Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Grazing tule elk in velvet, Point Reyes National Seashore

Tule elk with velvet antlers, Point Reyes National Seashore

I love to see these regal animals with their velvet antlers during the spring. The amount of energy and resources they must invest in growing new antlers is really interesting, especially since only a few will be strong enough to win mating rights to a harem. These shots are from a hike I took out the Tomales Point Trail. A small herd of males were feeding on the grasses and wildflowers just off the trail.

Elk with velvet antlers, Point Reyes National Seashore

More of these handsome elk in my Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore Gallery.

10 comments:

  1. What a beautiful animal. The pictures are amazing. We only get wimpy deer here.

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  2. beautiful! i agree with you on the dropping and regrowing of antlers. how much energy they must use up.

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  3. I love how close these shots are to him!

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  4. Wonderfully rich texture of the fur, Pat....super shots.

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  5. Fantastic shots and a beautiful elk.

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  6. Very cool! Wish we had them here.

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  7. Nice photos Pat. Sharp subjects and clean, simple backgrounds. I also like the link to your gallery. It makes it very convenient to see similar photos.

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  8. The elk is a magnificent animal! Beautifully captured.

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  9. He is a masterful animal -- lovely shots!! Thanks.

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  10. What a fantastic image,superb setting,with nice back-drop.
    Superb colouring.
    John.

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