Early winter in Grasslands National Park, East Block badlands
Early winter in Grasslands National Park (East Block badlands). I love photographing fresh snow on the prairies in early winter. The grass still standing from the summer season has not been pushed down by the weight of snow yet, providing a gentle texture to the rolling prairie landscapes. This photograph was taken in in the badlands of East Block. We were located very close to the north edge of the park, near the McGowan’s campground. It was cold enough prior to our trip in early December that we did not have any difficulties crossing several frozen creeks to reach this viewpoint....
Read MorePrairie near 70 Mile Butte at sunset, Grasslands National Park
Prairie near 70 Mile Butte at sunset, Grasslands National Park – West Block. Last rays of setting sun light the hilly area east of the 70 Mile Butte. To reach this point, drive along the Ecotour Road until it descends down a steep slope into the Frenchman River valley. Park by the rattlesnake warning sign and follow a walking trail leading west from the small parking spot. Watch for rattlesnakes that frequent this area in the fall, when individual animals travel several kilometres to gather in their favourite warm spots – rattlesnake hibernacula – where they will spend 6-8...
Read MorePrairie landscape with clouds at sunset, Grasslands National Park
Prairie landscape with clouds at sunset, Grasslands National Park – West Block, Saskatchewan. This photograph was made one evening in late June, at the southern edge of the West Block very close to Montana border. Back to the Grasslands National Park photo gallery.
Read MoreMigrating geese signal that spring has arrived on the prairies
A sure sign that spring has arrived on the prairies is the sight and sound of hundreds of thousands of geese that are gathering on the fields and slews across the province. Saskatchewan provides major habitat for breeding birds and migrants that stop to feed and rest during their long trip to breeding grounds further north. Migratory birds follow numerous routes, guided by natural features such as mountain ranges and major river systems. There are four loosely defined major North American migratory flyways (broad areas in which migration routes are associated with a definite geographic...
Read MoreWinding trail through prairie at dawn, Grasslands National Park
Winding trail through prairie at dawn, Grasslands National Park – East Block. The image was taken just before sunrise at the Dawson’s Viewpoint in East Block of Grasslands NP. This particular location on a ridge west of the Poverty Ridge Warden Station provides a great view of the badlands in East Block. Follow the marked fire trail that passes by the warden station. As soon as you enter the park (drive through a gate in barb wire fence), park you vehicle in the designated parking area and continue on foot. DO NOT drive on the prairie as your actions will damage the fragile...
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