Winter Wildlife Photos: Moose

Winter is approaching. And with it comes opportunity for interesting if not fascinating wildlife photography.

Continuing the series on "Winter Wildlife" Photos: Moose

I was driving up a snow covered dirt road in British Columbia when I saw a brown spot in the middle of what was probably 10 acres of snow. I only got a glimpse because in was through trees that lined the road. I wasn't really in a hurry, so stopped and walked between the trees into the open space. Then it was clear, a beautiful female Moose. I slowly walked closer being careful not to scare her. She let me get about 30 feet away at which point I sat down in the snow. (I was wearing jeans over some long johns, so I didn't notice the minus 7 degree temperature). I sat with here for a good 30 minutes. She would occasionally dip her nose into the snow, but otherwise sat still. It was a wonderful experience and now fond memory.  Here is one of my photos:

This next photo was taken near Maligne Lake in Alberta. Mom and her "teenage" son marching through the forest:

On to Jackson County, Colorado and one of the highest concentration of Moose in the lower 48 states. Driving up one of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, I came across a Bull Moose in a meadow below. I had to drive a couple hundred yards to a spot where I could park. Slowly I made my way to about 75 feet and watched as this Bull Moose ate the oakbrush. Interestingly, as I turned to head back to my Jeep I saw an American Marten making its way through the snow. ( I'll save that photo for my next post).

Lastly, driving in Alberta I saw (from quite a long distance) what looked like a brown "speck" in a large patch of snow in the forest. I got out and started trudging through the snow toward what I then realized was a Bull Moose.  The snow was quite deep and there was no trail, so it was essentially "bush-whacking." Progress was slow and after a while the Moose seemed to be moving away. So I took one last photo and left the area: 

New Year's Babies: Moose

Obviously, you don't find Moose in Arizona except for zoos. Their range is northern US and  Canada.   In their range, it's not unusual to find a cow with a youngster. But they tend to hide their very young so you don't see them that often.

Here are a few of my favorites though:

Animal Signs: Moose

Antlered animals use "signs" in the fall to scrape velvet off their antlers to get ready for the rut. Here a Moose near Cameron Pass in Northwest Colorado is doing just that:

Moose Scraping Velvet from its Antlers

Wildlife at Yellowstone National Park - VII

I did not see any Moose in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park this trip. The old dirt road (Moose-Wilson Road, in Grand Teton) is now paved. And with the human population expanding significantly in the Jackson area, what was once a road I could take and not see another human being -- only Moose, is not a road where cars are bumper to bumper and no Moose anywhere.

The Yellowstone Moose population was never as high as Grand Teton, but I always found them. But as I said, not this trip. I am not sure what the cause of that is. Increase in Bison population maybe? Disease? Don't know. But as I was searching for Moose near Ice Lake in an area that is great Moose habitat, I found these Uinta Ground Squirrels. Not exactly Moose, but still worth a photo:

Uinta Ground Squirrel

Moose from Jackson County, Colorado

The last of my "5" Star Moose photos also comes from Jackson County, Colorado. It was my first Moose photo from Colorado -- taken many years ago. I had been searching for quite a while without luck when I got to the very end of a dirt road. I got out of my Jeep, to just stretch my legs when I saw this female peeking around a tree. I had not seen it among all the trees so she caught me by surprise.

Moose

Grand Teton Moose

Continuing the Moose. There is a back road through Grand Teton National Park that I always take as I head up to Yellowstone. It's a low area at the foot of the Grand Tetons that follows Cottonwood Creek up to Jenny and Jackson Lakes. But it is the area along the creek that you can often find Moose. It's always fascinating to watch Moose eat submerged vegetation. Here's a female who has just lifting her head up to check on me. In this case I like the green background of the plants and how the water is dripping from her mouth.

Moose

More Moose from Maligne Lake, Alberta

I have to admit a fondness for finding and photographing Moose. I realize there are places where Moose are a nuisance -- in Alaska for example, where they come into towns and knock over mailboxes etc. But for me, this awkward looking animals is actually quite beautiful. 

Moose with Calf

Maligne Lake Moose

Continuing with my alphabetical series of my "5" Star Photos in general and Moose in particular we come to a favorite photo and story.

On a winter trip to Jasper National Park I drove up to Maligne Lake passing an open field about the size of a football field. There were trees lining the road so it was not easily to see this odd brown "spot" in the middle of an otherwise white field of snow. I pulled off to the side of the road so I could get a better view. Yes! It was a female Moose at "mid-field." So, I walked down into the field and out to the middle until I was about 30 feet away from the Moose.

I was a bit surprised that she didn't get up and walk away. But, I was walking very slowly, very carefully, and very quietly. I then sat down in the snow and started taking photos. After a few photos I just sat admiring her. (It helped that I had on long-johns and was adequately protected from the cold). It was so peaceful and serene. She never moved; occasionally put her nose in the snow; but, we both seemed content and happy surrounded by mother nature's beauty. Moose may be gangly looking, but their coats are truly a beautiful dark chocolate brown as gorgeous as mink.

This may not have been the most exciting wildlife experience I have had, but it certainly was one of the most peaceful and in a way spiritual.

Moose

Baby Moose

Continuing with my alphabetical series on my "5" Star Photos in general and Moose in particular we come to a baby Moose among wildflowers. I've been to Colorado State Forest in search of Moose several times -- and, always come home with wonderful photos. 

And, I have had such good luck at Cameron Pass I decided to try it again the last time. I stayed in the little town of Walden about 25 miles away. I got up early enough to get to Cameron Pass 15 minutes before dawn. 

When I arrived I could barely see -- but, what I could see was a Bull and and Cow. So, I waited until light. And, what a surprise. There was also a very young calf. Couldn't have been more than a couple weeks old. 

Lots of photos, several "5" Star, this one just of the baby:

Baby Moose

sleeping Through it All: Part II

Here are some of the other photos of mammals laying down:

Elk: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Javelina: Our Bed and Breakfast

Moose: Near Maligne Lake, Alberta, Canada

Mountain Goats: Mount Evans, Colorado

Mule Deer: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona

Pronghorn: Eagle Creek, Arizona

White Tail Deer: Mt. Elden, Arizona

Advent Calendar - December 21st

On one of my first trips to Alberta, Canada (in 1995) I was driving up to Maligne Lake. Looking through the trees to an open field -- covered in snow -- was a brown spot. Seemed odd. So I stopped my Jeep and walked through the trees to get a better look. Wow! A Moose just sitting there right in the middle of this open field. I walked to within 30 feet of her, stopped, sat down, and started taking photos. This was film days, so I went through a couple of rolls of film. She just continued to sit and look at me. After about 30 minutes, my coat not nearly as warm as hers evidently, I got up, said thank you, and headed for the warmth of my Jeep. Here is my favorite of the bunch:

Moose Cow, Alberta, Canada

Mothers with Babies (or sometimes dads): Moose

Moose are mostly diurnal. They are generally solitary with the strongest bonds between mother and calf. Although moose rarely gather in groups, there may be several in close proximity during the mating season. Mating occurs in September and October. The males are polygamous and will seek several females to breed with. During this times both sexes will call to each other. Males produce heavy grunting sounds that can be heard from up to 500 meters away, while females produce wail-like sounds.  Males will fight for access to females. They either assess which is larger, with the smaller bull retreating, or they may engage in battles, usually only involving the antlers. Female moose have an eight-month gestation period, usually bearing one calf, or twins if food is plentiful, in May or June. Newborn moose have fur with a reddish hue in contrast to the brown appearance of an adult. The young will stay with the mother until just before the next young are born.

Bull Moose, Cow, and (8 - 10 week old) Calf

HOOFED MAMMALS: Moose Stories-VIII

This should be the last of the Moose stories for now, unless a Moose walks through our backyard among the cactus. It was 2000, and I took daughter Ashley on a photo trip exploring British Columbia and Alberta. I was taking her up Maligne Road. We were watching the temperature gage on our new truck as it was approaching "zero" and wondering how it would register a minus number. (no big surprise it simply read: -1).  Just as we got to Maligne Lake we saw a Moose cow with her calf. I thought it would be fun to get a photo of Ashley with the Moose. So, I kept asking her to "back up just a little". Each time I asked she moved about a half an inch, so I had to ask many times. Then it was "one, two, three, snap", (notice Ashley's Antlers which she did on the count of three):

The next photo is a close up of the same Moose:

The last photo is the mother and her calf a little later as they began walking away.

Now, the rest of the story goes this way: Ashley is a sweetheart. She'll do anything I say. Well, she used to. Now she's -- I'll just say a bit older, and probably wiser. In her younger days, she made many trips with me first fly fishing and then photographing wildlife. On this one occasion, though, as soon a she got back home she went running to her mother saying, "Daddy made me stand real close to a Moose and scared me!!!!" She's still precious. 

HOOFED MAMMALS: Moose Stories-VII

The word "moose" comes from the Algonquin Indians. These were native people who lived throughout the northern regions of Canada. The Algonquins called this strange looking creature mooswa. It means "twig-eater" or "the animal that strips bark off of trees." Early explorers heard this word and as they passed it on over the years, "mooswa" eventually changed into "moose." 

It is important, if not critical, to always respect wildlife -- especially animals that can be aggressive. Moose are the largest animals in the deer family. Only the Bison weighs more. As a general rule Moose are not aggressive. But, when you see how big they are and the size of their antlers, instinct tells you to be careful. So, you constantly look out for signs of uneasiness or of being disturbed by your presence. But often with Moose, you get lucky. Despite their size, they seem gentle --- or at least, uninterested in you. Moose often are willing to let you get close and willing to pose. Here is a close up of a Bull Moose I found in Colorado State Forest:

You can't quite see it from this small of a photo, but the iris and pupil are clearly visible when enlarged. 

HOOFED MAMMALS: Moose Stories-V

There are six subspecies of Moose: a European Moose, Siberian Moose, Eastern (Northeast US and Eastern Canada, Western (north central US and  Western Canada), Alaskan (the largest subspecies), and the Shiras (the smallest and found in the Western United States). Now, when you see a Shiras Moose, I must tell you they don't look all that small. Bulls are still over 1,000 pounds. Colorado State Forest in Northwestern Colorado is an outstanding place to find these moose. The nearest "large town" is Walden, although only large enough for a Motel 3. (minor attempt at humor -- sorry). Cameron Pass which is about 100 miles west of Fort Collins and 30 miles east of Walden is a haven for moose. Willow and oak bush fill the meadows. So early morning and late afternoon there is a good bet you might find one-- or two. In early September (2009) I found three Bull Moose in the willows at daybreak. The following sequence is of one of those Bulls. First, he spots me: 

Then he decides to cross the road where there is a little more cover:

As he crosses the road he finds a "street sign" that makes a good "file" for scraping off the velvet from his antlers:

He finds one of the other Bulls and enjoys eating with him for a while:

In trying to get a better angle, I disturbed him, so he trotted toward me:

I got the message and moved away.  After a bit he became comfortable again eating while I watched:

After about two hours he walked off into the woods (behind him in the above photo). I was thrilled both being there and with my photos.

HOOFED MAMMALS: Moose Stories-IV

Back in 1994 and 1995 I was using an APS camera. This was before digital -- and, before I realized that the APS didn't capture the level of detail that 35 mm slide film -- or today's digital can. I was traveling to Jasper National Park. Before you get to the park there is 60 or so miles of wonderful Moose country. On this one occasion, I noticed a Moose with two calves on the other side of Yellowhead Lake. So, I parked my truck and walked down to the lakeshore to try to get a better photo. Then to my surprise the mother and two calves jumped in the lake and started swimming; not just anywhere but directly over to my side of the lake where I was standing (behind a tree). It was as if I called for them, and unlike a cat, they came right away. Watching them swim was a treat. How can an awkward looking animal, weighing 800 pounds or more swim? The answer is like this:

HOOFED MAMMALS: Moose Stories-II

On my first trip to Colorado State Forest in search of Moose I wasn't having much luck. Finally, at one of the road's end I came upon a female moose. We played peek-a-boo in the woods for a while. I only got a couple of photos, though. I ran out of film, and had to drive to Steamboat Springs (about 60 miles away) to get more film. Once again, the move to digital has been a welcome advantage. The second photo is one of Christine's favorite photos:

Rocky Mountain National Park: Part II

Once the Big Show seemed to be over, I continued into the park seeing another Moose (cow) running from one willow bush to another:

As I started up the road getting near the 10,000 foot mark it started raining pretty hard. So, I decided to head back to Granby to the motel and sort through, delete photos, and charge the batteries. On the way back saw a small herd of Elk in the woods. There were a couple of fawns, but it was raining hard and dark, and with trees in the way just not a good photo to be found.

I went back out early the next morning and found a Moose with her Calf. She let me get pretty close (walking through very wet brush). But, there they were:

Also found a nice large herd of Elk down by the river. Here is one of those shots:

Found another Female Moose deep into the willows, so left her alone. Then found a Bull and Cow in an area (you must hike to) where I had seen Moose before. It was raining again. I found myself unable to get to an angle close enough for a good photo. Lots of water knee deep.  I did take photos, some of which turned out okay. But, nothing really great. They lay down under cover, and I checked back at several intervals for an hour and a half but they hadn't budged.  The best photo was this one:

The female is actually underneath the large fir tree; the male behind the small fir in the middle. Can't see them in the photo. But, actually, I like the photo without the Moose to distract.

All in all a very good -- if not wet couple of days.

Cameron Pass, Colorado

There are six different species of Moose found around the world. The Alaskan subspecies is the largest with the males averaging 1500 pounds. It is the second largest land animal in North America (2nd to the Bison). The Shiras Moose of the Rocky Mountains (and Cascades) is the smallest of the Moose (a paltry 1250 pounds), yet when you see an adult Shiras Bull Moose up close you can appreciate the fact that they all are quite large. The Eastern Species is found in Northeast US and Canada. The Western Moose is found in parts of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The European species is found in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Moose love shallow ponds where they can dine on submerged vegetation. But they also love oak brush, willow, and birch. They need to eat about 70 pounds of vegetation per day, so once you find them eating, there should be a decent photo op if you can get a close enough and unobstructed view.

I have found Moose before in an area near Cameron Pass (10,278 feet) where there is plenty of willow bushes. So, I left my luxurious (said with a smirk) motel in Walden to be at the precise spot just before dawn. That way I can see whether Moose are present or not. If so, I wait til dawn. If not, I go to another spot hoping to be there by dawn. But, this time I was in luck. I could see a large Bull so I waited. Once it got light enough for my camera to take a photo (at ASA 3200 equivalent) I noticed three Bulls, one Cow, and the smallest Moose Calf I have ever seen:

I love that the Lupine was so plentiful. It provided wonderful color.

Calf with Dad

Calf with both Mom and Dad

Quite surprising I was the only one there taking photos. I would have expected carloads of people. But nope. Just me. I just sat on the roadside bank and snapped away. It was a good day.

Berthoud Pass, Colorado

At 11,315 feet Berthoud Pass is getting up there (pardon the pun). As you go over the pass from the South (on US 40) you head down into the ski resort town of Winter Park. But, before you get to Winter Park, maybe a mile or so from the pass there is a small pond on the East side of the highway. You have to look through the trees (when possible) to see if anything, okay Moose, are feeding. And, voila! There was a Cow teaching her two calves how to eat underwater vegetation:

Because you have pulled over to the side of the highway, and have a big camera looking into the woods, it peaks everyone's curiosity. Within minutes its like Yellowstone. Well, maybe not quite. But, ten or so cars. Of course the first one there gets the best angle and view. I took quite a number of photos and then kindly relinquished my spot to someone else wanting to get a good view. Here are a couple more: