Mr. & Mrs.

I was at the local nature area early yesterday morning. I came upon this nice buck but he moved behind some bushes before I could get set up. I continued down the trail and found that he had bedded down. He was cooperative and stayed put. Not something these bigger bucks usually do. After a few minutes of taking photos, I noticed some movement in the grasses, and the head of a doe popped up. So, he was tending this doe in hopes of breeding with her. I stayed a bit longer and continued to take photos and they just sat there. I finally moved on and took some photos of other deer. I looked back and noticed the buck trailing a doe (assume it was this one). They stopped under a tree and he mounted her but nothing really happened and they moved off with him continuing to follow her. The rut for these black-tailed bucks isn't all dominance meetings with other bucks or chasing does around continually. This buck had a nice half hour rest while still maintaining contact with his lady love. I did a variety of small improvements (or so I thought) to the image. I would appreciate comments as to whether my efforts were worthwhile.

Tech Info

Canon EOS 60D with 70-200mm f/4L with 1.4 TC = 121 mm
1/2000th at f/5.6 and ISO 2000
tripod