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The Old Ghost
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The Old Ghost

by Ed Williams

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 23, 2017203 views5 comments
This was a very large six by four mule deer buck at the Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge a few days ago. I don't know if he is bling in the left eye, or if it is just the reflection from the bright sun, but his eye looks white. He was one of five nice bucks that were browsing near the road. The yellow rabbitbrush was almost high enough to hide him standing up, but those antlers stuck out sharply above it all.  Canon 5Diii, f10, 1/2000 sec, iso 800, -0.7 EV, 100-400 ISL ii with 1.4 TC at 560 mm, 90% of full frame, handheld from car window. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

Comments

5 comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on October 25, 2017 at 12:44 PM
An interesting image.  It looks to me he is blind or at least has his vision in that eye impaired.  I do like the detail in the deer head.  Also think you could crop this a bit tighter.  This buck seems to have a bump on his nose, which makes me think he has been through the rut wars a time or two!  Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Jerry Austin on October 25, 2017 at 7:57 PM
Appropriate title. I would guess this guy has been through a lot. The vegetation frames him just enough. Love the colors. I like that he is partially obscured. It adds a bit of mystery.
Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments
Comment posted by Mike Ramy on October 26, 2017 at 1:43 AM
Hey Ed,
I like this composition and the placement of the Buck in the frame. This really shows the illusive nature of the environment and the Big Bucks in general. Nice detail where it counts and wonderful color pallet.
Well done . . .  laugh
Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments
Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on October 26, 2017 at 8:08 AM
You must be congratulated on noticing this guy among all that foliage! Just shows how well camouflaged animals are in their environment. Well done!
Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on October 27, 2017 at 10:48 AM
Wow. Great deer, and yes, I believe he is blind on one side, probably as a result of past fighting.  I like how he is nicely surrounded by the yellow colors, yet the color is not overpowering.
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments