a wonderful autumn day

[forestgnome]

Can't describe how special the day was. I was treated to two young bull moose rutting in a feild near the Kancamagus just before dawn. It was very difficult to photograph the event due to lack of light.

They were trotting around the feild together, then they would stop and butt heads and antlers for a while, then graze a bit, then run around together making great sounds, then butting antlers again. It all unfolded as the sky began to lighten and turn pink in the east. Just incredible. Coyotes were holwing in the distance at one point. Just incredible.

I let them know I was there and after they checked me out I was able to gradually move into the feild with them. It was a bit intense at one point when they ran kinda toward me but they rreally didn't bother me. They seemed to be showing off. It was to focus and capture but it sure was wonderful to experience...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5661aaa.jpg



During this shot, the bull on the right was wining loudly...I think he was being gouged. He sounded like he was wining in pain...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5671aaa.jpg




As the light got better they seperated and began to just browse. I wish they had continued the battle for a few more minutes... I got this picture after it lightened up more...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_8695aaa.jpg




That was amazing! Then it was off to hike Champney Falls Trail to Little Sisiter Mtn...

Twin Brook...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5682aaa.jpg




beech trees in full autumn color along Champney Falls Trail...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5695aaa.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5707aaa.jpg




river and trail...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5715aaa.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_5721aaa.jpg




The views from the summit were beautiful. The valleys to the north are yellow and gold while the valleys to the south still have plenty of red and green. The Presidential Mtns. were white-capped but a persistant cloud kept them from view.

On the way down I detoured to an area of old logging roads looking for moose. Just after I gave up and started to make my way out I heard a bull moose grunting. A little searching and I found this handsome bull. He was staring at me and I decided to not try to mimic the cow-in-heat noises;) Instead I just talked human and enjoyed a visit for a while until he went back into the thick woods. What a day!


http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_8726aaa.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/IMG_8721aaa.jpg



happy autumn :)

[M_Six]

Incredible pics, Patrick. You get to see things few others do.

[CHRIS]

Looks and sounds like a fantastic day. That had to be something to watch. Your trail pics have incredable color. Thanks Patrick for sharing.

[Brad]

I have a long way to go with my moose tracking and grunt finding skills! Wonderful

[Snow Miser]

Great photos Patrick! That must have been really exciting to witness. Thanks for posting so we could watch too.

[Anna LeBlanc]

Thank you for more beautiful pictures Patrick.I hope you get to see all of them for many more years to come.
______________
Anna

[Jimmy Legs and Little d]

Patrick,
An incredible set of photos of the moose along with fantastic foilage. What more could one ask for?

Donna:)

[1HappyHiker]

Patrick, I must say that I much prefer your method for "hunting" and "shooting" moose!

Thank you once again for sharing your photographic talent with us.

[KathyC]

Just Amazing!!

Patrick, I think you did Chapney last fall too where you tried to get the picture of the leaf falling. One of my favorites. The colors are so perfect.

[Charlie]

Patrick you allways out do your self ,good job thanks

[KathyC]

I was glad that I did'nt see any when I was there, I was hoping this were way up high. I believe that the moose hunt started the 16th. I hope that not too many were caught, I wish it would be none, but that isn't realistic.:(

[KD Talbot]

Awe inspiring as always, Patrick. Gonna' miss you this winter!

KDT

[KathyC]

Is Patrick going some where?

[Charlie]

i hope he is not planning to go live with the Moose this winter

[forestgnome]

I'm going to Utah to spend a nice season of snowboarding at Snowbird. I'll be working full-time as an instructor. I need to be away from here for a while for personal reasons, so I'm turning a negative into a positive. I'll be back in May :)

[Anna LeBlanc]

I'm going to Utah to spend a nice season of snowboarding at Snowbird. I'll be working full-time as an instructor. I need to be away from here for a while for personal reasons, so I'm turning a negative into a positive. I'll be back in May :)

I hope everything works out for you Patrick,you have my best wishes.May all your moose friends survive this damn hunting season again.

I will greatly miss your photos and adventures with our woodland friends.Stay safe Forestgnome.You will be greatly missed.:(

___________
Anna

[KathyC]

My best to you Patrick and as Anna said I hope that all works out for you. Have a safe trip and looking forward to your return in May. It won't be the same, you will be missed...:(

Are there Moose in Utah???:D

[Snow Miser]

Just as Anna and Kathy have said above, good luck out there this winter! Your photos will definitely be missed. Perhaps you can send some from there? Take care! :)

[Charlie]

have a good time and you can still post pictures from out there for us to see how much fun your having

[leaderchin99]

Patrick good jobs! look so professional.

[valtom]

amazing photos! thanks a lot! what equipment did you use?

[Ovark23]

beautiful pictures, shows true harmony of nature.