Photographer Irene Searles goes on wildlife photographic journey

Woodside resident Irene Searles — and longtime InMenlo contributing photographer — journeyed to Yellowstone this winter to specifically photograph wildlife

“It was something I’ve never done before,” she explains. “In the winter, you can only go with groups. There were seven participants on the trip organized by Amy Ames Photography and ably led by a naturalist guide who was also the coach driver. It was her job to spot the tracks  and be in contact with other drivers.

“The first day was great. We saw river otters, coyotes and a bad eagle. The second day was calmer and more focused on landscape. There were plenty of bison to spot everyday.”

It was one bison and a Wapiti wolf pack that stole the show on the third day. The photographers watched nature in action as the pack stalked the bison.

“The ravens work in concert with the wolves to show them where the weak animals are,” Irene explains. “While the alpha wolves were present, it was the younger wolves who did al the work to tire the bison, who finally walked into the river and drown.”

The wolves and ravens were the first on the scene followed the next day by coyotes.

“Instead of just seeing wolves we got to see them in action for so many days,” says Irene. “It felt very intimate, and the wildlife overall was so beautiful to see.

“The Yellowstone coyotes in winter are gorgeous. Beautiful fur coats. We watched as they listened for mice, then jumped in the air and grabbed their meal.

“I want to go back and pay more attention to the environment. I’m a portrait photographer so I took photos in that style, but next time I’ll strive for more of an environmental view.”

Photos by Irene Searles (c) 2024