North Carolina Birds And Wildlife

The Rut Season In Cataloochee

It's the Rut Season in Cataloochee, NC. The elk are out in the meadows and showing off their great beauty. It is early morning and the autumn season and light rain brings a warm glow to the valley scene. Photographed in the Cataloochee Valley of North Carolina in the Great Smokies National Park. October, 2019. www.shootingnomads.com

Elk In The Valley

The leader of the elk heard relaxing and grazing in the morning sun. Photographed during the rut season in Cataloochee Valley of the Great Smokies National Park. October, 2019.

Young Elk of Cataloochee Valley

This young elk was beautifully lit in the morning sun was with a very quiet demeanor. He was keeping a close watch on the herd leader and trying hard not to create any offense in his direction. The boss ranted and raved around other herd elk and eventually left without threatening this young one. Clearly he was relieved and only started to move about freely after the big boss had departed town. Photographed in Cataloochee Valley of N.C. in the Great Smokies National Park. www.shootingnomads.com

Bull Elk Of Cataloochee Valley

Bull elk that had previously been seen with a harem of females now grazes in a lower valley with a single female present. The rut season is coming to a close and the elk seem of a more peaceful nature. Quietly grazing in the valley. Photographed in Cataloochee Valley, in the Great Smokies National Park in North Carolina. November, 2019. www.shootingnomads.com

The Youngest of the Elk Herd

This young elk was photographed in Cataloochee Valley, North Carolina. The young elk had seperated from the ladies and came exploring close to the river nearby where I was located. He gazed in my direction with gentle curiosity. Across the river was the leader of the heard and upon seeing the young one in close proximity to me, gave a call and the young elk immediately leaped across the stream to join the rest of the herd on the other side of the valley. Great Smokies Mountain National Park November, 2019 www.shootingnomads.com