That’s not a race you’re gonna win, ponies. 🙂
I rolled up to see a couple of bands grazing below the road just moments before the little resident herd of pronghorns (there are about 20 or so hanging out together and very visible in Spring Creek Basin lately) made *their* presence known (to me, at least). But as the pronghorn bucks and does started moving up the hill toward the horses, high spirits in both species kicked in, and all I had to do was aim and hold down the shutter button!
Pronghorns are fascinating mammals – the fastest in North America. While they are numerous in many parts of the West, they’re NOT so numerous in western Colorado, and because of that, they’re not hunted here. Seeing a group of 20 is a cool sighting of a fairly big group (most of the rest of the year, they’re in much smaller groups). Also very fun to see: pronghorns racing along with the mustangs!
Pretty soon, I think curiosity took over on the part of the horses (or they *knew* they weren’t going to win any races!), and they stopped to watch as the pronghorns sped past.
If you’ve never seen pronghorns on the run, you’re really missing out. Even at what for them, I imagine, is a relaxed pace, they’re fast. And seeming effortless!
Each group eventually disappeared from my sight … but pretty soon the horses appeared again, coming toward my area of the hill as they grazed. When I walked out a bit, I saw the pronghorns, settled down in a group, napping and grazing. This human was feeling the peace. 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
What a treat, TJ! Getting to watch two sets of gorgeous, wild animals running together for awhile – and then settling down in their own spots – would be just exhilarating. It’s always so cool to see those pronghorns out there…but look fast, huh! ☺
I never get tired of seeing them! They’re really amazing creatures. 🙂
I have seen Pronghorn in NM and was stunned at how well a) they blend into the environment and b) how quickly they moved. One moment was a huge herd and the next minute, there was dust and no Pronghorn. We drove on and lo and behold, there were the Pronghorn, but again, a car stopping indicated danger and *poof* another cloud of dust and them moved inland and away from the road.
Yes, exactly, to both. When they had settled a little distance away, I didn’t even see them until I saw *movement* from a few grazing. They really are suited to their environment, even if no predator is a match for them (after they’re a week or so old!).
These little guys are really cute!
Their eyes are amazingly widely spaced – you really see it when looking straight at them. Sturdy bodies on what seem to be the most delicate legs possible. But they are definitely engineered by Nature to RUN! 🙂
I love them — they look so filled with joy when they run even when they’re running away from something.
Can you imagine running with so little effort?! I also very often have the idea that they *like* to race. Instead of running away from roads (and vehicles), they very often run alongside the road. Then they stop and look … and when you try to creep slowly on again, they’re off! 🙂
Yes! There was maybe is a herd by the Billings MT airport that ran under the planes as they were taking off. I always wondered if it was a game for them!
They do seem very proud of their speed (as I would be if I happened to be that fast!). 🙂
What a fascinating experience: the mustangs and the pronghorns together! I’ve seen pronghorns running in the Sanctuary when riding with you. They are amazing!
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I do love to see them again. Pronghorns give a sort of “bark” as a warning. I’ve heard it several times. It’s not aimed at the horses; it includes them as “warning, equines! two-legged approaching! beware!” 🙂
So glad you saw the pronghorn and the horses.
I love to see them … and together is pretty cool! 🙂