Enter The Bull Elk

Posted by Stephen Phillips (San Francisco, United States) on 9 October 2008 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.

( third in series of four images )

Moving majestically in along the south rim of the meadow which contained the thirty female elk (cows) - this fellow made it clear why the eight young males I had passed north of here were keeping their distance.

Never - can I recall seeing a grander bull Elk. His rack seemed improbably large. His dominance over his harem - unquestioned. I was in absolute awe at witnessing this powerful display of nature. As he approached the females - they were rising to their feet - and slowly - purposely moving into a dark and tunnel-like entrance to the thick forest beyond the meadow - opposite of where I was standing.

Tomorrow - a final look...

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Comments (22)

sherri from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

I was gonna say, "Here comes big daddy"...lol...he's a fine lookin' dude.

9 Oct 2008 5:37am

Betty from New Jersey, United States

All I can say is "Wow"... he's awesome! Fantastic that you were able to see this!

9 Oct 2008 9:25am

Marcie from United States

WOW! Fantastic capture. Excellent portrait of an elegant and powerful animal. WOW!

9 Oct 2008 10:15am

Thomas Griffioen from Rotterdam, Netherlands

Very good capture! Quite impressive animal with those horns.

9 Oct 2008 10:55am

dogilicious from Millerstown, PA, United States

Holy cow! This guys a giant!

9 Oct 2008 1:44pm

gbe from kansas city, United States

my favorite of these so far. truly awesome.

9 Oct 2008 1:49pm

Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States

Thanks for this series - this bull elk's entrance into the scene is so dramatic. Great photo!

9 Oct 2008 3:01pm

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

STunning, gosh he's beautiful, your compo is heavenly :)

9 Oct 2008 4:32pm

Alun Lambert from cheshire, United Kingdom

He looks a big bugger, great image

9 Oct 2008 4:57pm

Zygène from morlaix, France

Une magnifique capture

9 Oct 2008 6:01pm

Calusarus from St Sorlin en Valloire, France

Very nice animal shot. Congratulations : he's not looking at you…

9 Oct 2008 7:43pm

@Calusarus: Not today. Tomorrow, however...

Observing from West Cheshire, United Kingdom

I see why he has authority, what a strong looking beast. A perfect shot Stephen.

9 Oct 2008 7:43pm

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

Magnificent animal!

9 Oct 2008 8:14pm

alex centrella from California, United States

like the contrast between the elk and background, great shot.

9 Oct 2008 9:45pm

Paco Díaz from Palma de Mallorca, Spain

I like very much this picture. The splendid male in its wilderness before our eyes.

9 Oct 2008 10:12pm

dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States

oh yes -- he is certainly in charge, and he knows it!! :) wow! those horns are truly faaabulous -- wouldn't want to get on the wrong end of them! ;) excellent shot Stephen! Looking forward to tomorrows!!!

9 Oct 2008 10:54pm

willow from Chelsea, United States

He is indeed majestic. I like that you captured him in stride - he seems to be moving so regally, so intent on his goal.

9 Oct 2008 10:55pm

Walter from Watkinsville, United States

I was glad to read you were using a long lens with a teleconverter to get these photos. That dude is one big animal that I would not want to meet up close at all! Wonderful photo op. Cannot wait to see tomorrow.

10 Oct 2008 12:54am

@Walter: Thanks, Walter - good to hear from you.

John Maslowski from Dallas, PA, United States

Exceptional shot, I'm surprised you held the camera steady enough to get this great picture. All I can say is outstanding capture and you are right about that rack it is magnificent. Wow, Stephen this is really a superb image.

10 Oct 2008 1:12am

@John Maslowski: Adrenaline can help you concentrate - if only for that precious second as you squeeze off the capture. And I had more than my share after this fellow came into view. Of course, image stabilization doesn't hurt either. Great to hear from you John.