Arkansas Wildlife Blog and Gallery
Buffalo National River and NW Arkansas
Shifting Pattern
Cows are now grazing where the elk were. Generally speaking, you will never see elk and cows in the same field if there is a choice. Elk watchers are now in search mode once more. I expect the elk re-emerge close to the observation pullout, and points south. Don't neglect to check Lost Valley. It's a long shot, but well worth checking out.
This morning I had to be resourceful and change my plans on the spot. I drove the length of the valley and saw few elk, only heard a couple of bugles. My guess is that they are in the back fields for a day or two, but the truth is nobody knows.
Anyway, I decided to do some riverwhacking again, and it turned out to be an unexpected bonanza. I ran into a river otter and he gave me some great pictures. I have never seen one here until now. The Buffalo River is not so fertile that it can support a lot of marine mammals. OK for beaver, but otters eat fish, frogs, and the like, so I didn't expect to ever see one. I also think I located a beaver den. Both are fragile, and I will not disclose the locations to protect the animals. But I will disclose pictures, sadly I didn't see the beaver.
Landscapes are now getting nice early color. Still more than enough to photograph if the elk don't cooperate.
Pictures below:
Cows are now grazing where the elk were. Generally speaking, you will never see elk and cows in the same field if there is a choice. Elk watchers are now in search mode once more. I expect the elk re-emerge close to the observation pullout, and points south. Don't neglect to check Lost Valley. It's a long shot, but well worth checking out.
This morning I had to be resourceful and change my plans on the spot. I drove the length of the valley and saw few elk, only heard a couple of bugles. My guess is that they are in the back fields for a day or two, but the truth is nobody knows.
Anyway, I decided to do some riverwhacking again, and it turned out to be an unexpected bonanza. I ran into a river otter and he gave me some great pictures. I have never seen one here until now. The Buffalo River is not so fertile that it can support a lot of marine mammals. OK for beaver, but otters eat fish, frogs, and the like, so I didn't expect to ever see one. I also think I located a beaver den. Both are fragile, and I will not disclose the locations to protect the animals. But I will disclose pictures, sadly I didn't see the beaver.
Landscapes are now getting nice early color. Still more than enough to photograph if the elk don't cooperate.
Pictures below:
Boxley Valley Update 09/30/08
Buffalo River Otter
My first otter photos. I got these after I was stiffed by the elk, and cattle.
Not a bad fall back position, actually, I would have made this trade straight up for any elk photo but a bull fight.
My first otter photos. I got these after I was stiffed by the elk, and cattle.
Not a bad fall back position, actually, I would have made this trade straight up for any elk photo but a bull fight.
Feeding Buffalo River Smallmouths
Buffalo River at Its Best. What great water colors. I love this place.
River turtle checking me out.
September Scorecard
September was my best month ever. I photographed many new species: otter, osprey, great white egret, smallmouth bass, and some kind of bug from hell I think I faintly remember from my youth.
I also shot two elk fights, an elk river crossing, twin whitetail fawns nursing, my best trumpeter photo, and some great butterflies,.
Won a small contest. Published my first article in Arkansas Wildlife Magazine, and got the back cover.
The new website had nearly 500 hits yesterday. Only 6 weeks old. Over 1,250 distinct servers accessed it so far. #1 on Google.
Thanks everyone.
September was my best month ever. I photographed many new species: otter, osprey, great white egret, smallmouth bass, and some kind of bug from hell I think I faintly remember from my youth.
I also shot two elk fights, an elk river crossing, twin whitetail fawns nursing, my best trumpeter photo, and some great butterflies,.
Won a small contest. Published my first article in Arkansas Wildlife Magazine, and got the back cover.
The new website had nearly 500 hits yesterday. Only 6 weeks old. Over 1,250 distinct servers accessed it so far. #1 on Google.
Thanks everyone.