Grace Meets Moose

[NorthernFocus]

Early this morning we had a cow and calf moose trimming the shrubs. It was barely light, foggy, and shooting with an iPhone. We used the situation as a good opportunity to work with Grace a bit on moose etiquette. She did good whining a bit but no barking.

Here they are in front of our bedroom window.



They must have it figured out that people and dogs inside the house are no threat. She looked straight at us several times. Even so we stay well back from the windows when they come close though Grace's curiosity got the best of her a bit.



Here's Grace checking out the momma moose just outside the living room. The moose is on our front walk eating the shrubs along the front of the house. Her shoulder was up against the glass once or twice. They were up against the house for about ten minutes before they moved on.

[Donald]

Now, that is something that you don't see in Glenfarg! What an amazing picture. Well done, Dan.

[John 2]

And we worry about the rabbits! Thanks for posting.

[Mike Buckley]

#3 is just really terrific! I wonder if you're thinking that the limitations of the cell phone adversely affect the photo because I think it's wonderful. Some people would complain that the moose's head is not displayed but that characteristic makes the image stronger for me. I do wish the ear hadn't been clipped but that's only a very minor issue.

[Shadowman]

Very nice, have you ever been outside when they approached?

[Brownbear]

Beautiful images, they look like story book scenes of an idyllic place to live. Thank you for sharing. Those moose are really large. #3 is truly extra special for me.

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you folks enjoyed the photos. In the photos with Grace in the shot I was trying to frame and call her back from the window at the same time. In these situations I'm always worried that the moose will react to us and smash out the window. She didn't bark at all but still, moose aren't fond of dogs and I fear may not be any wiser to glass than birds are.

I really hate shooting photos without a viewfinder. Mainly just force of habit but none the less.

We have had several "interesting" experiences with moose in the yard, usually in winter when it's dark and you don't see them right away. Last winter I went out in my shirt sleeves before daylight to spread some gravel on the drive real quick before heading off to work. We have a very steep driveway about 100 feet long or so. I was halfway down when something blocked the light on the front of the garage. I looked up to see a bull moose who of course stopped and just stood there when he saw me. There I stood on an angled icy surface, nothing to hide behind, in shirt sleeves in single digit temperatures, and a 1000 lb. animal between me and the door. Of course when they see you they just stop and watch to see if you are any threat. I went ahead with my graveling and he went on with munching the shrubs.

One Christmas one of our neighbors heard a dog scratching at the front door. She cracked the door to peak at the dog and was face to face with a full grow moose. The scratching sound was the Christmas wreath rubbing the door as the moose made a meal of it.

This is an interesting place to live.

[FlyingSquirrel]

I'm way behind on your threads Dan. Going to catch up now. This is an exciting start!

[FrankMi]

Dan you do get into some really fascinating situations and with post #7 I just gotta chuckle!

[Plumcrak]

I will gladly take my pesky rabbits and chipmunks over an animal of that enormous size even though they are very impressive.
Nice capture.

[pnodrog]

Strange to see this thread pop up again today. Last night we had an American couple over for a BBQ as they are returning home after 5 years here in NZ. One of the subjects that cropped up was deer, foxes, squirrels and bears that they are looking forward to seeing roaming around (they have some reservations about coming across bears). I remembered these photographs so they were mentioned during the conversation but I have to confess I said Elk not Moose. A bit annoying because it is only the odd little mistake that stops me from being perfect.

[flashback]

I like the last three because it shows the relative size of moose and dog (where is squirrel?)
Only moose I've seen were in the Tetons.
Typically, I get fox, turkey, deer and black bear coming through my yard in CT. They are seasonal and seem to appear at specific times. I've yet to see a Moose in CT but they are here (or there, depending on where I happen to presently be.)

[IzzieK]

I like the photos with your doggie watching the moose. I wish I can train my doggies not to bark at squirrels and rabbits and fireworks and ... and... but with three of them, it is kinda hard...I complain about their rattles -- I wouldn't know what to do if they see a moose like that very close....

[purplehaze]

Dan, #3 looks like an Alex Colville painting. Great picture, great collection, great story.

[Wavelength]

# I am really impressed by the first image; how you could make it look like a painting than a photograph?
# I am equally impressed by the curiosity of the dog in the third image
Very well done series

[NorthernFocus]

Interesting this thread came back to life. Our bed is about one meter from a window identical to the one in the photo here which is the living room. Grace sleeps on a pad on the floor between bed and window. Last night she woke us up around midnight barking. When I sat up all I saw was the flank of a moose about half a meter outside the window. I calmed Grace and praised her for doing her job. The moose went on about its business and we all went back to sleep.

Woke up this morning to a foot of new snow. The poor moose struggle through the winter losing about one third of their body weight.

... it is only the odd little mistake that stops me from being perfect.

I know what you mean. I made a mistake several years ago. It really shook my confidence and to this day I live with the realization that, though improbable, it could happen again some day before I part this earth.