I've been on the lookout for a this particular group for nearly a month and finally I'm sure that the same herd is back for the winter. At least fifteen went down to the river and grazed right by me before heading back up the cliffs. In one of their closest approaches yet, they again offered a spectacularly intimate view of their world.

A few weeks ago, I started seeing more and more bighorn sheep activity in the winter habitat where the Atlas herd typically grazes, but I wasn't seeing Atlas or several of the other identifiable members of that particular group.

"Atlas" is just my own personal name for the lead ram that has dominated this canyon habitat for the last few winters. Last year there were 22 in his group, and in this encounter there are at least 15. Several others could have been up the cliffs, but perhaps this is the new shape of the herd for the season.

Adonis, a name I use for the second largest ram, was also present, but I didn't see the youngest ram Anthony. Two ~9 month old female lambs were with the group, so that's exciting to see the new members.

The morning was cold and rather dark, so nearly all the photos are cast in the shadows of the deep canyon and thick clouds. Surprisingly, the group passed by me several times and I'm really happy with a handful of the images.

I've been hoping to get some good shots of them while they are at the river, but I'll have to keep trying. The river shots from today were ok, but I was out of position and the light could be much better.

All-in-all, a great encounter. The same ewe that sat with me for two hours on Oct 30th was with the group. She and Adonis led a slow graze directly to me. I would estimate that they were within 10 feet at their closest.

One of the most striking details in this group of photos is the reflection in Adonis' eye when he's so very close. In the full-resolution image, the reflection in his eye reveals the canyon, sky, clouds, roadway, and even my SUV.

I have mixed-feelings about photographing them by the roadway, but this was one of those occasions when they had to cross for water... and they remained on/near the road side for quite a while. The salts used for plowing the winter roads means that they can lick the gravel and enjoy saltier vegetation for the essential mineral. It always makes me nervous, but I try to help alert oncoming motorists before they whiz by them. Great encounter and great to see Atlas and Adonis and the others officially return.