Chital or Spotted Deer is the most abundant deer species found in India. It is common to see herds of 30-50 these doe-eyed beauties with a few stags (identified by their majestic horns) in the forests here. During early mornings and late evenings, we have seen larger herds as well. Chitals are the prey of choice for Tigers, Leopards and Wild dogs (Dholes) and their population density is critical to the survival of these predators. Always on alert, Chitals are easily spooked, by even the slightest of movement around them. Many a times, it is their alarm calls, which indicate to us that a predator is around.
We just noticed that since the time we started this blog a year back, we have never done a post on this beautiful deer. The closest we came to a post is when a pack of Dholes, Wild Dogs, feasted on a Chital Stag. We have tried to put together a collection of images showcasing their typical behavior. Most images are using the D80 and 18-200mm lens, the closeup shots are using the D300 and 300mm with 2x TC.
50 comments:
Fascinating and wonderful shots of Chitals in their natural environment, beautiful details, stunning colors, well framed and composed. Great work, Thomas, as always!
The first shot is amazing. Love the DOF and composition. The Doe in the background watching the stags definitely adds to it. Fantastic moment captured in the last image as well.
Nice set of pictures. The first one is a little funny. 2 yong males playing or fighting. And lazy one chewing some food in the background...
The first picture is fantastic - wonderful timing by you guys.
That top photograph is striking! I love their stark white spots and antlers.
Woonderfull animal, all the images are great, but the last one has a little something ;)
The compotition in the first photo is very beautiful and inspired!!
I also liked the third one!
well done again my friend!
well, it's those common things that we see often that we sometimes neglect the most.. ;) i really dig the first and third shots from this set.. excellent shots.. :)
Excellent series of this beautiful animal.
Magnificent...
I really love the composition in the first shot.
But they are all beautiful.
Brilliant, what a great photographer.
Stunning pics of the Deer, the last shot is my favourite, great light.
Wonderful shots of the Chitals. The rack on the elder buck is quite the set.
Superb set. And that first shot is excellent.
A beautiful set of pictures. Those antlers are not to play with.
Beautiful shots, Thomas.
The animals remind me of our whitetails, except that the adults have spots, while the whitetails have spots only when they are fawns.
As usual, I love the compositions and the sharpness of the images.
So Beautiful.
great pics... the first and the last one are absolutely wonderful!
A beautiful series of a beautiful deer species! Your photos are always excellent, even with a TC!
when i saw the topic, i was like, 'cheethals are so common and photographed by every tom, dick and harry, including me - now what more can thomas do'. but, i got the answer after checking the post :) these shots are indeed beautiful and different from most other tom, dick and harry :)
fantastic set, great details
fascinating series of shots! the first one is magnificent! beautiful animal indeed. the last shot shows the feeling and love? too bad they are food for predators.
Thomas: Those are a beautiful deer and you have displayed them beautifully. I love the first one with the deer sparring and the one in the back making a funny face. Only our young deer have spots.
I love the first and the third shot.
I've always been entranced by this species. They're so beautiful, magical even. You've outdone yourself with these images! Breathtaking...
and unfortunately people just say..we saw only deer...great pics as usual
Lovely series, the first pic is just awesome.
Wow! As usual, wonderful shots. The first one is really impressive
Superb shots - I take it that lens is about f2?
Great post
Jason
What a gorgeous creature, Thomas! I especially love the tenderness of the 2nd and 6th images. WOW!
Hi Thomas,
What an extraordinary set of pictures again... I love the close-up portraits a lot, but the whole set is fantastic and makes me dream!
great species! what i like about this kind of deer is their special horns!
Thomas, as always your post leaves me at a loss for words. WOW!
Top class images.
Genial, como siempre. Muy buen trabajo.
Majestic, the first picture is splendid !
Encore bravo Thomas.
impressive sequence of the social life of this animals.
The top picture of the doe chewing her cud while the two boys spar around is my favorite. Nice photos.
WOnderful!! Agree with Abraham - the first shot is just so amazing and so funny! The cool dude is just relaxing and watching the fight right in front of him, so cool... :)
Lively images! Wonderful, T&S
:)
B&U
Thomas what a wonderful capture, the first one, you walked into a best deal here. Excellent work. Anna :)
wonderful series
these beasts are beautiful. Cheers
Very beautiful lighting in 2nd picture.
great pictures!!
These are wonderful portraits and the light is magic.
Very beautiful
what a great photographer.
What a gorgeous animala. Great shots. I thought of you when visiting LA zoo and having to photograph between bars on the cages. Here you can just photograph them in their natural habitat.
Beautiful shots of the deer butting heads and grooming!
Haha, the firste image is stunning. The both at the front are occupied, and the other in the background seems to have see enough :)) LOL
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