Arkansas Wildlife Blog and Gallery
Buffalo National River and NW Arkansas
We are in a cold snap now and the elk are about half way to a winter pattern. Today I took a hike and when I drove back through the valley the elk were still in the fields at noon. It is supposed to be very cold tonight for October, 26 degrees. I saw elk in the valley this noon, hanging out in the fields. This is pretty common in December, but the cold can extend viewing times any time.
I am certain there are now two different herds in the north valley fields today. A small, new one, with 4 attending satellite bulls arrived. I have not seen this bull for a month at least. I expect the main Ponca herd to leave the fields behind the Bible Camp and return to the valley any day now as a part of their normal rotation.
I hiked down to Smith Creek this morning. Nothing much to report, but I will post a special entry on this Nature Conservancy preserve eventually. The creek is subject to strong seasonal variations due to the water table. It has the reputation as being one of the very best venues for photographers in the Spring. I had a couple of coyotes jump in the trail in front of me on my hike out.
Below are pictures from Boxley this noon. I expect good elk viewing all week, both morning and evening, but the elk don't care what I expect. When the herd behind the church camp migrates down to the lower fields, it could be quite crowded.
Pictures below:
I am certain there are now two different herds in the north valley fields today. A small, new one, with 4 attending satellite bulls arrived. I have not seen this bull for a month at least. I expect the main Ponca herd to leave the fields behind the Bible Camp and return to the valley any day now as a part of their normal rotation.
I hiked down to Smith Creek this morning. Nothing much to report, but I will post a special entry on this Nature Conservancy preserve eventually. The creek is subject to strong seasonal variations due to the water table. It has the reputation as being one of the very best venues for photographers in the Spring. I had a couple of coyotes jump in the trail in front of me on my hike out.
Below are pictures from Boxley this noon. I expect good elk viewing all week, both morning and evening, but the elk don't care what I expect. When the herd behind the church camp migrates down to the lower fields, it could be quite crowded.
Pictures below:
Boxley Valley Update -- 10/27/08
Bull Elk Jumping Fence
Bull Elk Landing
Bull Elk Crossing 43
Satellite Bulls Hanging Out and Sparring
"New" Second Herd in Ponca Fields