This was taken north of Rock Springs, Wyoming along US Highway 191 on my trip to West Yellowstone last month. A lot of open sagebrush, no trees and almost endless blue sky. You can see for miles and the sagebrush dominates the landscape. You may look at this and think of it as a barren and desolate place, especially if you’re from anywhere east of the Mississippi where trees abound. And when you stop to take in this view you won’t believe the silence that surrounds you. But, even though it is a rugged and harsh environment what you see is a complex of ecosystem. These sagebrush ecosystems provide important food and cover for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and especially winter habitat for big game species and other wildlife. So probably somewhere in this image is a Black-footed Ferret, Great Basin Gopher Snake, White-tailed Prairie Dog, Greater Short-horned Lizard, Red-tailed hawk or Sage Thrasher. And trust me, somewhere in there is an ant or two or three…
4 Comments
Tom Dills
You are so right, Monte. One of our common reactions about the West is “there aren’t any trees!” No, there aren’t, but that doesn’t mean there’s “nothing there.” One of the things we’ve learning traveling around the country is that there is beauty everywhere, and just because it isn’t “home” to us, it is “home” to someone. Sometimes many someones!
Monte Stevens
I also am aware and see the beauty everywhere. As a photographer that is probably even more so.
Faye
Oh, I do believe there are all sorts of critters in that vast expanse. 🙂
Monte Stevens
When you include insects and microbes the numbers are in the millions if not billions. Hope all is going well with the move.