Elk

Patty is always on the look out for things to do and one such thing was a visit to Elk Country in Pennsylvania to see, you guessed it, Elk.

She found a B&B for us to stay at, and picked a weekend in June to visit, so as to see the young Elk. And then I lost my job, so I wasn't constrained by PTO time limits. So we switched to a midweek trip, to avoid the crowds. And off we went.

We saw our first two Elk while driving up the road to the B&B. Munching away, completely unconcerned with the passing cars.

We stayed in a town named Benezette, or Benezett, there seems to be a difference of opinion as to the final "e" in the name. Regardless, the town is home to the Elk Country Visitor Center, depicted above, at which there were a number of short trails that lead to viewing areas. We attempted to walk them on the first evening, but were rained out. We returned and walked them the next day (in the afternoon as it rained all morning).

And we did see Elk there.

The images above and below show a mother and calf. The mother is clearly visible in both, the calf better seen in the image below, the brown under the large branch in the center.

Definitely BVD (Better View Desired).

And while we would not get a better view of these two than the one above (still not good), we would get better views of moms and calves. Much better.

This one was just inside the entrance to the Center. In both cases we were alerted to the presence of Elk by others who had spotted them and were looking.

There were a number of elk viewing areas in town and in the surrounding area, Including this one, within walking distance from our B&B.

And in the evening the Elk come to Winslow Hill to eat.

The black circles in this one's ears are tags.

And relax.

Seems they like to lie down in the tall grass, sometimes disappearing from view.

While chatting with the locals at the viewing area, we learned of a big male just down the road. So off we went.

We found him, albeit on private land. And he wandered out of view after only a few shots.

We saw him again, and a few of his pals, on our last morning there. At the same place as the first time.

Imagine having this fellow in your yard. I don't think our deer fence would be enough to keep him out.

We also saw him and his buddies in the parking area of one of the viewing areas our second morning. And just as were getting some good pictures some yahoo and his family drive up, and said yahoo gets our of the car drinking a Miller. Really, 8:00 am and you choose Miller? No way Miller is a breakfast beer (and it isn't a good beer any other time for that matter).

Of course, they scared off the Elk. Bozos.

We spent three very nice days in Elk Country and saw plenty of Elk. We are already planning a return visit, this time in the fall rutting season.

Winslow Hill Bed and Breakfast

We stayed at Winslow Hill Bed and Breakfast. The bed was comfy and the breakfasts yummy.

And there were Elk right outside our room.

Literally right outside the room.

We had enjoyed an early dinner at the Benezette Hotel and were relaxing on the deck outside our room when mama elk and her yearling calf seemingly just appeared in the yard. The young lad just starting to get his antlers.

A third one would appear out by the barn. Once they had wandered off we headed down the road to the Winslow Hill Viewing Area

The best time to see Elk is early morning and in the evening, Alas we awoke the next morning to pouring rain. It would clear later in the day, but prime elk viewing time was washed away.

But on the second morning I woke to see fourteen Elk from our bed. I quick woke Patty and we gazed, amazed at the spectacle.

There are eleven in the image above, including two calves only several weeks old. Note the Elk just off the deck at the lower left. Yep, that close.

An amazing morning. And we hadn't even left our room yet.

Elk Country

Offered some very nice views.

This one reminded me of home. Very ferny.

An old strip mine. Looking good these days.

Foggy Winslow Hill.

Sunset before the rains came.

Downed wires after the rains came (not a view we wanted to see).

Hiking trail, one of many.

And while we were hiking and driving about we saw ...

Chipmunks.

White-tailed Deer.

Whistlepigs.

Barn Swallows, begging for food (I didn't have any).

Roughed Grouse ...

... with (hard to see) chicks, at least three.

Eastern Towhee.

Butterflies.

Dragonfly.

Red-headed Rehn.

A very nice place to visit.

One Room, Solar Power, Ready to Move In ...

Why would birds need solar power?

Room With A View

So one can survey one's domain while sitting on the throne ...

... or look in to see if it is occupied.

It Seems to be Woking

These signs were ubiquitous throughout Elk Country. So much so we both thought there must be a significant problem.

But the opposite is the case. Human related gunshot injuries in Pennsylvania have been falling for years.

Not so for the game methinks.