The 800 Lb. Swan

[Bristolero]

While removing stumps in the yard outside our cabin, I heard swans calling from a nearby pond.

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The morning cloud cover made the light less than optimum, so I waited for the fog to dissipate before sneaking off to attempt some photos.

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Eventually the sun triumphed and I set off. My first swan pics gave my right thumb plenty of exercise pressing the erase button on my EM1--too far away. In the process of formulating a better plan, I suddenly heard splashing off to my left.

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Out strode a young bull moose. He had the September Urge, and was on the search for feminine companionship. He was so close that I quickly removed the teleconverter from my 300 Pro. Who says you can't zoom (or un-zoom) a prime lens!

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Most moose shots are static. This was far from that and water really helps to show the motion.

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Here's the pesky Tundra swans I never got a good photo of.

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He trotted across the pond.

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And into the grass on the other side.

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One last look before he walked off into the forest on his quest for romance.

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The moose pond.
As a note: I made several more early morning and late evening trips, sitting quietly by the ponds edge, awaiting another opportunity. I saw no moose and no swans. With wildlife, you've just got to put in the time and hope to be in the proper place in the right moment.
Hope you enjoyed,
Eric

 

[mcrosa]

I did enjoy thanks for sharing.

 

[Mike G]

I imagine while they in female hunting mode bull Moose can be dangerous?

 

[ThereAndBackAgain]

Some lovely shots. A rare chance to get that close, I imagine, and thanks for sharing. Is it just me or does that moose appear to have a smile on his face?

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Yeah, nice photos but don't get ... like ... moosed to death.
He looks a young'un and unlikely to get much action this year

 

[Bristolero]

I imagine while they in female hunting mode bull Moose can be dangerous?

They can be ornery if they think you're another bull moose. They most often split when they realize you're not. Cow moose with young are much more dangerous.

 

[Bristolero]

Some lovely shots. A rare chance to get that close, I imagine, and thanks for sharing. Is it just me or does that moose appear to have a smile on his face?

I noticed that too. I think we both had smiles!

 

[dogs100]

Great shots, but you were trying to 'snap a swan' so shouldn't this be in the photobombed thread?

 

[wolfie]

I imagine while they in female hunting mode bull Moose can be dangerous?

Could ask that of practically any male life form I reckon ... and all with the same answer!

 

[Bytesmiths]

Nice story to go with the shots!

I hate it when there's a photo posted all by itself with no story behind it!

 

[Hayath]

The title made me giggle
Beautiful images!

 

[Mountain]

They can be ornery if they think you're another bull moose. They most often split when they realize you're not. Cow moose with young are much more dangerous.

Great shots! And the perfect distance away. I had a different experience with a bull moose last sep. I was in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (southern sister to RMNP) hiking in to scout a remote climbing line after the weather forecast had shut down our chances of actually climbing it. There are a lot of moose at some lakes near the trailhead, which we observed from a distance before hiking in. Out of nowhere, about 7 miles in from the lakes and marsh, there was a huge bull standing right on the trail as we rounded the corner. We backpedalled quickly behind some boulders as he jogged right toward us. I found myself on one side of a boulder with the moose about 10ft away on the other. My friend called out directions to me so I could keep the rock between us as the moose worked his way around it. Managed one shot with the 12-40 from the hip when I first saw him and was scrambing away. He eventually got bored and trotted away down the trail, but it was a little "exciting" for a min.

 

[Bristolero]

Great shots! And the perfect distance away. I had a different experience with a bull moose last sep. I was in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (southern sister to RMNP) hiking in to scout a remote climbing line after the weather forecast had shut down our chances of actually climbing it. There are a lot of moose at some lakes near the trailhead, which we observed from a distance before hiking in. Out of nowhere, about 7 miles in from the lakes and marsh, there was a huge bull standing right on the trail as we rounded the corner. We backpedalled quickly behind some boulders as he jogged right toward us. I found myself on one side of a boulder with the moose about 10ft away on the other. My friend called out directions to me so I could keep the rock between us as the moose worked his way around it. Managed one shot with the 12-40 from the hip when I first saw him and was scrambing away. He eventually got bored and trotted away down the trail, but it was a little "exciting" for a min.

Love to see that hip shot!

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

... I found myself on one side of a boulder with the moose about 10ft away on the other. My friend called out directions to me so I could keep the rock between us as the moose worked his way around it...

Being chased round and round a boulder by an angry rutting moose would've made a great video!

 

[Mountain]

Love to see that hip shot!

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Bull Moose, RMNP

 

[Bristolero]

View attachment 687871 Bull Moose, RMNP

That was close!

 

[Bif]

That last shot by OP is a really nice scenic. Lots of depth to it and great composition.

 

[rayr]

Great opportunity and fantastic photos. The 300 pro was the right lens for the occasion.

 

[royd63uk]

what a stunning place and superb shots

 

[Julia]

Love how you wrote this up - fun read and great photos!