Fall is very close. The mornings temps are back down in the low 30's and the highs in the mid 70's. The bison herd continues to grow but not a lot of action for the camera. Lots of fires in the area and plenty of smoke. I haven't been able to get a good morning shot with an animal and the smoky haze.

Birds are starting to group and leave. The thistle plants are seeding and I should be able to get some shots of finch and siskins feeding. Berries are starting to ripen and waxwings should start to hit the trees in force.

I did surprise a black bear and cub on Sunday. The grass was just over waist high and about 15 yards away a bear stood up. She gave a quick growl and turned away then I saw a cub head for a tree and climb up. I backed away and the cub came down and they both left. I've seen the bears most of the summer so I knew to be alert, but it is always a surprise when I find them.

This is another shot, taken 8-29, from the one of the areas that I scouted last fall. However, due to the rivers running so high this summer this small pond was not around. The water level is back down and this pond is now cut-off and will slowly dry up. But until then I have a nice reflection to work with. I hope it stays long enough to get a little ice, just one more element to add to the shot.
I thought is morning I was going to get the great shot. Hiking in I could see some clouds and even low fog. But the as sunrise drew near, the clouds covered the peak and other clouds behind me blocked the sun from giving the scene the extra punch of color. Maybe next time.
The last two mornings I've heard one elk bugling. He only bugles once. Still very early, but fall is getting close. The bison herds are growing bigger. The Jackson herd must have been strung out over a mile. The bulls are getting very vocal but not a lot of fighting yet.