Land between the Lakes...Western Kentucky & Tennessee

The Bison and Elk prairie is a must see if you love seeing wildlife close up in their natural habitat. The prairie is a 700 acre natural habitat with a 3.5 mile loop which goes through the prairie.These bison can weigh around 2000 lbs. They are very intimating close up. Visitors are encouraged to remain in their vehicles for safety. When a male bull feels his herd is threatened or humans get to close they will charge. They can gallop as fast as 35 miles per hour. I was amaze at how the bulls lead and guard the herd when crossing the road up the hill to an open grazing meadow. I certainly wouldn't want to get in their way. A few bulls stood in the middle of the road daring anyone to get closer. After the herd made it safely into the field; the bulls settled down and began grazing too.

I was lucky to see several Elk during this visit. This male was in open field which was exciting. I was able to get within 40 feet of him with a 50-140 lens (from the safety of my car). The females and their young stay in the higher prairie grass or close to trees for cover. It is more difficult to get a clean shot of them.

Woodland Nature Station is another wonderful place to visit. They have many animals there that they care for that can no longer live in the wild. From a Bald Eagle, owls, coyotes to Red wolves. This is a great place to see some wildlife close up.

This Red Hawk is cared for by Nurture to Nature Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary (www.nurturetonature.org). She will never be able to return to her natural habitat due to a wing injury.  (very sad)

Photos taken with the Fuji XT1, 50-140 lens