Arkansas Wildlife Blog and Gallery
Buffalo National River and NW Arkansas
Today I was "covered up" as they say around here. It was the day to go to Jasper, our county seat and town of 500, to meetings, my galleries, and the the Nelms Gallery to meet with Scott, the president of our ozark mountain artists group. Not very much time at all, but enough to do a quick survey of Boxley Valley before heading up 74 to Jasper.
I have learned the hard way, sadly over and over, to carry my 5D and trusty 100-400 zoom everywhere. Today it paid off, and even though this is at most a 15 minute shoot, I got some decent pictures. Friday will be another day of hiking and spending a good amount of time shooting. I miss it when I miss a day and don't feed the habit.
In an earlier post I spoke of the count down to the rut, and there was still more evidence today. This small herd was along 43 in the first field south of the observation point. (see map) This is probably the #2 field for elk viewing. These pictures were taken from the road. Out of towners take note, this is probably less than a mile and a half from the Lost Valley Campground.
The small bull in this group has just about completely scraped the vevet off his antlers. It is interesting to catch them at this transition. His antlers are still very pale, they will darken fast now that they are exposed to the elements. He is with the herd, but he is a two year old I think, and only a 5x5. At least another year before he will be ready for the big dance. He has nice symmetry and should be a handsome adult bull.
I have learned the hard way, sadly over and over, to carry my 5D and trusty 100-400 zoom everywhere. Today it paid off, and even though this is at most a 15 minute shoot, I got some decent pictures. Friday will be another day of hiking and spending a good amount of time shooting. I miss it when I miss a day and don't feed the habit.
In an earlier post I spoke of the count down to the rut, and there was still more evidence today. This small herd was along 43 in the first field south of the observation point. (see map) This is probably the #2 field for elk viewing. These pictures were taken from the road. Out of towners take note, this is probably less than a mile and a half from the Lost Valley Campground.
The small bull in this group has just about completely scraped the vevet off his antlers. It is interesting to catch them at this transition. His antlers are still very pale, they will darken fast now that they are exposed to the elements. He is with the herd, but he is a two year old I think, and only a 5x5. At least another year before he will be ready for the big dance. He has nice symmetry and should be a handsome adult bull.
Boxley Valley Update -- 08/21/08
