Putting our Heads Together

Two young bull elk play fighting in Cataloochee Valley.

Closeup of the big guy

It's amazing how much time the big bull elk spend munching on the grass. Here's a shot of a Cataloochee valley bull getting his greens in black and white.

Climbing Out of the Tub

I've wanted to photograph Elk in water ever since I got into photography a few years ago. Late this past summer, Dad and I were driving over 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park towards Cherokee. As we were almost to the Oconaluftee visitor center we saw several cars off the road. Looking out onto the river I saw this guy standing big as life right out in the middle. I managed to get the car all the way off the road, grab my 400 2.8 out of the back, and get far enough down the bank to sit on a log overhanging the river enough to get out of the nasty scrub brush that lines such places. He only stood there for a few minutes, but they were a good few minutes. I've been shooting wildlife enough over the past year or two that I don't often get giddy over a new shot. This was an exciting series to capture. :)

Are You My Mummy?

A young elk fawn saying hi to its mother in a light rain in Cataloochee Valley last summer. Moments like this are. when you just love getting up long before dawn to find the right wildlife in the right moment.

Rain, rain, rain on my face. . .

A massive bull elk enjoying a shower in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

King of the Valley

The big guy is another acceptable name for him. It is so much fun to follow these massive bulls through the fall. Even when they're just standing in a beautiful field letting out a long bugle.

A Soggy Nap

This bull elk seemed unhappy about all of the wet stuff falling from the sky.

Follow me kids!

Two elk calves wait to be lead across the river in a light rain.

Watch that first step...

I was waist deep in the river to try and get down to their level. I think my soaking wet self is happy with the results. I could always tell when another elk had stepped in by the sound of the splashing.

To get to the other side

This bull was guiding his herd across the river last month near the Oconaluftee visitor's center.

A Good Long Drink

This guy stopped to drink at least four times in this same spot. He must have wanted to make sure that the funny little biped up well past his waist in the water was getting his shot just right. Awfully considerate of him if you ask me.

Unwelcome Guest

The bull on the right only has half a rack, but he didn't seem to get what that did to his chances. I suspect this isn't the first fight he has lost this year. Half rack had decided to round up a group of cows that were near the bull on the left. The results were quite predictable. I really love the cow in the upper left just munching along as the guys try to kill each other.