Peek-a-Moose

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 21, 2013513 views13 comments

There's been a good run of moose sightings up near the NE corner of Yellowstone over the last two years, not far from my cabin. I saw this bull several times last winter during my morning drives into the park.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to the smallest North American subspecies of moose (Alces alces shirasi, for those keeping track), so he doesn't compare to some of the monsters up in Canada and Alaska, but he's pretty big by local standards and is the biggest male in the area. I was snowshoeing past when he peeked out from behind the trees at me on this particular morning, so I snapped a couple quick shots and recorded some video as he settled down for a nap before moving on.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS
ISO 400
1/800th
f/5

Max

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on November 21, 2013 at 4:26 PM

I like the crisp feel to this (almost shivering) and the view you have of him through the (conifer?) trees.
Vertical framing has done the shot a lot of good IMHO

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on November 21, 2013 at 5:04 PM

An absolutely wonderful image of a majestic beast in his element. I find the snow covering his nose extremely cool.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Jack Bell on November 21, 2013 at 8:47 PM

Max, this is a wonderful image. Love how the snow highlights the moose and the pine trees. I also like the snow on the nose. Well done.

Registered on April 24, 2007, 55 Posts, 71 Comments

Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on November 22, 2013 at 6:45 AM

Max, this would make a good winter greeting card. Add me to the list that the snow on the nose really adds to this picture.

Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on November 22, 2013 at 10:52 AM

Excellent presentation, Max. I would have enjoyed a larger version to enjoy!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Strickland on November 22, 2013 at 1:25 PM

one of my favorite subjects. it clearly shows the adaptability for the moose to adapt to it surrounding. I like how you captured the snow on his nose. Make me feel real cold. Excellent capture

Registered on January 16, 2005, 96 Posts, 72 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on November 22, 2013 at 5:20 PM

Thanks folks. Ralph, I was thinking the same thing in terms of a card.

I'm heading back to the park in early January for a bit of shooting followed by my winter tours. Should be some good moose action once again, and I hope to see this big boy in his usual stomping grounds!

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on November 22, 2013 at 5:27 PM

Hi Max,

I like this one a lot. Nothing nicer than snow-covered conifers to help set the scene - having a moose with a face-full of snow doesn't hurt, either! For me the most visually appealing part of this shot is how the "natural monochrome" of the scene contrasts (and supports) the only thing of colour in the scene - the subject. Nice!

Cheers...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 22, 2013 at 8:21 PM

A very enjoyable moose image! Great shot

Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on November 26, 2013 at 4:58 PM

Cute/catchy title Max, great vertical frame/comp too..
I especially like the show covered snout/head, nice work

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Runtsch on November 26, 2013 at 10:19 PM

Max, this is a delightful image of the noble moose. I like how the tree in the FG and the moose are in focus, the tree on the right loses focus a bit, and then the background starts to blend together. Well done.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 50 Posts, 445 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 30, 2013 at 10:44 PM

Love this shot Max, congratulations on the weekly pick!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on December 1, 2013 at 1:57 AM

Max,
Only just seen this, a classic, congratulations on a thoroughly deserved weekly pick

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments