Saturday, April 19, 2008

A Close Encounter With A Calf Elk



I encountered this calf on September 29, 2005 on Winslow Hill, near Benezette, Pennsylvania.

Like whitetail deer fawns, calves are spotted at birth but the spots are gone in most cases by mid-August to early September. This calf was completely changed to the winter coat.

This was another case of an animal that had no fear of humans. I was at a strategic spot, waiting for bull elk to appear, when this animal walked up to me. I had the camera attached to a 500mmF4 Canon lens which gave a good head and shoulders portrait at that distance.


Canon 10-D 500mmf4 - 1/30sec. f4 ISO 200


Be sure to visit Misty Dawn to view more Camera Critters photographs or participate!

28 comments:

Michele said...

Fantastic shot. What a beautiful animal!
The Rocky Mountain Retreat

Dottie said...

Awww... needs to grow into those ears! But how beautiful!!

Carletta said...

Wow...it looks so gentle - unlike those huge horned elk!
You were definitely in the right place at the right time.

Kyanite said...

I do so enjoy seeing incredible wildlife photo's like yours.
City living in the UK you don't get to see animals like this.

Anonymous said...

This is a nice shot, Willard. I like it a lot.

DeeMom said...

what a beautiful animal

lv2scpbk said...

A beautiful animal.

Andree said...

Outstanding! What a beauty. No elk here that I know of except on two elk farms. I should go up to one of them and start taking photographs.

http://meeyauw.blogspot.com/2008/04/camera-critters-cow-love.html

Stacey Olson said...

Great shot Willard, I so enjoy these animals that have not been tainted towards humans yet. Love the goofy look on it's little face. how wonderful.

storyteller said...

Wow … your wildlife and flower photos are all spectacular! Makes me a little self-conscious about my candid shot of Molly, my lab … shared today at Small Reflections.
Hugs and blessings,

Sharon said...

What a wonderful catch! It sure is a pretty little feller.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: Very impressive photo of the young Elk. You are in the right spot quite often. Lucky for us.

Misty DawnS said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! This is an awesome photo! Oh my gosh, I'm absolutely speechless. This is fantastic beyond words!

Juli said...

Wow. I would love to be able to rub the fur on the to of her nose. I bet is soooo soft. Those ears are pretty amazing too.

My critter is here if you want to check him out.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Oh my he is gorgeous and look at those beautiful lips he has. Nice shot

Jane Hards Photography said...

That's a magnificent animal and faboulous image.

Mom Knows Everything said...

What a gorgeous animal!

Anonymous said...

That's a wonderful photo of an amazing animal.

threesidesofcrazy said...

It's broad daylight yet he has that deer caught in the head lights look with those big eyes.

L said...

What a fabulous shot!

Katney said...

You have a good touch with animals. Nice portrait.

Anonymous said...

A fantastic and very well detailed photo!

Gretchen said...

As you know, I have a real love for these gentle giants who live just a few miles from me.

Thanks for the great shot!

Tom said...

What good job you shot with a camera now.. so trusting and would not have given a sporting chance..

Tom

Kerri Farley said...

Wow, what a Fantastic shot! And a neat experience I am sure!!!

imac said...

Cute and fantastic shot Willard.

Playing catchup,
Back from Ireland and sorting photos,but the jars are now revealed.

Travis said...

Fantastic shot. That is a terrific animal.

Marvin said...

He's a winner, Willard, though having no fear of humans is not so good.