Point Reyes, Home to the Tule Elk.

The Tule Elk is a magnificent animal found only in the state of California. And Point Reyes National Seashore, here in Northern California, is one of the few homes of this endangered species.

I set out on a Monday evening in August for Point Reyes and the Point Reyes light house with the goal of capturing some sunset landscape photos. The previous week I had been in Point Reyes for a wildlife photography safari and didn’t have time to take any pictures of the dramatic landscape. The weather at my house that day was gorgeous, but you can never predict the weather on the coast. And sure enough, when I got out to Point Reyes the fog was rolling in…not surprising as it is the second foggiest place in North America.

Despite the conditions, I still managed to get some good shots, although no sunset pictures due to the fog. However, my disappointment soon turned to elation. As I headed to Drakes Bay, a beach located within the Point Reyes National Seashore, I stumbled upon my first “gang” of the illusive Tule elk. And then as I left Drakes Bay, I came across a pair of male elk…I could not believe my luck! I spent some time shooting them and then continued to the lighthouse as heavy fog continued to move in.

On the way to the lighthouse, I saw multiple “gangs” of elk. And incredibly, I got to witness a rut between two male elk over a female. It was an amazing to see! But they fought behind a bush which made it difficult to get a good picture (video of the elk rutting at the end).

I finally made it to the lighthouse, where it was incredibly windy and foggy. No sunset pictures happening there. On the way home, I continued to see numerous “gangs” of elk…so much for being illusive!

Point Reyes is a unique place with many types of wildlife, such as bobcats, elk, coyotes, and owls, to name a few. If you live in Northern California, I encourage you to visit Point Reyes National Seashore as it is a truly beautiful place. (video of elk below)