Peek-A-Boo Elk

“Whatcha doin?”

I about jumped out of my skin, for, after all, I wasn’t exactly expecting to be spoken to just then. All my attention had been focused on the sunset in front of me, and, well, most of the time Elk don’t really talk much. Turning to the young fellow, though, I explained that I was trying to take a picture of this amazing sunset here at the Grand Canyon.

“Oh.” was all he said in response to that, and he continued to peek over the top of the other Elk who was was simply enjoying the sunset. The sun continued to creep lower and in a moment it would be perfect. But just as I was getting ready to finally get the perfect shot, a loud, and very startling “NOW!” broke the spell. I jumped about a mile, straight up. The camera went flying (but I caught it), and I was left breathless. Glancing at him with a questioning look, he said (gently this time) “now it is perfect.” Indeed it was, and so the moment was captured, the camera put away, and equipment quickly stowed.

And with that, we all watched the sun slip below the horizon in companionable silence.

Peek-A-Boo Mustang

Deep in the heart of the Monero Mustang Sanctuary there exists a small watering hole. It isn’t really a big watering hole, really, but it does include the most important bit: water. It also includes another important bit: a berm that partly shields the water hole from the surroundings. And where there is water, the wild mustangs will come. But these are wild mustangs. Although familiar with humans, they are not accustomed to the human hand and certainly not in the mood to be domesticated. So, they maintain a good deal of caution around us (rightly so, too, since many of the mustangs in the sanctuary have been rescued from human abuse) and sometimes are not in the mood to be seen.

This is La Vieja, a mare caught peeking over the berm next to the water hole, just to see what, or who, was out there. The “who” of course was myself, camera in hand, capturing the moment. We looked at each other for a brief moment, acknowledging each other. That moment was brief and La Vieja turned away from the berm for that much needed and ever so pleasant drink.

Postscript: Just a couple of days after this photo was taken La Vieja became a mother to a wonderful filly. You can bet that both of them are now at the water hole, playing peek-a-boo.

There are different sizes of this photo available at our portfolio. Peek-A-Boo Mustang is available for purchase, as well, and you can have this print framed and delivered right to your door.