Elksniper---Thanks! Yes, I love talking elk!!! I didn't think it really showed!!

I too have noticed both crows & magpies hanging around elk or elk herds too. I've seen them land on their backs & theelk not even give them a glance. I figured they hung around them and picked insects off their backs and so. Too when elk feed they sort of stir things up like grasshoppers and other insects giving other birds easy pickens for things to eat.

There may be other reasons but these were my take on it!! Thanks again!
ElkNut1 / Paul