I cannot adequately describe the thrill we experienced when we came upon the Pronghorn at Empire Ranch this morning. This is an animal that fascinates me. Although often called an Antelope, they are a unique species on this planet. The protrusions on their head are not antlers, but instead branched horns which they shed each year. With the ability to sustain a 60 MPH pace for hours, they are the fastest North American land animal.

There are five sub-species of Pronghorn, with the Sonoran Pronghorn the most endangered. The Sonoran live in both Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico with numbers at around 500. Recent joint efforts by conservation groups, ranchers, and the government seem to be working to bring this beautiful species back from the brink. We certainly hope they succeed and we will donate our time and resources to assist the efforts. I will provide more information about them in future posts.

We found a small heard of about 12 animals led by this male who stood separate and vigilant while the others grazed peacefully.

I chose to show a wide shot first in an attempt to put the Pronghorn as an individual animal in its context of the vast, sweeping plains they call home.
Shoot Date: February 3, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Aperture priority ¹⁄₁₂₅₀ sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 200