We moved into our Wyoming home on May 21st, 2021, not fully realizing the wild world we’d be stepping into—right in our own yard. Over the past four years, we've shared this space with more creatures than we ever imagined.
Early Mornings in Wyoming: A Wildlife Photographer's Dream
While Conor tends to the grill during summer evenings, I’m often nearby with my camera, capturing whatever decides to stop by. My favorite time is early morning, before the sun rises, when the world feels still and full of possibility. One spring, I was watering the crabapple tree when a group of tiny, wet baby ground squirrels suddenly popped up from the ground. I was hooked. The next morning, I returned with my camera and waited—and sure enough, they reappeared.
From Greenhouse to Wildlife Blind
Our greenhouse has become more than just a place to grow vegetables. It's a peaceful refuge and a hidden perch for watching wildlife unnoticed. From there, I’ve photographed our regulars—common sparrows and magpies—as well as more elusive visitors.
Seasonal Visitors: Birds, Pronghorns, and More
In spring and summer, our yard comes alive with song. Mountain bluebirds, grackles, yellow-headed blackbirds, and mourning doves all take up space in our skies. But it’s the meadowlark that fills the air with the happiest tune—its call always makes us smile.
Birds That Nest in Our Wyoming Yard: A Backyard Sanctuary
We've had the honor of birds choosing our property as their seasonal home. This year, a pair of tree swallows settled in. A few years ago, robins built a nest in the wreath on our front door. We watched quietly, careful not to disturb them, humbled by their trust.
Winter Wildlife and the Return of Spring
As the seasons shift, so do the animals. Pronghorns visit from late spring through fall, then make way for the deer who arrive with the snow. Winter lasts long here—eight months of silence and snow, broken only by the call of chickadees or the quiet shuffle of cottontails and ground squirrels sharing a den near the edge of our yard.
And just as the snow begins to melt, early spring delivers its messengers—juncos and finches passing through. Their presence is fleeting but always magical, a sign that another year of wildlife and wonder is beginning again.
Wyoming backyard wildlife
If you'd like to see these moments come to life, I’ve put together a video capturing the four seasons of wildlife around our yard. You can watch it.