Arkansas Wildlife Blog and Gallery
Buffalo National River and NW Arkansas
South Valley Herd Offers Outstanding Photo & Viewing Opportunity
Boxley Valley Update -- 11/21/08
In the last few years I guess I have watched Boxley Valley elk more than just about anyone except the residents. The reason I say this is that right now, for a limited time only probably, an elk herd has located very tight to the Boxley Bridge over the Buffalo River in the south end of the valley. In my opinion this is the very best place to photograph them in the valley except perhaps if you get them in river crossings, a fairly rare thing. They are hardly ever in these fields so this is a rare opportunity.
The thing I like best about these fields is that they are very compact and keep the animals close to the road. Also, the field just north of Cave Mountain Road is a great place to take pictures. It is framed in a old farm and it backs up to a hillside. On the south end of the field there is a tree line with filtering light. If you are patient you can work this tree line for some dramatic lighting effects.
Ponca Has Been Exceptional, If Unpredictable
But wait, there's more. Another herd has located in the very first Ponca field and has been grazing in the woods by the access point frequently. This is another outstanding opportunity for a picture that is not the old standard "standing in the field" taxidermy shot.
Making a Choice
The south Boxley opportunity is much rarer than the Ponca opportunity. Get the south end opportunity while its there, It will not last, and it might be another year or two before it happens again. It is objectively a better place to take pictures, but woods shots are very good too.
The thing I like best about these fields is that they are very compact and keep the animals close to the road. Also, the field just north of Cave Mountain Road is a great place to take pictures. It is framed in a old farm and it backs up to a hillside. On the south end of the field there is a tree line with filtering light. If you are patient you can work this tree line for some dramatic lighting effects.
Ponca Has Been Exceptional, If Unpredictable
But wait, there's more. Another herd has located in the very first Ponca field and has been grazing in the woods by the access point frequently. This is another outstanding opportunity for a picture that is not the old standard "standing in the field" taxidermy shot.
Making a Choice
The south Boxley opportunity is much rarer than the Ponca opportunity. Get the south end opportunity while its there, It will not last, and it might be another year or two before it happens again. It is objectively a better place to take pictures, but woods shots are very good too.
Cow elk and calf in Ponca access woodsline
Small 6x6 at edge of Ponca field
Bull Elk and Cows South End
Elk migrating to bedding area in south end field. This illustrates a fairly rare photo. It is hard to get contour and settings like this. A keeper.
This is my favorite elk picture of this 2008 season, including both my bull elk fights. The reason is it is so rare, and the elk cooperated so perfectly. Just about a perfect composition, and lighting. A lucky get in mid-November. I will be hanging this one myself.
Bull elk and cows grazing