Thursday, September 10, 2009

Morning Challenge


Arriving on Winslow Hill this morning I heard this bull’s roaring challenge as I stepped from the car.

Nearly a year had passed since I last visited the Pennsylvania elk so it was with considerable anticipation that I made the 150 mile predawn drive this morning. Passing through the tiny town of Benezette the gray overcast skies held no promise of beautiful morning light.

A food plot directly down the hill from the Gilbert Viewing Area held a herd of elk with this bull watching over his harem as a few lesser bulls fed and sparred intermittently.

10 comments:

jel said...

AWESome!!!!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

WOW!!!your pictures are gorgeous.
Blessings,Ruth

Karen Cooper said...

I've just discovered your blog, amazing photography and great articles.

Chris said...

hi Coy,
My!!! This is a shot!! I guess this is a big reward for all the trip you did! It is a wonderful one Coy, well done...
Have a nice week end.

Juan C. Aguero said...

good shot!

photowannabe said...

Beautiful capture. I love the semi silhouette and the grass hanging from his rack. Nice predawn color too.

Elaine said...

Beautiful! Sometimes the silhouette shot tells a story better and I think this is one of those cases.

Brad Myers said...

Nice bull Coy, it looks like he was trying to show the others that he was the man with the grass on his antlers. I have been watching, I have just not had the chance to comment.

I hope this does not mean you will miss the rut. I sent Willard the dates I will be up for the rut at the end of the month. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Brad

Montanagirl said...

He's pretty impressive. Great photo! Hubby and I are thinking about taking the 130 mile drive to an area along the Missouri River south of here where the Elk gather to spar and mate every September. This photo has spurred me into thinking we better get going! We usually time it to arrive about 5pm, there's no elk visible until then when they start coming out of the trees. Wonderful sight. Can be up to 200 Elk in there.

Peggy said...

Beautiful morning silouette! Loved the added foliage on his seemingly symmetrical rack!