ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Jean-Baptiste goes every year to observe the deer rut. Red deer are one of the largest species of deer. Only the males have antlers. The rut is a reproductive period during which male deer are particularly active, marking their territory and protecting their harems from the intrusion of other males. In order to make itself known to its other congeners, the deer bellows (or roars). This call can be heard for several kilometers.
Usually, deer prefer open grasslands during this period and are more easily visible than the rest of the year. However, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the growth of cities reduces the natural space available to the deer each year, and they end up bellowing out of sight in order to escape the disturbances caused by human presence.
Therefore, to have the chance to observe this bellowing, Jean-Baptiste begins his approach at night, before daybreak. This photo was taken thanks to the first light of day; the deer was lying, concealed in the ferns, after a grueling night. The emerging light allowed me to just make out the muzzle and the white tips of the deer's antlers. The white color of deer antlers (which are bone) stands out when they are rubbed on the ground or on trees as the deer mark their territory.
Camera: Sony ILCA-77M2
Lens: Minolta 400mm F/4.5 HS APO G
Settings: F4.5 (-2 e/v), 1/100s, 3200 iso
Red deer
Limousin, France
AUTHOR
Jean-Baptiste de Chaisemartin is a French photographer based in France. Passionate about observation, nature, and photography, he began his career as a wildlife photographer in 2011. A finalist in several major international competitions (BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year – 2014, 2015, and 2022; GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year - 2015), he has developed his expertise and his eye for detail.
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