( final image - series of four )

As each of the thirty cow elk moved into the thicket - the bull watched intently - moving to herd the few that had yet to rise from the late afternoon grazing and rest. Here - the last of the cows retire into the wood - and the bull turns to take one last look in my direction.

After confirming I was keeping my distance - and that none of the young males from the clearing beyond had any interest in challenging his dominance - I watched as he followed the last of the females into the dark cover of the forest.

I stood alone - amazed at what I had witnessed. It wouldn't have seemed so powerful - but for having come across the young bulls in the adjoining meadow before what transpired here. They will have their time - as they mature and this elegant bull ages. This is life. To have witnessed all of this over just a few minutes of time - in solitude - was a humbling experience.