Wildlife Photo Competition 1 2013 : Entry Number 351

Beautiful warm tones and backlighting add to the aesthetic appeal of this photograph. A telephoto lens makes a short depth of field; here this really brings these musk oxen’s faces to life, as they huddle together as one great beast staring at us. I love the atmosphere here. Great shot!

This shot was taken in Dovrefjell National Park, Norway. Muskoxen are prehistoric creatures that unlike the mammoth did survive the iceage. The're relaxed creatures, they stand and graze. But if you come within lets say a 100 meters of their personal space you will see their strength and speed. They either stand still or gallop. The Scandinavian autumn colors of moss and lichen are unmatched. Gilean Nolst Trenité. Canon 40D, 100-400mm @400mm f/8 1/250sec ISO400