.

This year Roy commented about how soft the lips and mouth was on the burro. He also said that they don’t bite they are just interested in the food you have. (Apples are what we feed them). I still am not buying that. Maybe one day I might get a tad braver. I think both Roy and the burro enjoyed the encounter.

the burro wasn’t finished

I do like to sit and watch just how other people interact with the burros. The video on the right has a person with an empty bag being followed by a burro. The burro was not buying that the bag was empty even though the person showed him.

These burros are friendly and fun. Who knows maybe by the end of the summer I will look like Roy when I feed them.

Why Getting Out Pays Off

I wanted to practice panoramas and I wanted to include the ‘Needle’s Eye‘ (on the Needles Highway) in one of the shots. It was cloudy up the direction we were headed I said let’s try tomorrow. Roy’s like no let’s just see. I am so glad he pushed me to head up there. I got lucky. Right before the ‘Needle’s Eye’ there is a one lane tunnel, traffic was moving slow through it. We pulled up to wait our turn on the way through there was a mountain goat on one of the ledges right next to the car. I was nervous he might try and jump on the hood. He was looking for a way down. It is funny, a part of me wanted to reach out and touch him, but, common sense won out. After making it through the tunnel with no hoof prints on the car, I headed over to see if he had jumped down. He had and there was a baby and another goat licking the inside of the tunnel, this was an unexpected treat that would not have happened had we stayed home. That is the cool thing about being in a place for an extended period you can keep returning to an area and get different results. As for the panorama with the ‘Needle’s Eye’ my mind remembered it a different way,(so no picture) funny how memories play tricks on us. I had a similar experience with the Rushmore tunnels.

So after I finished taking pictures of the goats and the Needle’s Eye’ we headed off to find the burros but like every good trip you need a detour. Let me preface this with I hate heights, that said we decided to visit the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower. The road up is all gravel and climbs to over 6,000 feet. The views are amazing and I can see why this is still an active fire lookout. I will be getting some panoramas from this spot in the near future (even if I have to close my eyes on the way up.) I had an easier time going down the hill looking at rocks made that happen. I enjoy seeing the vastness from ground level. So after the detour Roy and I thought we missed the burros NOT.

These burros are beggars they will eat mostly anything, although they prefer apples but when that doesn’t work it’s carrots, or whatever you have. I was able to offer some people apples to feed them. (I’m a looker not a feeder). This boy Aiden was a little nervous about feeding one it was cool to see his smile once the burro took the apple. Also a father and his 2 daughters got in on the act. I think it is amazing how the interaction between people and animals develop. I also have been enjoying the bond between mother and child. I have photographed a nursing pair almost every day.

From here we headed off to find the buffalo because an outing is not finished until I get my fix for the day. We did not have to travel far either when we ran into a small herd just crossing the road. It is awe inspiring to think at one time the plains were full of these majestic creatures. The most we have seen at one time is about 300. Every year the park has a round up to check the health of the herd called the buffalo roundup.

We still were not completely around the loop and wondered out load where are all the pronghorns heading this year. A ranger had mentioned that the herd was having some issues and these animals are hard to find. Some one was listening because up popped a few of these animals. In fact one looked very pregnant. I was also able to get a picture of one.

So it just goes to show you never know what you will find when you head out on an adventure.

The Dog and Pony Show

I mean the Prairie Dog and Semi Wild Burro show all located on wildlife loop. Hanging around Custer and giving my long lens and arms a workout (I forgot how heavy the 150 – 600mm is), Roy and I decided to go hunt up some Prairie Dogs and maybe find some burros to add to the mix. We have gotten lucky with both seeing animals and being able to take the time to shoot them. I came prepared for the long haul, my chair, my ice vest, and camera now all that was needed was some cooperating animals. Before we set up shop to watch the Prairie Dogs a pack of burros and humans blocked our way.

These burros are descendants of the original pack mules used in the park. Here is a link to another blog that also talks about the burros They were first used as work animals then were used to ferry passengers up to the top of Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). When trips were discontinued the burros were left to roam the park. The fact that their ancestors were accustomed to human contact, they have remained semi wild. This allows tourist to feed them (apples and carrots). This year has been very fruitful for the herd, as a fire damaged some of them a few years ago and they lost some to diabetes. So the babies are a welcome sight. It was funny how mellow the baby was but also how close mama was to her foal. I did pet the foal she was so soft. The photo of this little girl just happened (right place right time). I got lucky that I did not get kicked. I was telling all of the kids do not walk behind the burro so what do I do. Yup, walk close behind the burro. I was busy taking pictures and almost screamed when one of the adults nudged my arm I’m glad he didn’t like my camera. The burros decided to move on so it was time to go to town. (Prairie Dog Town that is.)

So upon arriving I pull out my chair, don my vest, and grab the camera, i did not have to wait long until they were popping like whack a moles. I was also excited that I kept bouncing around to this hole and that hole. I finally settled down with a family of five mom dad and three little ones. The interaction was precious watching the sentry stand tall while the rug rats ran a muck. Then out of the corner of my lens I catch two lovers in the heat of the moment, ok maybe just foreplay. It all started with a hug, a coy gesture, some nibbles, and then the rest is up to you. Another mound held a mom and two babies who stuck together like glue. It was almost like a game of Simon Says. a behavior I tried to catch but always just missed was the way they throw food in the air and then jump after it. I was great at catching the landing. I spent a little over an hour photographing these cute little critters and look forward to more adventures with them. Roy and I have run across three other areas to set up camp with them.