Red Deer Stags Enduring the Blizzard

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

I wanted to capture the harsh conditions that Red Deer endure during the winter in the Scottish Highlands.  I carefully stalked a group of stags trying to take shelter from the blizzard. The stag that is shaking the worst of the sleet from it’s coat caught my attention.  Shortly after this image was taken the weather took a turn for the worse and visibility reduced to almost zero. I have the utmost respect for these magnificent mammals.

Field Notes

Camera: Nikon D300s

Lens: 300mm F4 with x1.4 teleconverter

Aperture: F/4

Exposure: 1/80 sec

ISO: 1250