It's that magical time of year when we rework some things around this site. Which will make it much easier to find whatever your heart desires. Did your heart desire bison today? Well, you just won the jackpot. 

Out in North Dakota/Montana/Other places that the buffalo roam, it is the rutting season. That's when bison, (often called buffalo, but we know what you mean,) turn from rather boring creatures into hulks of manly testosterone spraying bull snot all over the countryside. You may think it's silly to wallow about in your own wee to display your strength and vigor. You may even think it's ridiculous to go stomping about and making a fool of yourself. To which we all say, "Then you've never been in love."

The rut season for the bison makes for great wildlife watching. If you are lucky enough to enjoy the spectacle of hormones, please be safe and live to tell the tale. For the sake of the public, here are some handy facts about bison for tourists that we just made up.

Bison Facts FAQ:

How fast are bison?
Faster than you. 

When is the rut?
Depending on where you are, the rut generally runs from late July through August.

Why do bison have that hump?
They wanted to be camels.

No really, why the hump?
The hump is a huge bunch of muscles supported by long vertebrae. The bison has no trouble plowing snow in the winter with his face. He can tap dance on your skeleton if he decides to, and technically speaking, the bull bison is not exactly a "deep thinker" in the animal kingdom. Especially when he has "the ladies" on his mind. Seriously. Stay in your car and do no approach the bison. 

How big is a bison?
Bison are the largest mammals in North America. Bulls (males) are often around 2,000+ pounds/900+ kg. 

Aren't they just like big cows?
Ha ha. No.

​I am one of those people who loudly insist that the term "buffalo" is incorrect because "TRUE BUFFALO" exist on other continents than NORTH AMERICA. 
Shut up. These people are easily identified by using ALL CAPS and should not be invited to barbecues. 

They don't look like they could be that fast. Are you sure?
They are quicker and more agile than they look. Which is partly why bison rut season watching is so much fun. Stay safe out there on your adventures! Cheers!

We can confirm through independent sources, subtle sources built in iron and set along the highway, that Horsefest is July 29, 2017 in the tiny but feisty town of Taylor, North Dakota. If you like draught horses or old-time equipment, you really don't want to miss out. Last year there was some darn good Thai food. Here's hoping they are there again too!

Norwegian fjord teams, Clydesdales, Percherons, Belgians; all the feather-footed-favorites come out to play in Taylor. Be sure to bring your camera and your wallet. You're going to want some of those Thai plates and kebabs.

The weather is supposed to be perfect and plenty of parking. See you there, historic horse fans! 

Nibbler of leftover sandwiches, this kitty is the reason Hugh tells you that it's not to late to run to Mexico. 

​There's more to that story.

His code name is Schadenfreude.

Hugh is a gifted engineer in the late 19th century. Well read, likeable, steady job; it's hard to believe he's still single. Or still roughing through the winters in Dakota Territory, 1870s.

This gentle giant splits his seasons on the steamboats of the Missouri River and working for the hotels in Bismarck. He is known for being a fixer, engineering god, consumer of books, collector of untouchable tools, forming a bond with scrap wood piles on an emotional level, and finding cats very unhelpful.

Sometimes people get in their heads that summer programs are just for kids and since we are polite around here, allow us to practice the priceless art of fake smiles. Summer has been full of programs where fledgling nerds of all ages develop their inquisitive wings and finally find a group of friends that appreciate their nerdy sense of humor. 

So what makes a bird a raptor? Take a quick inventory. If the bird is equipped with a hooked beak, sharp talons, powerful eyes and built to take your face off, then it's a raptor. 

There are always different ways to approach your subject, but Jess is definitely the "Walkabout" variety. If you like to set up a shot in a hide, that's cool, but Jess can't sit that long. Along the hike, you can take in plants, geology, or even a little star gazing if it isn't cloudy and Jess goes on too long. Which she probably will. In her defense, we were lucky enough to see loads of animals and honestly, when was the last time you walked through a petrified forest? 

Here are 7 tips from Jessica Magnus-Rockeman to help you take wildlife photos of raptors: 

1. Take the camera. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 
2. Know where to look. Eagles build some famous nests, but MANY raptors don't. Harrier hawks like it low-they hunt low to the ground, they nest on the ground, they perch on low trees. They have a fear of heights apparently. 
3. Know when to look. It sounds simple, right? But it's easy to miss. Family season for many animals is a short, open window. If you miss it, well, there's always next year. With these ND hawks, they build a next site in usually about a week in the grass, and the incubation can be over a month, but their nesting period is only about 14 days. Timing is everything. 
4. Watch the lighting. Wildlife loves to not sit in the right spot. They are helpful like that. 
5. Be respectful. That one seems obvious, but sometimes you see people that push beyond the line. Having a camera doesn't give you special privileges-harrier hawks can take off, but other animals, such as bison, could tap dance on your skeleton. It's never a good idea to stress your subject. Be nice. Life in the badlands is tough enough.
6. Harriers are a great subject because they are fairly common in North America. And the females have this brilliant, owl-like face markings. In winter, you won't find them in Canada/North Dakota. Go slow. 
7. Ask. Wildlife photographers are usually a pretty fun bunch. Stop in the visitor centers, such as the one in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Wildlife sightings/locations are updated there daily. 

​Keep your sense of humor out there! Cheers!
PS: All photos by Jess, but you probably knew that already.