Losing the velvet

[Tom Barry]

These two deer saw us chatting with family in our driveway who had been celebrating my wife's 77th birthday this afternoon and wandered over for treats. At first, we thought the buck had what is called a "drop tine," which is when a tine points downward rather than upward. But then we noticed it was the remnants of "velvet," which nourishes the growing antlers each year and which the bucks scrape off when it starts itching. Three shots with the 5D + 28-105mm + fill flash:
1 of 3
Doe and buck whitetail deer by tombarry975, on Flickr
2
Another view by tombarry975, on Flickr
3
Almost all velvet gone by tombarry975, on Flickr

[Shadowman]

Nice efforts.

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, John. Some days in our subdivision it's like living on a ranch instead of a large, bustling metropolis.

[John 2]

Not often you see this up close. I find it a bit surreal that such a beautiful animal goes through such an ugly process. Well captured and interesting.

[skitterbug]

I can see this one deciding to "rub" our saplings, often destroying the entire tree in his effort to remove that velvet! Deer are beautiful animals but they are sometimes a nuisance as well!

You've captured interesting pictures and the photos are well done.

BTW, belated happy birthday wishes to your wife!

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, John2 and Sandy.