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A Frosty Morning in Youbou: Elk, Jays, and a Slice of Magic - Jan 24, 2025

Jennifer Dowd

Waking up before the light graced the sky, I knew it would be a special day. By 5:30 a.m., I was out the door, heading toward Youbou, British Columbia—a quaint lakeside town where Roosevelt Elk roam freely among the human residents. How often do you get the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close? For most, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but today, I decided to take a chance on this frosty morning, embarking on a two-hour drive fueled by excitement and hope.


As I rolled into Youbou just before sunrise, I spotted my first elk—a group of females—gracefully crossing the road. I stopped the car and watched, mesmerized by their slow, deliberate steps as they disappeared into the bushes. Respecting their space, I drove to a quieter viewing spot around the corner, eager but cautious, keeping my distance and reminding myself of the golden rule: never crowd or touch a wild animal. With minimal light filtering through the forest, I found the two females. They were grazing quietly among the trees, their movements graceful and unhurried. Keeping a respectful distance, I managed to snap a few candid portraits, capturing their calm yet watchful expressions in the subdued, peaceful atmosphere of the woods.

Female Roosevelt elk, also known as cows, typically have a rich brown coat with a lighter, almost tan coloration on their neck and rump. This distinct contrast helps them blend into the forested landscapes they call home, providing natural camouflage against predators. Their subtle yet striking coloring makes them beautiful and perfectly adapted to their environment.

Next, a group of at least 12 female elk emerged onto a school field, grazing on the frosted grass while a calf rested nearby. They were unbothered by my presence as I captured their beauty from afar with my trusty 600mm lens. Sitting on a nearby log, I simply watched, marveling at their elegance and calm demeanor. Though I know little about elk, their grace and quiet strength were undeniable. I even managed to capture a few portraits that I’m excited to review.

Elk are herbivores and graze on a variety of vegetation in fields, including grasses, clover, and alfalfa. They are particularly drawn to nutrient-rich plants, which provide the energy they need, especially during colder months. In agricultural areas, they may also feed on crops like hay or grains.

While the others grazed peacefully, I spotted a baby elk resting in the grass, its soft features framed by the gentle forest backdrop. Capturing its portrait felt utterly magical—a fleeting moment of innocence and serenity that I’ll cherish forever.

Did You Know? 

Despite their large size, elk produce surprisingly small droppings! This is because elk are ruminants, meaning they have a specialized digestive system with multiple stomach chambers that efficiently break down tough plant material. By the time the food is processed, the waste is compact and comes out in small, pellet-like pieces. It's nature’s way of maximizing efficiency!

My attention was drawn away from the elk for a moment when I heard an unusual, haunting call—a single, flute-like note that echoed through the trees. Following the sound, I was delighted to spot a varied thrush or swamp robin perched nearby. Its vibrant orange breast and bold black band stood out against the muted forest tones, making it feel like a hidden gem come to life. Hearing its unique call and then seeing this elusive bird was an unforgettable moment.

As I prepared to leave, another strange bird call caught my attention. Following the sound, I was thrilled to discover a group of Steller’s Jays, their vibrant blue feathers shimmering like gemstones in the morning light. These chatty, animated birds darted about, foraging for breakfast and filling the air with their lively chatter—a delightful surprise to punctuate the morning.

Steller’s jays are known for their wide variety of calls, ranging from harsh, scolding sounds to mimicry of other birds, animals, and even mechanical noises. Their vocal repertoire helps them communicate and establish territory.

Steller’s jays are instantly recognizable by their striking blue plumage and dark, crested head. The iridescent blue on their wings and tail feathers can shimmer like jewels in the sunlight, making them one of the most eye-catching birds in North America’s forests.

Next, I visited the edge of town where remnants of Youbou’s history lingered—a lakeside mill where my grandfather once worked as a foreman. The sight of the serene lake, reflecting the surrounding trees and morning fog, was breathtaking. I stood in silence, soaking in the stillness and the connection to both nature and family history.

As I stood on the remnants of the mill dock, a place where the town once thrived on logging, I couldn’t help but think of my grandfather, Charles. Perhaps I stood exactly where he once stood, looking out over the same serene lake view. Though I never had the chance to meet him—he passed away before I was born—in that quiet moment, I felt a deep connection to him, as if the echoes of his life were intertwined with the beauty of the landscape before me.

Driving through town, I spotted another group of elk, this time accompanied by a young buck. I joined another photographer in capturing the scene, snapping shots of their curious expressions and mid-yawn antics. Their unbothered acceptance of my presence felt like a privilege, though I noticed passing locals shaking their heads at my awe-struck enthusiasm. I couldn’t have cared less; I was completely enthralled.


Embrace the moment, let your passion guide you, and remember—what others think matters little when your heart is fully alive in what you love.

The young buck seemed to have a playful streak as I snapped his portrait, giving me a series of funny faces that made me laugh out loud. It was almost as if he wasn’t a fan of being photographed and decided to make his opinion known through his exaggerated expressions. His antics added a delightful and unexpected touch of humor to my morning.

Young bucks, also known as yearlings, are typically less dominant and still learning the social dynamics of the herd. They often have smaller antlers, called spikes, which are unbranched in their first year. These spikes are used more for practice sparring than serious competition, helping them prepare for future battles as they mature.

One of the highlights of my day was catching a female elk mid-yawn, her wide-open mouth and series of funny facial expressions providing an unexpected dose of comedy. As I reviewed the footage later, I couldn’t stop laughing—it was pure joy captured in a single moment. That simple, silly interaction filled me with such happiness.

Then, as I continued my drive, my long-awaited moment arrived. A massive bull elk—his antlers a testament to his dominance—stood near the roadside. Unfortunately, he was rummaging through a garbage bin, a sight that stirred a mix of awe and frustration. Seeing such a majestic animal scavenging reminded me how much more we need to do to coexist harmoniously with wildlife. The residents seemed accustomed to it, but I wished for better stewardship, like securing garbage bins to protect these creatures.

Before leaving town, I encountered another buck grazing along the roadside. He paused long enough for a stunning portrait, his cautious yet calm gaze meeting mine before he continued on his way. The buck I encountered had an impressive set of antlers with five distinct prongs, a testament to his maturity and strength. Each prong seemed to tell a story of his growth and survival, showcasing his role within the herd. Antlers like his are not just for display—they’re used for sparring and asserting dominance during the rutting season, making them a vital part of his identity in the wild.

Check out my short video to see how incredible they are. Remember, always keep a respectful distance. Thank goodness for zoom lenses.

And last but not least, I couldn’t help but notice the elk butts. Yes, you heard that right—elk butts! It seemed like every time I snapped a photo, they’d turn and show me their backsides. One in particular caught my eye, with a distinct, heart-shaped rump and a tail that matched. I later learned that elk have white rumps as a form of communication, helping herd members follow each other through dense forests or in low light. In times of danger, this adaptation acts as a visual signal to keep the group together. Practical and charming, it added a touch of humor and fascination to my day.

My heart swelled with gratitude as I drove away, energized and inspired by the morning’s encounters.

As if the day couldn’t get any better, a grove of highway-side trees near another town was alive with bald eagles. Safely pulling over, I marveled at their majesty and captured a few shots to round out an already incredible day.

Perched majestically at the top of a towering tree, the fully brown juvenile eagle basked in the soft glow of the morning sun. Its dark feathers shimmered faintly in the light, hinting at the powerful adult it would one day become. The young eagle sat confidently, surveying its surroundings with a quiet strength, a symbol of resilience and the promise of nature's beauty yet to unfold.

Did You Know? 

Bald eagles often perch at the tops of tall pine trees to get a clear vantage point of their surroundings. These elevated perches allow them to scout for prey, keep an eye on their territory, and soak up the sun to regulate their body temperature. Pines are ideal because their sturdy branches can support the eagle's impressive size and weight while providing an unobstructed view.

Nature never ceases to amaze me, and today was no exception. From the serene elk to the chatty jays, the breathtaking lake to the unexpected eagles, this adventure left me buzzing with joy and gratitude. There’s something profoundly healing about being in nature—about witnessing the raw beauty of wildlife and feeling connected to something greater.

As I drove home, I smiled nonstop, electricity running through me. Thank you, universe, for this gift of wild moments and the boost to my soul, heart, and mind. What an unforgettable day.

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Alison G
Jan 29
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Lovely, thank you ❣️

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Guest
Jan 25
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

What a day! What it says again--the early bird gets the worm. And the amazing pictures!

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Ara Parisien
Jan 25

Stunning shots! Truly amazing!

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Guest
Jan 25
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Most impressive

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