magical season

[forestgnome]

Autumn!!!



I saw two bulls in a beaver bog today. A few swamp maples are brilliant red. The moose are in the rut. Life is good.

The moose were positioned so that I had a very long way to go to get close enough to observe and photograph. I decided to try to mimic the sound of a cow moose as I approached so they wouldn't go into the woods. It worked.
















We can see that he has recently rubbed off the velvet from his antlers. There's still a little bit left. Also, I think he's...excited...yikes







happy autumn

[KathyC]

Unbelievable Patrick, what great pictures as usual.

I love the fall, I can't wait for my annual trip up to No. Conway in October...

[CHRIS]

Totally awesome shots. I love the reflections in the water. Thanks for sharing.

[Anna LeBlanc]

Agree completely,Fall is definitely the best time of the year.Terrific pictures again.I only wish my animal shots were as good as yours Patrick.We make too much noise when we hike for me to be able to get the incredible pictures that you do.

[Patrad Fischroy]

Anna,
It is not how much noise you make, it's the kind of noise you make.

From Patrick's post

"I decided to try to mimic the sound of a cow moose as I approached so they wouldn't go into the woods. It worked."

[Snow Miser]

I agree also, fall in the best time of year! So many good things to enjoy like the colorful leaves, harvest type foods, and cool temperatures.

Great shots Patrick. Do you ever get nervous that one of the bulls might charge you now that they're in the rut? Especially if you're making the sounds of a cow? I do some hiking down here where it's common to get within say 20 to 30 feet of the deer, and recently I have been really looking over my shoulder as I pass the bucks. They don't seem to have any fear of us right now.

[M_Six]

Oh, how I miss autumn in New England. Just not the same around here.

Great pics as always, Patrick. Keep 'em coming.

[Bretton Woods Brat]

Your to funny Patrick! Looks like he's batting his eyes at you! hahaha
Happy Fall!

[forestgnome]

Thanks much! Yes, I do constantly have a bail-out plan. In this case, they were on the other side of a small pond so even if he started toward me it would be an easy escape.

Here's the pair of them before the other one went back into the woods. He still has his velvet.

[Snow Miser]

Do you know if they compete for the same female like elk and other antlered animals do? And if so, have you ever seen that when you've been out there?