Standing Guard

I tried something different today and went out to the nature preserve in the middle of the day. What did I find? Lots of big bucks lying down and resting. This handsome guy was bedded down with his doe just a few feet away. Quite happy until another buck, of equal size, showed up. That required a response, so he got up and follows the new guy around. There is no challenge and the new buck moves off. Our hero quickly returned to his former position. I like this pose he gave me as it shows off his antlers well and lets us see his sleek but well filled out body. This is a buck in prime condition. Another oddity regarding the Central Valley of California is all the nice green grass in the winter. The fall rains and cooler temps make for perfect conditions for grass to grow. So while most parts of deer ranges are experiencing winter and tough conditions, the deer here have it easy with the best feed of the year. For this shot I warmed it up a bit, upped the saturation to get the grass as green as it was today, and added some contrast and clarity. Then it's done. Your comments and critiques are most welcome and appreciated.

Tech Info

Canon EOS 60D with EF 70-200mm at 200mm
1/800th at f/4 and ISO 800
tripod
Lightroom 5