Elk Calf; Point Reyes National Seashore

This elk calf spent over an hour by itself exploring a stock pond near Pierce Point Ranch.
A young elk calf wades into a stock pond near Pierce Point Ranch.

I was out at Point Reyes yesterday and it was the first time this year I saw elk calves in the elk reserve/enclosure at Tomales Point.   I saw elk calves at Drakes Beach about a month ago.  The elk in the reserve seem to be about a month behind the Drakes Beach herd in mating and giving birth.

It seemed like there were more cows with calves than I’ve seen in years.  If true,  it could be because of the heavy winter rains.  I’ll be interested in seeing if the elk count shows more calves this year.

I saw this little guy wade into the pond.  I watched him for about an hour and I finally left.  His mom came to the pond a few times.  She called and seemed to want him to follow her, but he ignored her.  He roamed all over the pond; drinking water occasionally.

If you look closely you can see a lump on the bridge of his nose.  A cyst?  I don’t know.  Hopefully, it’s nothing serious.

Share this:

More Posts

Adult Raven and Nestlings, Yellowstone National Park
I monitored this nest over a period of two weeks or so.  This is one of the last photos I took.
Read Article
Bald Eagle, Alaska
Bald Eagle, Alaska I took this photo on a dark day in the winter of 2009.  If you’d like to see...
Read Article
Big Black Bear, Yellowstone National Park
Big Boy About the only negative to wildlife photography in Yellowstone is having to go through all your...
Read Article
A bald eagle grabs a fish in Kachemak Bay, Alaska.
View Galleries

Prints for sale

Browse my selection of photos for sale as fine art prints

Filter by category