Paradise Gallery, Gardiner Montana

Now representing Jess Lee, at the north entrance to Yellowstone

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Paradise Gallery

Grizzly cubs are one of the most entertaining creatures in the animal kingdom. They play endlessly, constantly ruff housing with each other stopping only to nap or pester their mom for a nursing session.  These two had entertained me for several days growing more accustomed to my presence. Mom was nearby and fairly comfortable that I was not a threat. Now the twins were taking a break from their play to contemplate the strange 2 legged creature who had been their companion on several occasions recently. This type of close range encounter is not usually a good idea. It is best to observe all bears from a distance of at least 100 yards. Better for your safety and the safety of the bears.	302 One of the most interesting wolves in Yellowstone. 302 is known as the casanova wolf. Not caring to be bothered with forming his own pack until recently 302 is know for his ability to move between packs sharing his genes with the young females of the North Rage. 302 was featured in the film "Valley of the Wolves"	Last Call The Hayden pack was one of the most loved wolf packs by Yellowstone visitors. Truly remarkable animals that went about their daily routine with no regard for their human co inhabitants of the Canyon/Hayden Valley area. They were not tame and did not beg, they were just above paying any attention to the two legged creatures who they had to tolerate during the few months their territory was open to visitors. They knew they were the top dog. Then one snowy morning in early November morning that changed. I was the first person in the valley that morning searching for signs of my favorite wolf pack, the Hayden's. I had spent many days photographing and watching these fascinating wolves who would allow me the favor of watching them go about their business in a totally normal manner. Soon the Alpha Female ( known by some as the White Wolf ) appeared in one of her favorite howling locations. I was soon nearby when the Alpha Male and the yearlings arrived. Tthey began howling in what was an attempt to call the 5 pups of the year. Latter I learned that the Hayden pack had been jumped by the larger Molly Pack who normally resided in the Pelican Valley area. The next evening the Mollies again confronted the Hayden's with the result of the Hayden pack Alpha pair being killed. The Hayden pack is now gone but most of the yearling and pup's survived, dispersing to form their own packs or joining others. So if you see a wolf out there who just doesn't seem to care if you are around it just might be a past member of the late great Haydens.	Madison morning A large bull elk stops while crossing the Madison river in the predawn mist. He is calling a challenge to rival males and let the local females know he has arrived to join the autumn breeding season.
Sunrise Bison The Bison rut or breeding season takes place in Yellowstone during July and early August. Hayden Valley is one of the prime gathering area for the huge animals during is frantic season. The action goes on around the clock day and night. Here the bull Bison gaunts out his desires to his female companion,	Stalker-first encounter This young Black wolf approaches assuming his stalking stance. While a large wolf is not normally a threat to humans they can take on a frightening appearance. I encounters this beautiful specimen while photographing other subjects with a large telephoto lens. When I spoke softy to him he decided he didn't want to be any closer to me than I wanted to be with him so he strolled off in another direction as did I.	Snowy Swan Trumpeters Swan's are one of most elegant residents of the Yellowstone eco system. During winter there is a large migrant population in the area. Most of these birds are visitors from the north. They spend the harsh months in Yellowstone feeding on the rich aquatic vegetation of Yellowstone's thermal waters. This helps the northern birds to flourish. The small resident population is not doing as well. There are many issues surrounding the population decline of the local members of North Americas largest waterfowl population. The remaining birds in this ecosystem nest in a few areas surrounding the park. Sadly there is little being done to stop the local decline in the population and the birds could be lost as year around nesting residents of Yellowstone without public intervention. For more information and a chance to help these majestic birds Contact the Trumpeter Swan Society.	Firehole Bison Early morning can be special time in the geyser basins. The warm vapor of the thermal area meeting the cool morning are causes a fine mist embraces the area cloaking the surroundings in a mysterious fog. Bison favor the Firehole basin in particular. There are lush meadows here, plentiful water and some safety from predators provided by the presence of people. Thermals are a great place to meet the day.
ESCAPE This wolf is running to escape the Druid pack who are trying to remove this interloper from their territory. Often during the winter breeding season young male wolves roam Lamar Valley looking for young females to breed and sometimes form a new pack. This male was heading past my location in an attempt to halt the chase of the then 16 member Druid pack. His strategy worked when the Druids halted their attack after realising their quarry was getting people between himself and the formidable Druid pack.	Teton Spring The Tetons are one of the most dramatic Mountains Ranges on this planet. Their rugged east face brings eye popping vistas to many world wise visitors each year. Spring time, while not the most visited time is one of the most awe inspiring to nature lovers. Valley's are covered with flowers such as these Arrowleaf Balsam Root's while wildlife replenishes itself from the past winter. It is a great place to visit and remember.

Jess Lee is an internationally acclaimed and world renowned wildlife and nature photographer. Jess’s images have been published in such distinguished periodicals as Smithsonian, National Geographic, Natures Best, Defenders, Audubon and Sierra Magazines.

During the year Jess leads many instructional and educational photo workshops and tours throughout the US and Africa.

Jess has always felt the strong heartbeat of the land beneath his feet, and approaches his photography with a certain reverence for all living things. Jess’s many wildlife encounters often bring about a spiritual experience which he conveys through his images. “Making beautiful images has never been enough for me. Nature has stories to tell”.

Jess hopes to bring the beauty of nature and the power of wildlife into your home with the purchase of these fine art prints.