Moose at Water's Edge

Although the moose appears to be ungainly, he is the tallest North American hoofed mammal and, in many ways, is very stately. The body and the legs are well proportioned, and the hump and strong neck seem in balance with the world's heaviest antlers. He is also surprisingly silent in picking his way through the thick undergrowth. This one has emerged onto a sandy spit in the early morning glow. The water lilies in the foreground are a favourite item on the moose's menu. They stand in the water and reach down to pull up the thick, succulent roots. Fall is approaching, and this bull is perhaps looking for a mate or a rival.