p.1 #1 · Third time's a charm - VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
I had the wonderful opportunity to witness the very creation of a new generation of Elk this past Oct. I was lucky enough to have captured images of what I consider a pretty amazing sequence and thought I'd share them here with you.
I have never witnessed a full mating ritual before and found it fascinating to see how the cow seemed to have shown some type of affection after attempt #1 by repeatedly rubbing her head on his butt.
I'm sure it wasn't affection but that's how I read it at least.
If anyone here knows for certain what that interaction is all about, please let me know as I've never seen a cow elk do that before.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
I omitted several "more revealing images".
Read the captions/titles below each image for a chuckle.
Hope you enjoy them!
p.1 #6 · Third time's a charm - VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Great behavioral docudrama Dave! I love how all the other elk are spread out and looking away... like either standing guard or trying to be unobtrusive. Too funny. But seriously, great detail and colors with a unique subject.
Eric
p.1 #17 · Third time's a charm - VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Beautiful set of a beautiful moment!
I've watched dozens of elk and deer during the breeding moment and though I've tried to focus on the visual trigger when the female permits it have never been able to discern 'that' moment.
Perhaps some internal instinct trigger at ovulation as only a female would be aware of?
