2210_1652 Bull Moose
This is the week of medium-size ungulates with antlers. I've seen and photographed larger Moose in Grasslands... but not this close.
I spotted him while driving, at a location that has produced a wide variety of wildlife for me in the past. Caught a white flash of antlers through the forest of twigs. Drove on by, parked on the roadside, and hiked back, crawling the last 150 feet or so, using available cover. Found a position mostly behind some twiggy shrubs with a clean line of sight down to the dried up wetland, and sure enough, after a short wait, I watched not one but two of these big critters emerge from the thicket: a cow. followed by this bull.
They could hear my shutter, but couldn't see me clearly, if at all (the Moose here won't tolerate the sight of a human). The wind was favourable, so they could not get my scent. I had half an hour with them - more results to come before too long - and there was a bonus, which will be tomorrow's upload.
For those who wonder whether there is suitable habit for Moose on the prairie, take a good look at his surroundings. Willows galore! Those nutritious and evidently delicious willows grow extensively along the Frenchman River and in adjacent areas such as this. Food, shelter, and absence of predators (including humans who hunt) combine to create a haven for these huge deer.
Photographed in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2022 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
2210_1652 Bull Moose
This is the week of medium-size ungulates with antlers. I've seen and photographed larger Moose in Grasslands... but not this close.
I spotted him while driving, at a location that has produced a wide variety of wildlife for me in the past. Caught a white flash of antlers through the forest of twigs. Drove on by, parked on the roadside, and hiked back, crawling the last 150 feet or so, using available cover. Found a position mostly behind some twiggy shrubs with a clean line of sight down to the dried up wetland, and sure enough, after a short wait, I watched not one but two of these big critters emerge from the thicket: a cow. followed by this bull.
They could hear my shutter, but couldn't see me clearly, if at all (the Moose here won't tolerate the sight of a human). The wind was favourable, so they could not get my scent. I had half an hour with them - more results to come before too long - and there was a bonus, which will be tomorrow's upload.
For those who wonder whether there is suitable habit for Moose on the prairie, take a good look at his surroundings. Willows galore! Those nutritious and evidently delicious willows grow extensively along the Frenchman River and in adjacent areas such as this. Food, shelter, and absence of predators (including humans who hunt) combine to create a haven for these huge deer.
Photographed in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2022 James R. Page - all rights reserved.