Boxley Valley Update August 14, 2008 -- Arkansas Wildlife Photography Gallery and Blog

General Conditions:

We have been in an unnaturally cold spell now for over a week. It has been a refreshing break from the dog days. This mild weather continues as far out as any forecast can see (presuming it is reliable). I believe this means that we can expect earlier fall color, and perhaps the rut will bump up a little.

If you are planning to come to the NW Arkansas and Boxley Valley for fall color, I would pay close attention. It sure looks like to me it will be early this year. My dogwoods are starting to turn red, as are the maples in my yard. We are at 2,200 ft. Elevation, about 1,200 feet above Boxley. If traditional patterns hold, we are two weeks ahead of Boxley in color season. This is still early color, but it is clearly starting.

The Elk

I saw 4 different herds of elk in Boxley Valley along highway 43. They extended from the field closest to Ponca to the intersection of Highways 43 and 21. This is pretty much where the elk concentrate in the fall pattern. I think we are perhaps entering it early because of the unseasonably cool weather.

There are occasional stray small groups of bull elk milling about, and some of the big ones are in there. They are still in velvet. Pretty soon we can anticipate them rubbing off the velvet on tree trunks and the like. (This is one photo I have yet to get -- its on my list.)

I am pretty certain the very biggest bulls are in the upper wilderness area. Typically they don't come down to the valley until later. These are the real monsters, the alpha bulls. These big guys are the ones to watch for fights.
Don't expect to see these for a while. The biggest bull last year didn't show up until early October. He was a 7x8 with a huge body.

Photo Opportunities

In the Ponca field check out the cow elk and calves grazing. Sometimes they will stray into the woods nearest the road to the low water bridge and bed down. The calves are still pretty young and you might get some decent shots. They tend to hang along the back of the field nearest the river later in the day.

The two best places for shooting in my opinion right now are in the field near the Highway 21 intersection, and along the road for random groups of bulls. These are not the very biggest bulls, but they are pretty large. These guys are not likely going to be the ones dominating the rut.

Expect the best opportunities to be in the morning before 9, and in the evening, most likely after 6. These times can vary according to weather, but they tend to hold up pretty well as a general rule. Get out there at daybreak or before for a morning shoot. See my entry locating elk for more advice.

The trumpeter swans are in the Boxley Mill Pond. There are three, they are still pretty young. They don't seem very timid so they are an easy photo opportunity. You can get some pretty nice reflection shots in the morning, sometimes with rising fog from the pond if everything is right.

I would like to take a moment and rant about the pop can tagging system used with the swans. UGLY!! I realize this is an expedient for biologists to ID birds at great distances, but damn, it sure ruins it for photographers. Those tags are so huge that they are tough to "photoshop" out. C'mon guys.

There is a road runner that lives along the entrance road to Lost Valley Campground and trail. If you drive up there, it will almost always run in front of you. If you get tired of elk and swans, this little guy is a challenge you might take. I got him on a fence post last year, my current best roadrunner photo. Tip: If you are lucky, you will catch him when he is feeding in the cedar trees. I have seen this a couple of times.

At the Ponca access point, there is a Great Blue Heron that feeds both above and below the bridge. He will spook less if you shoot him out of your car window. I see him there many days, often after the elk have long gone to their bedding areas.

Notes to Entry:

This is an early fall pattern starting in August. We are at least two weeks ahead I would guess. This entry will be reliable advice for a while.

Expect and watch for early fall color this year.

My blog is focused on wildlife, but expect some decent landscape chances in Boxley.

The morning fog gives you wonderful luminous light much like a Kincaid painting (most of which I don't like).

The morning fog can be pure hell for photography. Think of it as mysterious.

Too often by the time the light gets good in the morning, the elk are long gone. There are exceptions, and that keeps me coming back. Maybe you aren't that crazy. If not, stick with evenings.

Expect the unexpected in Boxley Valley. Be alert and you may see other species.

Don't forget to visit the swans at the mill pond.

For the most current information, call the Ponca Elk Education Center:
870-861-2432