Elk

[DanWalters]

Elk performing flehmen behaviour in RMNP this morning. Thanks for looking.

Canon 1D Mark2
Sigma 500mm f/4.5 lens

1/500sec
f/5.6
ISO 100

[Milo Burcham]

Great catch of a bull in a beautiful location. Glad to see you labeled the behavior correctly, as most people call these bugling shots, however, as you noted, if the lower teeth are showing, the bull is flehmen and not bugling... although sometimes one can be followed by the other, confusing things. Perhaps a tad less sharpening.

[Bob Malbon]

Love the capture with its overall environment added as a sure winner - Bob

[Noel Carboni]

Nice shot! Great action and a wonderful balance of elements near and far, but for one small thing: The stone at the lower-left corner of the image is a bit distracting. I think the image would have more impact if it were cloned out.

-Noel

[DanWalters]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Really did not even notice the rock until it was mentioned.

[Robert Amoruso]

Dan,

Thanks for education on the behavior - I did not know that.

Agree with cloning rock. I would have preferred not to see the triangular section in the BG right over his butt and the bush right behind the rear legs. Minor issues to be sure for a great image and I am guessing that you had to act fast to get the action so my positioning comments become moot.

I like the reversed triangle of blue sky as it points right at the elk.

[Ed Cordes]

Good suggestions for improvement have already been given. I like the environment and the detail along with a great pose.