Elk: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, September 2014 — We eventually did get to see #24 in all his glory in the full, if still early, sun. This is a buck elk to recon with. As the sun touched the ridge on the far side of the valley and lit up the terrace of the hot springs behind us, #24 quickly crossed the road, along with most of his harem, to feed in the tall grasses at the foot of the terrace. He paused just on the other side to bugle the rest of the herd across the road…showing us all of his good sides. Note how healthy he looks…the smoothness of his coat, the tone of his muscles. This is an elk buck in his prime. Sony a6700 with the Tamron 50-400 Di iii VC VDX zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.