Heads up everyone by amontanaview
A group of elk in January. Taken west of Victor, Montana USA at the base of the Bitterroot Mountains near Sweathouse Creek. There were a total of about thirty head in this group of cows, calves and a few spike bulls. Just a few miles south was another group, similar size and make up. The big bulls are off in the higher country on their own this time of year (winter). In the fall when they gather together and our local herd becomes about 100 plus head.
See more photos in my SmugMug album Elk cows, calves and a few spike bulls
Canon EOS 7D, 1/500s, f/4.0, ISO: 200, 500mm, Manual setting
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens, handheld over my arm on tree (I didn’t want to spook them by setting up the tripod).
Featured Jan 16, 2011 
Featured Jan 27, 2012 
Feb 2012
Comments
What a great group portrait.
Thank you Kay, I took a few because there were cows, calves and spikes. In the end, the Spikes took the show.
– amontanaview
Gorgeous capture. A wonderful sight to find.
Thank you. I have opportunities through out the year to see this group. Right now, the bulls are off on their own and the group sizes are smaller – taking care of this year’s calves. Very fun to see.
– amontanaview
Wonderful capture Merle with lovely clarity and detail !!
Thanks Gisela. I was practicing with my new (used) 500mm lens. I think I am figuring it out!
– amontanaview
The challenge – it was a gray day with a little snow spitting. Not bad for the lower lighting.
– amontanaview
How wonderful Merle to not only see such beautiful creatures in nature but to get such an excellent photograph of them. ~Sam
Thank you Sam. This was another practice session where I took quite a few with different setting of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Very fun and some of them turned out quite nicely.
– amontanaview
Thanks Gisela! Love this group. I need to browse through today and view the recent additions. See you there!
– amontanaview
Great shot, love it.
Thank you Margaret!
– amontanaview
gorgeous capture !!
Thank you, I enjoy this one, too.
– amontanaview
Very nice image!
Awesome. As always, I am thrilled and honored to be featured in your magnificent group.
– amontanaview
I just visited the features in the group. What a great collection, so different and unique and beautiful.
– amontanaview
18 January 2012 – 1 image per 24hrs
Thank you!
– amontanaview
Love your last five images – love this shot – I got some close ups of elks in Yellowstone N P. Love the ‘heads up’ look – great capture.
Braedene, thank you for your views and telling me what images you like. Do you mean the last five here on RedBubble or the last five elk photos on the SmugMug link. Anyway, so glad you liked them. Yellowstone is a great place to get elk shots, even better bull elk shots. Thanks for the comment! I will be visiting your RedBubble soon.
– amontanaview