A quick post from the many shots I took yesterday on a hike out the Tomales Point Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore to see the tule elk rut. Here are two males trying to determine their ranking order. We watched both of these guys get run out of a harem by a larger male earlier in the day (no fight, these two just ran to the outskirts while the other male introduced himself to the females), and then after hanging out and feeding peacefully together on the edge of the harem they eventually came to blows to figure out who is the next bull in line, I suppose. There was no clear winner in this fight to us, and as quickly as it started, they stopped and went back to feeding near each other, apparently satisfied with the results of the quarrel for the time being.
It was really awesome to see a scuffle like this up close, and what stands out most about this shot to me is the intensity of their eyes while they fought. During the live action it was just a slow shoving match. But when you get to see these frozen moments in time, the intensity of the fight really comes to life.
View more of my photographs of tule elk in Point Reyes National Seashore.
That's a great moment you caught, Pat! I was going to head out there this weekend but got too lazy. Maybe next week.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John! We were the first people on the trail in the morning, and had a fantastic hike with three different groups of elk right along the trail. The nice thing about the fog this time of year is that you know its not worth being there right at sunrise since it will be like peasoup out on Tomales Point, so at least you can justify sleeping in for an extra hour or so!
ReplyDeleteHa! I know exactly what you mean about the fog and sleeping in and was thinking the same thing. I hope to get lucky and see some dueling elk this week.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff, Pat. Just saw this image on flickr; have subscribed to your blog on my Yahoo page. Look forward to following your work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Frank! Glad to have you as a subscriber!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! The composition and colors are really lovely. I've never been to the Tomales Point Trail, but will def. check it out now!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! A walk out Tomales Point is always worth it, since you can get awesome views from the top of the peninsula. But its even better this time of year when the elk are rutting!
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