The sheep are gathered together for mating season outside of Estes Park in northern Colorado. Great shots await in some hidden areas. Other subjects include mule deer, elk, coyotes and great mountain scenics.

The sheep are used to people so you're able to get very close to them to capture some amazing behavior during this annual ritual.

The lodge facility we stay at back up to the mountains and part of the property is one of the main gathering locations for the sheep. In the past, as many as two dozen bighorns have been on the property at one time, making for easy access and few crowds as the property is not open for everyone to come and go.

Unlike elk, where the dominant male does not want any other males around, bighorn mating groups typically have two or three decent males together, allowing for the opportunity of the males butting heads.

Interaction between males, males and females and even females and this year's young are not uncommon allowing for some great behavior shots.

Besides the sheep activity, bachelor groups of bull elk are fairly predictable. Winter snowscapes add to a full plate of wildlife that also includes the mule deer also being active with their mating season. Again, several of these animals call the property on which we stay home during the winter months.

Who can go to the Rocky Mountain National Park area and not take photos of the incredible mountain landscapes. Beautiful scenery abounds here, adding to a great wildlife photography experience.

Click here to see more Colorado bighorn sheep photography. The coyote images on the same page were taken on this bighorn trip.