3041e3 bugle time
While hiking the Oconoluftee River trail on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, we were thrilled to come across a herd of elk in the woods. This bull elk, about 15 -20 cows and calves and a young buck or two were in a small grove of trees between the fields of the Farm Museum and the river.
We watched in awe as they started to move through the trees and then eventually head across the shallow river.
This big buck was definitely in charge. He bugled to communicate with the herd, and let them know what he wanted, and when. He evidently signaled it was time to cross the river, and then he made sure all had crossed before he made his way through the water as well.
More photos of this excellent experience will be posted over the coming days. stay tuned!
See other shots of this magnificent herd in my elk album www.flickr.com/photos/25171569@N02/albums/72157716290055416
FYI-- We did NOT get this close. This was taken with a zoom, and then also cropped for showing details.
Jenny Pansing Photos
3041e3 bugle time
While hiking the Oconoluftee River trail on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, we were thrilled to come across a herd of elk in the woods. This bull elk, about 15 -20 cows and calves and a young buck or two were in a small grove of trees between the fields of the Farm Museum and the river.
We watched in awe as they started to move through the trees and then eventually head across the shallow river.
This big buck was definitely in charge. He bugled to communicate with the herd, and let them know what he wanted, and when. He evidently signaled it was time to cross the river, and then he made sure all had crossed before he made his way through the water as well.
More photos of this excellent experience will be posted over the coming days. stay tuned!
See other shots of this magnificent herd in my elk album www.flickr.com/photos/25171569@N02/albums/72157716290055416
FYI-- We did NOT get this close. This was taken with a zoom, and then also cropped for showing details.
Jenny Pansing Photos