Cow Moose and New Calves II

Last year at this time, I spent a great deal of time each day photographing three baby Bald Eagles 

from the time they were eggs until they flew the nest.  This year, the assignment is much easier since our resident Cow Moose has decided to use our front yard as a refuge and nursery.  Although, we both know our boundaries, she is quite content in me sitting and photographing her and the youngsters.  Our first greeting, she was breathing heavy but she has become more relaxed and confident that I pose no threat.  She will continue her grazing and let the youngsters run at will.  Like all siblings, tonight they wanted to play and do a little rough housing.  It was so comical to see the antics that they played with one another before they went head to head in a sparring match. 

The Cow steps over the lawn fence, however, the Calves need to take a running start to jump the fence.  The first one over will normally stop and encourage the other to try it!  

 "Opposite Sides Of The Fence"

"Peek A Boo"

 

During the evening, there was numerous sparring matches between the calves, "mom" would stop browsing occasionally to insure things did not get out of control.

"Sparring Match"

"2nd Round"

"3rd Round"



Another Phase Of  "Natural Curosity"

Another Phase Of "Natural Curosity"

"Evening Prayers Prior To Bedding Down"

Cow Moose and New Born Calves

We have a large meadow on our property that is away from the road system and other houses.  Each spring, several Cow Moose will move into the meadow to raise their young.  On occasion, they will venture out of the meadow and onto our lawn, allowing us the opportunity to see and enjoy the antics of their new "babies".  The family visiting us at present is a Cow and her twin calves.  For the past two evenings, she has moved onto the lawn late in the evening to bed down.  The calves are still nursing, however, they are also now eating their "greens", primarily the leaves of the Alder Bushes.  Photographs were taking under natural light conditions at 11:35 pm on June 20th.

"Sleeping Time"

 "Wake Up Call"

"Midnight Snack"

"Tummy's Full ~ Time To Bed Down"



Anchor River Eagles

The King Salmon have returned to the Anchor River in Anchor Point, Alaska.  Prior to the run commencing, the American Bald Eagle will also return to the river to feed and rear their young.  The cycle goes unbroken.  These photographs were taken in the marsh lands of Anchor River and the beach area of Cook Inlet on May 24, 2011 right after sunrise.

  "Camera Shy"

"In Deep Thought"

"Perfect Landing"

"Facing The Rising Sun"



Spring Swans

 The Swans have returned to Alaska.  Usually one of the first of the migratory wwaterfowl to return to the north country and the last to leave in the fall.  This nesting pair was photographed at Beluga Lake in Homer, Alaska.  They will be interesting to watch during the spring and summer season, it appears that they will remain on the lake.  While watching them, I had the opportunity to watch them go through the mating ritual as well as move into the grassland, I am assuming to build a nest. 

The next sequence of shots was taken of the "Cob" (Male)  following the mating process with his mate. The female Swan is called a "Pen". 



The "Grand Slam" 2010

I consider myself very fortunate to have photographed each of the four species of Wild Sheep that inhabit North America during the Calendar Year of 2010.  The largest population of wild sheep that I had the opportunity to view was the Rocky Mountain Big Horn.  I spent many hours in British Columbia, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado observing these beautiful animals. 

The most elusive specie that I had the most difficulty in photographing were the Desert Big Horns, I had the opportunity to see a number of these species in Arizona and Nevada.  Although, I was not able to get in close to get the photographs I wanted, I did have the opportunity to witness seven Rams grouped up just prior to the rut.  I will return to photograph each of these species, but in particular the Desert Ram, now that I know their habits and the terrain that they prefer.

Dall Sheep ~ Turnagain Arm, Alaska

 Stone Sheep (Ram) ~ Toad River, Yukon Territory

Rocky Mountain Big Horn ~ Black Hills, South Dakota

Desert Big Horn ~ Dyer, Nevada