Sunday, July 18, 2010

Moose

Last week on a two day fishing trip to Henrys Lake, I spent an afternoon on the Henrys Fork looking for photo opportunities.  There were plenty, but the most interesting to me was a cow and calf moose trying to cross the river between tubers and all manner of people in floating devices.

Mama moose become quite concerned as the calf got into some deep water and started bleeting.


She worked closer to the calf and turned toward me with the calf coming behind her.  I slipped behind some pines to watch and photograph the action.



After the calf was in shallower water, the cow decided it was time to drink and eat.  I found it interesting that she would drink and then eat. 



With her mouth full of moss, she would let the water drain out.  I wondered why she did not eat and drink at the same time.



They finally made it to shore, gave me a parting glance and headed into the thick willows.



A floatila of floaters were then able to float on down the river, not having to worry about an angry mother protecting her baby.



Just another few moments experiencing the wildness of Idaho.

15 comments:

Loran said...

Always wise to keep a healthy distance from a mama moose and her baby! Great shots!

Gaelyn said...

Wow, what an exciting sight!

Sunny said...

These images can't help but make you smile. Wonderful pictures!
☼ Sunny

Monts said...

Great sequence of shots Bill, and if she came in my direction I'D burn a hell of a lot more calories than if I was walking.

Dagmar said...

Your moments in wildness are always beautiful and stunning Bill thanks for taking me on your trip.
I love moose. Dagmar

Unknown said...

Another adventure in Idaho. Thank you for sharing it.

troutbirder said...

What a sweet story. Reminds me of a portange experience in the Boundary Water on a portage.

Jann said...

Just amazing Bill, witnessing a moosey moment! :o) Great photos and a great experience.

Birding is Fun! said...

I'd taken a blog vacation for the last few weeks, but it sure was nice to see all of your posts. Great photos!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Mama Moose definitely had the right-of-way. We saw one in Yellowstone one time eating/drinking like that. Never found out why either.

Those are fabulous pictures.

DaveABirding said...

I would hate to get streamered in a raft by a moose mother child moment! Talk about getting more thrills than you bargained for.

Caught up a few back posts - loved the burrowing owls.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

What a great story and some delightful images of the Moose and her young calf. When we have traveled out your way, I always long to view a Moose~

Janie said...

The moose photos are great. Interesting to be able to watch mom and baby from a safe distance and observe their behavior.

Linda Sue said...

What a lucky day for you- and that is a good question about eating and drinking the moss...My father in law read a book one time about the dangers of eating and drinking at the same time- perhaps that book made it to the moose library...

eileeninmd said...

I love the moose, great shots! How neat the see the calf.