Cow Elk Nursing Her Calf on a Cool Morning

It’s always a treat to start the day in Boxley Valley. The morning was cool and quiet when I spotted this cow elk and her calf out in the field. The calf was nursing, and the mother gave me a quick glance with her tongue caught mid-flick. The moment made me smile behind the camera.

Wildlife Notes: Cow Elk and Calf in Boxley Valley

Boxley Valley, part of the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, is one of the best places to observe elk in the fall. Cows and calves often feed in open meadows during early morning hours when the air is still cool and the light is soft.

Cow elk typically nurse their calves for 6 to 8 months, though weaning can extend into late fall or early winter. November sits right at that transitional period when calves are still nursing but also grazing independently. The calf in this photo appears well-developed, likely born in late spring, and is probably nearing the end of its nursing phase.

The cow stood alert while her calf nursed, a behavior that helps strengthen their bond and sustain the calf’s growth going into winter. The tongue flick may have been a quick grooming gesture or simply a reaction to the chilly air. Either way, it added personality to the encounter.

If you’d like to see another interaction from this herd, check out my post on Spike Bull Elk Nuzzling Cow Elk in Boxley Valley.

Photography Notes: Capturing the Nursing Elk Pair

I set up my tripod along the roadside at the edge of the field to keep a respectful distance. The low light called for a high ISO, but the Canon EOS R5 handled it well. The long reach of the Canon RF 200–800mm lens let me frame the pair cleanly without disturbing them.

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: Canon RF 200–800mm F6.3–9 IS USM
• Focal Length: 800 mm
• Aperture: ƒ/9
• Shutter Speed: 1/800 second
• ISO: 8000
• Exposure Compensation: +1/3

The morning fog and diffused light helped soften the background and created natural separation between the subjects and the field. Moments like this remind me why patience in the field pays off.

A Quiet Moment in Boxley Valley

This encounter reminded me why I keep returning to Boxley Valley. The elk herd here is accessible but still wild, and moments like this don’t require hours of hiking or complex setups. Watching a cow care for her calf in the soft morning light is the kind of experience that makes early wake-up calls worthwhile.