Whitetail Deer are known for their gentle and nurturing nature, especially when it comes to their Fawns. I was lucky and was able to photograph a heartwarming moment when a Whitetail Doe was sticking her tongue in the ear of her Fawn. This behavior is not only adorable but also serves a purpose.
This behavior is called grooming and is a way for Deer to show affection and care for their young. By licking their Fawn’s ear, the doe is removing any dirt, insects, or debris that may be present. This grooming not only helps to keep the fawn clean, but also ensures their overall health and well-being.
It is not only the Fawns who benefit from the grooming, but the Doe as well. By engaging in this behavior, the doe strengthens the bond between herself and her Fawn. This bond is important for the Fawn’s survival and will help ensure that the Fawn will stay close to its mother for protection and nourishment.
I photographed this Doe and Fawn from my pickup while parked on the auto tour road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. I had my camera and lens resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS 1D Mark III
- Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date & Time Taken: August 8, 2010 (07:10:54 A.M.)
- Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f5.0
- Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec. (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 1250
- White Balance: Auto
- Metering Mode: Evaluative
- Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
- Back-button Focus
- Single Point Focus
- Focal Length: 500 mm
- Processed With Luminar 4