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Featured in Even-Toed Ungulates (Mammals) Artiodactyla
1131 views as of July 9, 2012
Favorited 30 times
Rocky Mountain National Park, Moraine Park
Near Estes Park, Colorado, United States entrance.
During elk mating season at Rocky Mountain National Park, the rangers must supervise the tourists and photographers to keep them from entering the meadows and interrupting the mating rituals of the elk herds. Long lines of vehicles block the sides of the roads and people leave their cars and radios running as if they are watching television at home.
The day I took this photo I had grown weary of elbowing my way through the crowds and photographers. Remembering the photographers’ dictum to look behind to see what is behind the obvious capture, I walked the other direction of the herd. Down the road and around the curve I found this old lone, scarred bull limping up the hill as the first snow of the season was threatening to fall. He was so tired and head so low I fear it was his last winter.
Life is a series of engaging moments. Photography freezes my memory of them for you to see.
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Comments
Gorgeous composition, and such a beautiful scene!
Thank you, Laurie.
– Catherine Fenner
Instant FAV for me Catherine and I hope it’s not his last. He adds something special to this beautiful Colorado scene. I’m saying a prayer for him tonight. Barb
Oh, thank you, Barbara. So like you to give a care about this beast. I think about him still.
A very poignant picture..poor boy.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad the emotion was evident.
– Catherine Fenner
Gorgeous landscape!! :D
Thank you, and thanks for stopping by.
– Catherine Fenner
Awesome.
Thank you, Ian. Nicely said.
– Catherine Fenner
A stunning image plus an evocative, bittersweet story to accompany it. From a young baby full of itself to a majestic bull guarding his harem to an old broken animal; this bull elk’s Circle of Life nears its end in your haunting image.
Thanks whalegeek. I am taken by how you put this.
– Catherine Fenner
Superb image, Catherine !
I’m honored you said that, Ralph.
– Catherine Fenner
it won,t be, just moving slower, the need for speed no longer a priority
Thanks for the reassurance and for your visit, canonman99.
– Catherine Fenner
I’m honored.
– Catherine Fenner