Moose Season is Here

NorthernFocus

We're not quite into the rut yet but the moose are beginning to gather. First set of images for the season. Plenty of moose around but not much interesting going on with them yet. Didn't make it out until an hour after sunrise and the big ones were already bedded down in the grass. Once the rut starts they will stay up and move around all day.

All taken with D7000 and 70-200VR + 1.4x TC

Here are the big guys. Lighting wasn't too good on this one. I grabbed this shot when one of them stood up for a few seconds to turn around and get more comfortable.



Just a young cow who hung around for a while.



This is not good. When you see the ears in this position it's a good idea to find a tree. This guy came running over a hill behind me and was upset to find me in his path. Notice the broken horn on the left side of his rack.



Catching a wiff of something.



This second year bull was feeling his oats and faced off with the much bigger bull. Note the bloody horns on the small one where the velvet has been recently rubbed off. They just postured a bit and the little guy decided to leave.



This guy with the broken horn also had a serious wound in its neck. It appeared to be healed over. Maybe a bullet wound or from being gored in a fight last year. The injury may account for why such a big moose had such a small rack. He was really massive to have such small horns. When they aren't healthy the rack won't grow very big.



A moose's ears are their version of radar. This one heard something in the brush.



Hopefully I'll get back out after the rut gets going and get some better bull shots.

ront

Excellent series Dan!! I am new to Nikon and was under the impression that the TC would not work with the D7000, but obviously it can! Which brand TC were you using?

I also just checked out your gallery. I will be back there often!!!!

Ron

NorthernFocus

Thanks, Ron. I was using a Nikon TC. No compatibility issues with the 7000. However, Nikon won't vouch for AF on any of their cameras if the maximum lens aperture is greater than f/5.6. So using the TC and most long consumer grade lenses becomes an issue for AF. One reason I upgraded to the 70-200VR is due to the f/2.8. I can bring along a TC for those "just in case" situations rather than carry a longer lens.

Thanks for the comment regarding my gallery as well. Many years of photography represented there...

Harryb

Excellent series Dan especially the last two. How did you get that close to them?

NorthernFocus

Harryb wrote: »

Excellent series Dan especially the last two. How did you get that close to them?

Thanks, Harry. I didn't get that close by choice. They came out of the brush very close to where I was set up watching another moose. The moose in this area get a good bit of human contact with non-hunters so generally they aren't scared of people. They'll actually push you around if you're in their way(which I was on this occasion). Chugach State Park is rapidly developing a reputation with photographers as a moose spot. You can tell the ones who haven't been here before. Just look for the guys with 500mm prime lenses that keep backing up