Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

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As always, bear in mind that there are no BIGhorns to be seen hereabouts... move along...



These could be anywhere.

I've posted previous pics of these two during their younger days. Now see what they're up to?




















Uh-oh, here comes trouble. The blur on the right is the tree behind which I am taking pics.




Rest break between rounds, chewing his cud:



Disobeying the Prime Directive, I make a noise like an acorn to stimulate more photogenic variety of expression. .:





Diogenes: "please stand clear of my light.":



I'm ready! How's the light?



Good grief, I might as well kick it and enjoy my cud if I am to be kept waiting. "Where's Craft Services NOW?"



"For a truly comfortable pause, I must prepare the site with my paws." (Note the padded hoofs, for traction on slickery rock)



Call us when you're ready for Action. (Hey human, wouldja bring us some fiddleback fern heads?)




OK, break's over. You ready for the next round? Bring It ON!



"I'll fake like I'm just nibbling a bit o' grass, then...Whammo!"





TKZ, E. Bravo--Twister coming!



Check out the horn shadow:







Are we done yet? Is there any willow bark nearby to chew?





Cut...Wrap...Wrap, people...Chili...




kind regards,
Arocknoid

You got quite a show there. How long was the encounter? Do you have a great zoom or were you close but somehow undetected? That's a great series of shots!

z

I was taking photos for about two hours. I moved along with the larger group, who generally tolerate my presence as long as I am quiet, slow and smooth. Distances were as close as twenty feet.

Of course I use intervening cover like trees and bushes, and am as careful as possible about light, shadow, contrast, wind, scent. When a group is spread out, it is more difficult to keep track of who may be keying in on you.

A few times they walked directly toward me, very close deliberate approach, when they *should* have been vamoosing. Twice when they startled for unknown reasons and began flight, I called them back. Pics of that, too.

I have an old Fuji camera, AA batteries, and shot til my second set of Eneloops faded. Wish I could get a DSLR; it is hard for this P & S to deal with exposure and focus especially at the overlap areas of light and shadow where these juniors joined in the fracas. But hey, glad to have a camera and moving legs. :-)

These days we can all see spectacular images with Nat Geo and Animal Planet. Some folks I speak with on the trail have clearly been jaded by that, or just have other interests on their hikes (like carrying a Tablet to take selfies!!), but I enjoy the wildlife most of all. BTW that big 3x3 is yet unscathed--whew! Though he is a knucklehead nonetheless...

kind regards,
arocknoid

PS I also got some shots of ramming behavior I had not read nor heard about nor seen (though prob. on NatGeo or AP somewhere, or cutting room floor..)

Pretty cool extended set!

HJ

Howdy Arocknoid

Thank you, thank you -- your photos and captions made my day

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

arocknoid wrote: I make a noise like an acorn to stimulate more photogenic variety of expression.

TKZ, E. Bravo--Twister coming!

Wish I could imagine what an acorn sounds like.
That twister move was unexpected - I've only watched head-on charges.
Thanks for sharing.