Middle of the Elk Rut -- Rocky Mountain National Park by Gavia immer published on 2020-09-24T21:10:40Z Getting to experience the elk rut while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is an experience thousands seek out each fall. The sound of their high-pitched bugles combined with the sight of males locking antlers, battling over mating rights is something most visitors never forget. I present this recording of the rut from a slightly different perspective -- sitting in the middle of a herd of nearly 200 animals as they make their way from their nightly haunts in the middle of a mountain meadow to their day time gathering spots in the cool shade of the forest. The herd begins off to my left nearly half a mile away, but gradually makes their way to where I positioned myself at the forest edge, hoping they would pass by. Over the course of an hour, the herd headed right towards my location, some passing behind me within a few yards of where I sat, camouflaged among the dead fall. That morning is something I'll never forget and am proud to share it with you. This recording was made at dawn on September 22, 2020 using a Sound Devices Mix-Pre 6 and two Sennheiser MKH20 omnidirectional microphones placed in a homemade binaural housing. In addition to the many sounds of the rut, which peaks halfway through with several elk passing right next to me and one even sniffing the microphone, you can also hear some distance road traffic and the early morning wind shaking the aspen leaves. Wear headphones for the best listening experience. Enjoy! This recording was made under permits issued by the park and for the purpose of science and education. Genre Nature Comment by jeremy hegge amazing recording 2020-09-26T14:18:24Z