The Moment Happened!

Rocky Mtn Bighorn Sheep captured by Z 9 / Z600f4 TC
I”ve well documented my forty year love affair with Bighorn Sheep. With nearly 100,000 images in the files of this noble and fascinating critter, many have asked me, “don’t you the shot yet?” No two session with sheep is the same, their complex and amazing life intrigues me and has captured the attention of my camera at every click. This morning was no different as we were surrounded by seventy-eight of them going about their fall ritual. The “big boys” were off on a knoll sleeping in long after the majoriy of the herd were up and about. After about an hour they decided it was time to move. Thirty minutes later they were down the slope and coming or way. We were plastered next to the truck letting them do what they wanted to do, not moving or chasing them, just letting life unfold. It’s how I was taught and how I’ve always been with sheep. Well the four big boys, the oldest you see here who was at least ten years old walked right up to us. As in, the Z600f4 TC was at its MFD. And for the next forty minutes they hung with us as they ate, pushed, shoved, socialized and plotted which ewes to chase. This shot of just part of a curl and that eye is one I have longed wanted in my viewfinder. If you know me and my photography, you know I’m not an eyeball photographer and yet, this is the one I’ve long for from my first enounter with these knoble beasts. I couldn’t believe it when finally, the moment happened!