When I rounded the curve on the road and found the band of mustangs I’d seen from way far away, I was surprised to see two pronghorns right in among them. Naturally, by the time I fumbled through my backpack and got my camera out, they’d had enough of waiting for the two-legged to get her act together and had trotted away. … But then, the mother (at right above) came sort of straight back toward me before dashing off back past the horses, but lower, so I couldn’t get them all in frame. They stopped just short of the skyline, and she gave me that same impenetrable stare, while her yearling (I think) gave all the signs of wanting to move on. And so they did.
We’re approaching fawning (deer, pronghorns) and calving (elk) season, and my first thought was that maybe she’d left a newborn hidden somewhere close to where I stopped, but I think it’s still a bit early (tell me if you know??).
I do love the pronghorns, and I really love seeing them hanging out with the mustangs, who all look huge in comparison. 🙂
*****
Happy birthday shout to my brother, Jeff! Have a *wild* day, little brother!
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
That’s amazing, TJ. It’s rare those pronghorns give you second chances at anything! They’re usually gone in a flash. Just like the mustangs, they must trust you…for a moment. 😁 Regardless, this is a beautiful photo of two beautiful pronghorns!
No kidding! They’re usually gone, gone, gone! I’m thrilled when I get photographic chances with them. 🙂 I think she was just curious. The next day, I saw a bigger group, so they might have been part of that band and gotten separated briefly?
They are lovely. We don’t have any in our area, but I have seen them on our drive to the coast when we drive through the coast hill range. They move very fast.
Oh! That’s so interesting! Out here, they’re definitely more “plains” wildlife that like wide-open spaces … proved by their evolution to RUN! 🙂 They’re literally the fastest North American land mammal; they out-evolved the cheetah-like animals that used to prey on them thousands (??) of years ago!
They really are a pretty pair! Happy Birthday to brother Jeff!
I think they’re so amazing. 🙂 Thanks for wishing my brother a happy birthday! He’s working, but he sounded upbeat and happy when I talked to him!