View allAll Photos Tagged testosterone
This kind of cracked me up, like the young bull had some left-over testosterone from the rut season. In a rather comical way, this does show the mix of land use of this historical and grand national seashore place. Ranchers and dairy farmers lease property while the Tule Elk roam free. Not too sure what the elk was thinking in these last moments of sunlight.
Backyard. Shot throuigh my office window. This little guy is only slightly larger than a hummingbird, and man is he FAST! He won't sit still for more than 1 second --- always hopping from one branch to another. The females don't have the red crown. On a perfectly calm male you can't see it but if his testosterone levels are high he displays the red all the time.
I always feel a bit insecure in a place where there are many men, and only men. Too much solely testosterone sounds to me like a receipt for bad things to happen…
Processed in GIMP 2.8.16
Thunderin' flash on the open water, impulsively acquired to impress.
It now sits, sinking at the public wharf; a testimony to the wisdom of research and inspection before making a leap!
It's Testosterone Tuesday!
Face to face with a Red Deer Stag – This morning, as I stepped into Bradgate Park, I didn’t know what awaited me — but soon I found myself face to face with a magnificent red deer stag in its natural habitat.
It was a rare and thrilling encounter. By pure chance, the stag approached to within about 5–7 meters, allowing me to capture these close-up portraits.
At this time of year, red deer stags usually roar and clash their antlers in dramatic displays of strength and dominance — the “Deer Rut” is in full swing. Yet this morning was surprisingly calm.
During the rutting season, males are heavily driven by testosterone. They often forget to eat, become restless, and spend their days fighting rivals. For photographers, safety and respect are vital: never stand between a dominant stag and his harem, nor between two rivals who haven’t yet decided the outcome of their contest.
Wildlife photography often requires careful planning, logistics, and tested camera settings. In short, knowing your subject and your equipment is essential when working with such fleeting moments.
Despite the overcast light, I was greeted first by a young male and his lone female companion. Later, as I crossed the River Lin, I spotted two impressive stags — likely just after their morning feeding. This year, with the mild weather, the rut seems less intense; roaring is rare, and many stags appear calmer than usual.
After waiting patiently for Stonechats and Robins, I took a short break — and sometimes, as nature photographers know well, that’s when magic happens. About two hours later, two large males appeared from different directions and met near my path. One moved closer to me, watching the other intently. I quietly took cover behind an old oak fence, and to my surprise, the stag approached and paused just in front of me.
He was aware of my presence, yet remained calm. I didn’t move suddenly; when our eyes met, I pressed the shutter. He then passed by, continuing on his way.
These portraits were taken with patience, respect, and a bit of luck. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the quiet connection with this majestic creature.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and inspiring weekend.
Field Observation: The stag was fully aware of my presence but showed no aggression. Maintaining a calm posture and avoiding direct eye contact for too long helped build trust. The combination of patience, quiet movement, and natural cover made these close portraits possible.
I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.
Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Your comments and criticism are very valuable.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
A departure from the more exotic creatures I tend to follow. Alright I'll confess I was feeding the ducks with my grandson and couldn't resist taking a few pics of this guy.
He was quite clearly the dominant male and was keen to show it to any other swans whether they were foolish enough to come up close or not. In many way his posturing and testosterone fuelled aggression reminded me of the red deer stags during the recent ruts.
Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor)
Yeadon Tarn - Leeds
Many thanks to all those who take the time to comment on my photos. It is truly appreciated.
Most definitely not sharp whatsoever but I'm surprised I got anything at all considering it was taken hand held whilst beating a hasty retreat!! ;-)) Got the adrenaline going that's for sure!! Lots of testosterone around those woods!!...
Red Deer / cervus elaphus. 10/10/18.
‘RUTTING BEHAVIOUR - PIVOTING EYES.’ (1)
The stag had shown special interest in this hind, shadowing her every move and making flehman responses, ie: tasting the air around her. She must have been close to coming into season and he wanted to be the one who mated with her.
In the image he had got as close as she would tolerate him and he announced his intentions to would be contenders by loud bellowing.
If viewed large, you can see how the Stag’s right eye was pivoted in her direction so that he could gauge her reactions. I love that look !!!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Followers of my red deer series, will note that this beauty is much further away, or to be more precise I am much further away from him.
The rut maybe well over and testosterone levels reduced, but this powerful Lord of the Glen is not someone to mess with.
Fortunately a sturdy looking fence and the close proximity of the car, gave me some comfort. Nevertheless the hairs stood up on the back of my neck when he fixed his gaze upon me and began moving in my direction.
Red Deer - Dominant Stag - Cervus Elaphus
Scottish Highlands
As always I am grateful to all those who kindly take time to comment on and fave my photographs.
Another shot of this magnificent chap who was lording it over a small herd of females and young bucks.
I was amazed at just how close he came to us without a hint of aggression in fact quite the opposite. This is the closest I have ever got to these beauties in the wild, in many ways they were more tame than the residents of deer parks. Such a joy to behold and marvel at.
Unlike the usual testosterone fuelled red deer ruts (the one lower down the glen being a case in point) everything was very laid back to the point where the deer could easily and safely be approached.
Red Deer Stag (Cervus Elaphus)
Scottish Highlands - Glen Etive Estate - Wild Deer
As always I extend my sincere appreciation to all those who take the time to stop by and comment on my photos.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_deer
The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the largest deer species. The red deer inhabits most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Asia Minor, Iran, parts of western Asia, and central Asia. It also inhabits the Atlas Mountains region between Morocco and Tunisia in northwestern Africa, being the only species of deer to inhabit Africa. Red deer have been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina.[2][3] In many parts of the world, the meat (venison) from red deer is used as a food source.
Red deer are ruminants, characterized by a four-chambered stomach. Genetic evidence indicates the red deer as traditionally defined is a species group, rather than a single species, although it remains disputed as to exactly how many species the group includes.[4][5] The closely related and slightly larger American elk or wapiti, native to North America and eastern parts of Asia, had been regarded as a subspecies of red deer, but recently it has been established as a distinct species. It is probable that the ancestor of all red deer, including wapiti, originated in central Asia and resembled sika deer.[6]
Although at one time red deer were rare in parts of Europe, they were never close to extinction. Reintroduction and conservation efforts, especially in the United Kingdom, have resulted in an increase of red deer populations, while other areas, such as North Africa, have continued to show a population decline.
Description
The red deer is the fourth-largest deer species behind moose, elk and sambar deer. It is a ruminant, eating its food in two stages and having an even number of toes on each hoof, like camels, goats and cattle. European red deer have a relatively long tail compared to their Asian and North American relatives. Subtle differences in appearance are noted between the various subspecies of red deer, primarily in size and antlers, with the smallest being the Corsican red deer found on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and the largest being the Caspian red deer [7](or maral) of Asia Minor and the Caucasus Region to the west of the Caspian Sea. The deer of Central and Western Europe vary greatly in size, with some of the largest deer found in the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe.[6] Western European red deer, historically, grew to large size given ample food supply (including people's crops), and descendants of introduced populations living in New Zealand and Argentina have grown quite large in both body and antler size. Large red deer stags, like the Caspian red deer or those of the Carpathian Mountains, may rival the wapiti in size. Female red deer are much smaller than their male counterparts.
The male (stag or hart) red deer is typically 175 to 250 cm (69 to 98 in) long and weighs 160 to 240 kg (350 to 530 lb); the female (hind) is 160 to 210 cm (63 to 83 in) long and weighs 120 to 170 kg (260 to 370 lb).[citation needed] The tail adds another 12 to 19 cm (4.7 to 7.5 in) and shoulder height is about 95 to 130 cm (37 to 51 in).[8] In Scotland, stags average 201 cm (79 in) in head-and-body length and 122 cm (48 in) high at the shoulder and females average 180 cm (71 in) long and 114 cm (45 in) tall.[8] Size varies in different subspecies with the largest, the huge but small-antlered deer of the Carpathian Mountains (C. e. elaphus), weighing up to 500 kg (1,100 lb). At the other end of the scale, the Corsican red deer (C. e. corsicanus) weighs about 80 to 100 kg (180 to 220 lb), although red deer in poor habitats can weigh as little as 53 to 112 kg (120 to 250 lb).[9] European red deer tend to be reddish-brown in their summer coats. The males of many subspecies also grow a short neck mane during the autumn. The male deer of the British Isles and Norway tend to have the thickest and most noticeable manes. Male Caspian red deer (C. e. maral) and Spanish red deer (C. e. hispanicus) do not carry neck manes. Male deer of all subspecies, however, tend to have stronger and thicker neck muscles than female deer, which may give them an appearance of having neck manes. Red deer hinds (females) do not have neck manes. The European red deer is adapted to a woodland environment.[10]
Only the stags have antlers, which start growing in the spring and are shed each year, usually at the end of winter. Antlers typically measure 71 cm (28 in) in total length and weigh 1 kg (2.2 lb), although large ones can grow to 115 cm (45 in) and weigh 5 kg (11 lb).[8] Antlers, which are made of bone, can grow at a rate of 2.5 cm (1 in) a day. A soft covering known as velvet helps to protect newly forming antlers in the spring. European red deer antlers are distinctive in being rather straight and rugose, with the fourth and fifth tines forming a "crown" or "cup" in larger males. Any tines in excess of the fourth and fifth tine will grow radially from the cup, which are generally absent in the antlers of smaller red deer, such as Corsican red deer. Western European red deer antlers feature "bez" (second) tines that are either absent or smaller than the brow tines. However, bez tines occur frequently in Norwegian red deer. Antlers of Caspian red deer carry large bez tines and form less-developed cups than western European red deer, their antlers are thus more like the "throw back" top tines of the wapiti (C. canadensis), known as maraloid characteristics. A stag can (exceptionally) have antlers with no tines, and is then known as a switch. Similarly, a stag that does not grow antlers is a hummel. The antlers are testosterone-driven and as the stag's testosterone levels drop in the autumn, the velvet is shed and the antlers stop growing.[11] With the approach of autumn, the antlers begin to calcify and the stags' testosterone production builds for the approaching rut (mating season).
During the autumn, all red deer subspecies grow thicker coats of hair, which helps to insulate them during the winter. Autumn is also when some of the stags grow their neck manes.[6] The autumn/winter coat of most subspecies are most distinct. The Caspian red deer's winter coat is greyer and has a larger and more distinguished light rump-patch (like wapiti and some central Asian red deer) compared to the Western European red deer, which has more of a greyish-brown coat with a darker yellowish rump patch in the winter. By the time summer begins, the heavy winter coat has been shed; the animals are known to rub against trees and other objects to help remove hair from their bodies. Red deer have different colouration based on the seasons and types of habitats, with grey or lighter colouration prevalent in the winter and more reddish and darker coat colouration in the summer.[12] Most European red deer have reddish-brown summer coats, and some individuals may have a few spots on the backs of their summer coats.
Distribution
Cervus genus ancestors of red deer first appear in fossil records 12 million years ago during the Miocene in Eurasia.[13] An extinct genus known as the Irish elk (Megaloceros), related to the red deer, was the largest member of the deer family known from the fossil record.[14] Early phylogenetic analyses supported the idea of a sister-group relationship between fallow deer (Dama dama) and the Irish Elk.[15][16] However, newer morphological studies prove that the Irish elk is more closely related to its modern regional counterparts of the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus).[17] For this reason, the name "Giant Deer" is used in some publications.[18]
Europe and North Africa
The European red deer is found in southwestern Asia (Asia Minor and Caucasus regions), North Africa and Europe. The red deer is the largest non-domesticated land mammal still existing in Ireland.[13] The Barbary stag (which resembles the western European red deer) is the only member of the deer family represented in Africa, with the population centred in the northwestern region of the continent in the Atlas Mountains.[19] As of the mid-1990s, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were the only African countries known to have red deer.[20]
In the Netherlands, a huge herd (around 3 000 animals by the end of 2012) lives in the Oostvaarders Plassen, a nature reserve. Ireland has its own unique sub-species. In the UK, indigenous populations occur in Scotland, the Lake District, and the South West of England (principally on Exmoor). Not all of these are of entirely pure bloodlines, as some of these populations have been supplemented with deliberate releases of deer from parks, such as Warnham or Woburn Abbey, in an attempt to increase antler sizes and body weights. The University of Edinburgh found that, in Scotland, there has been extensive hybridisation with the closely related sika deer.[21] Several other populations have originated either with "carted" deer kept for stag hunts being left out at the end of the hunt, escapes from deer farms, or deliberate releases. Carted deer were kept by stag hunts with no wild red deer in the locality and were normally recaptured after the hunt and used again; although the hunts are called "stag hunts", the Norwich Staghounds only hunted hinds (female red deer), and in 1950, at least eight hinds (some of which may have been pregnant) were known to be at large near Kimberley and West Harling;[22] they formed the basis of a new population based in Thetford Forest in Norfolk. Further substantial red deer herds originated from escapes or deliberate releases in the New Forest, the Peak District, Suffolk, Lancashire, Brecon Beacons, and North Yorkshire, as well as many other smaller populations scattered throughout England and Wales, and they are all generally increasing in numbers and range. A census of deer populations in 2007 and again in 2011 coordinated by the British Deer Society records the red deer as having continued to expand their range in England and Wales since 2000,[23] with expansion most notable in the Midlands and East Anglia.[24]
New Zealand
In New Zealand, red deer were introduced by acclimatisation societies along with other deer and game species. The first red deer to reach New Zealand were a pair sent by Lord Petre in 1851 from his herd at Thorndon Park, Essex, to the South Island, but the hind was shot before they had a chance to breed. Lord Petre sent another stag and two hinds in 1861, and these were liberated near Nelson, from where they quickly spread. The first deer to reach the North Island were a gift to Sir Frederick Weld from Windsor Great Park and were released near Wellington; these were followed by further releases up to 1914.[25] Between 1851 and 1926, 220 separate liberations of red deer involved over 800 deer.[26] In 1927, the State Forest Service introduced a bounty for red deer shot on their land, and in 1931, government control operations were commenced. Between 1931 and March 1975, 1,124,297 deer were killed on official operations.
In New Zealand, introduced red deer have adapted much better and are widely hunted on both islands; many of the 220 introductions used deer originating from Scotland (Invermark) or one of the major deer parks in England, principally Warnham, Woburn Abbey or Windsor Great Park. Some hybridisation happened with the closely related American elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) introduced in Fiordland in 1921. New Zealand red deer produce very large antlers and are regarded as amongst the best in the world by hunters. Along with the other introduced deer species, they are, however, officially regarded as a noxious pest and are still heavily culled using professional hunters working with helicopters, or even poisoned.
Australia
The first red deer to reach Australia were probably the six that Prince Albert sent in 1860 from Windsor Great Park to Thomas Chirnside, who was starting a herd at Werribee Park, south west of Melbourne in Victoria. Further introductions were made in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Today, red deer in Australia range from Queensland south through New South Wales into Victoria and across to South Australia, with the numbers increasing. The Queensland, Victorian and most New South Wales strains can still be traced to the early releases, but South Australia's population, along with all others, is now largely recent farm escapees. This is having adverse effects on the integrity of wild herds, as now more and larger herds are being grown due to the superior genetics that have been attained by selective breeding.
Argentina and Chile
In Argentina and Chile, the red deer has had a potentially adverse impact on native animal species, such as the South Andean deer or huemul; the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has labelled the animal as one of the world's 100 worst invaders.[27]
Migration
Red deer in Europe generally spend their winters at lower altitudes in more wooded terrain. During the summer, they migrate to higher elevations where food supplies are greater and better for the calving season.
Taxonomy
Until recently, biologists considered the red deer and elk or wapiti (C. canadensis) the same species, forming a continuous distribution throughout temperate Eurasia and North America. This belief was based largely on the fully fertile hybrids that can be produced under captive conditions.[28][29][30]
Genetic evidence clearly shows the wapiti and western red deer form two separate species.[31][32][33] Among western red deer, the easternmost forms (from the Caspian Sea to western China) form a primordial subgroup, which includes the Yarkand deer and Bactrian deer (the two may be synonymous).[31]
Another member of the red deer group which may represent a separate species is the C. corsicanus.[34] If so, C. corsicanus includes the subspecies C. c. barbarus (perhaps a synonym of C. c. corsicanus), and is restricted to Maghreb in North Africa, Corsica, and Sardinia.[31][34]
The International Union for Conservation of Nature originally listed nine subspecies of red deer (Cervus elaphus): three as endangered, one as vulnerable, one as near threatened, and four without enough data to give a category (Data Deficient). The species as a whole, however, is listed as least concern.[1] However, this was based on the traditional classification of red deer as one species (Cervus elaphus), including the wapiti. The western European red deer is also known as simply red deer.
Selected members of the red deer species group are listed in the table below. Of the ones listed, C. e. hippelaphus, C. e. scoticus, and C. e. bactrianus may all be junior synonyms.
Behaviour
Mature red deer (C. elaphus) usually stay in single-sex groups for most of the year. During the mating season, called the rut, mature stags compete for the attentions of the hinds and will then try to defend the hinds they attract. Rival stags challenge opponents by belling and walking in parallel. This allows combatants to assess each other's antlers, body size and fighting prowess. If neither stag backs down, a clash of antlers can occur, and stags sometimes sustain serious injuries.[19]
Dominant stags follow groups of hinds during the rut, from August into early winter. The stags may have as many as 20 hinds to keep from other, less attractive males.[38][citation needed] Only mature stags hold harems (groups of hinds), and breeding success peaks at about eight years of age. Stags two to four years old rarely hold harems and spend most of the rut on the periphery of larger harems, as do stags over 11 years old. Young and old stags that do acquire a harem hold it later in the breeding season than those stags in their prime. Harem-holding stags rarely feed and lose up to 20% of their body weight. Stags that enter the rut in poor condition are less likely to make it through to the peak conception period.[19]
Male European red deer have a distinctive "roar"-like-sound (not to be confused with actual roars made by lions, panthers and the like) during the rut, which is an adaptation to forested environments, in contrast to male (American elk or wapiti) stags which "bugle" during the rut in adaptation to open environments. The male deer roars to keep his harem of females together. The females are initially attracted to those males that both roar most often and have the loudest roar call. Males also use the roar call when competing with other males for females during the rut, and along with other forms of posturing and antler fights, is a method used by the males to establish dominance.[10] Roaring is most common during the early dawn and late evening, which is also when the crepuscular deer are most active in general.
Breeding, gestation and lifespan
Red deer mating patterns usually involve a dozen or more mating attempts before the first successful one. There may be several more matings before the stag will seek out another mate in his harem. Red deer are among mammals exhibiting homosexual behavior.[39] Females in their second autumn can produce one or very rarely two offspring per year. The gestation period is 240 to 262 days, and the offspring weigh about 15 kg (33 lb). After two weeks, fawns are able to join the herd and are fully weaned after two months.[40] All red deer fawns are born spotted, as is common with many deer species, and lose their spots by the end of summer. However, as in many species of Old World deer, some adults do retain a few spots on the backs of their summer coats.[6] The offspring will remain with their mothers for almost one full year, leaving around the time the next season's offspring are produced.[10] The gestation period is the same for all subspecies.
Red deer live over 20 years in captivity and in the wild they live 10 to 13 years, though some subspecies with less predation pressure average 15 years.
Protection from predators
Male red deer retain their antlers for more than half the year, and are less gregarious and less likely to group with other males when they have antlers. The antlers provide self-defence, as does a strong front-leg kicking action performed by both sexes when attacked. Once the antlers are shed, stags tend to form bachelor groups which allow them to cooperatively work together. Herds tend to have one or more members watching for potential danger, while the remaining members eat and rest.[10]
After the rut, females form large herds of up to 50 individuals. The newborn calves are kept close to the hinds by a series of vocalizations between the two, and larger nurseries have an ongoing and constant chatter during the daytime hours. When approached by predators, the largest and most robust females may make a stand, using their front legs to kick at their attackers. Guttural grunts and posturing is used with all but the most determined of predators with great effectiveness. Aside from humans and domestic dogs, the gray wolf is probably the most dangerous predator European red deer encounter. Occasionally, the brown bear will prey on European red deer.[10] Eurasian lynx and wild boars sometimes prey on the calves. The leopard in Asia Minor (now extinct) probably preyed on eastern European red deer. Both the Barbary lion and the Barbary leopard probably once preyed on Atlas stags in the Atlas Mountains, although the Barbary lion is now extinct in the wild, and the Barbary leopard is either very rare or extinct. In the past they were also hunted by the now extinct Caspian tiger.
Red deer in folklore and art
Red deer are widely depicted in cave art found throughout European caves, with some of the artwork dating from as early as 40,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic. Siberian cave art from the Neolithic of 7,000 years ago has abundant depictions of red deer, including what can be described as spiritual artwork, indicating the importance of this mammal to the peoples of that region (Note: these animals were most likely wapiti (C. canadensis) in Siberia, not red deer).[41] Red deer are also often depicted on Pictish stones (circa 550–850 AD), from the early medieval period in Scotland, usually as prey animals for human or animal predators. In medieval hunting, the red deer was the most prestigious quarry, especially the mature stag, which in England was called a hart.
Red deer products
Red deer are held in captivity for a variety of reasons. The meat of the deer, called venison, was until recently[date missing] restricted in the United Kingdom to those with connections to the aristocratic or poaching communities, and a licence was needed to sell it legally, but it is now widely available in supermarkets, especially in the autumn. The Queen still follows the custom of offering large pieces of venison to members of the Cabinet of the United Kingdom and others. Some estates in the Scottish Highlands still sell deer-stalking accompanied by a ghillie in the traditional way, on unfenced land, while others operate more like farms for venison. Venison is widely considered to be both flavourful and nutritious. It is higher in protein and lower in fat than either beef or chicken.[42] In some countries in central Asia, wapiti is still hunted as a primary source of meat.[citation needed]
The red deer can produce 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lb) of antler velvet annually.[citation needed] On ranches in New Zealand, China, Siberia, and elsewhere,[43] this velvet is collected and sold to markets in East Asia, where it is used for holistic medicines, with South Korea being the primary consumer. In Russia, a medication produced from antler velvet is sold under the brand name Pantokrin (Russian: Пантокри́н; Latin: Pantocrinum).[citation needed] The antlers themselves are also believed by East Asians to have medicinal purposes and are often ground up and used in small quantities.
Historically, related deer species such as central Asian red deer, wapiti, Thorold's deer, and sika deer have been reared on deer farms in Central and Eastern Asia by Han Chinese, Turkic peoples, Tungusic peoples, Mongolians, and Koreans.[citation needed] In modern times, Western countries such as New Zealand and United States have taken to farming European red deer for similar purposes.
Deer antlers are also used for decorative purposes and have been used for artwork, furniture and other novelty items. Deer antlers were and still are the source material for horn furniture. Already in the 15th century trophies of case were used for clothes hook, storage racks and chandeliers, the so-called "lusterweibchen". In the 19th century the European nobility discovered among others the red deer antlers as perfect object for fashioning their manors and hunting castles. This fashion trend splashes over to upper- and middle-class households in the mid of the 19th century.
With the increasing popularity of the World Expositions mainly producers of horn furniture in Germany, Austria and the United States showed their ideas of horn furniture and a kind of series manufacturing began. Heinrich Friedrich Christoph Rampendahl and Friedrich Wenzel are only two acknowledged companies to be named. In recent times deer antler home decors can be found in home styling magazines.
By this time of year, many of the moose in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem have shed their antlers so there isn't a very good chance you'll get one of those dramatic photos. Since there is less daylight, testosterone levels are down in the bull moose and the point of attachment, pedicle, weakens. (The pedicle can no longer sustain the weight of the antlers.) Having no antlers also helps the moose be more mobile during the winter months and that helps in finding food.
Bighorn rams demonstrating the effects of high altitude testosterone with the beginning of their rutting activities. All rights reserved.
Was walking around in the gift shop of the agricultural museum in Budapest when I suddenly (and to my great surprise) stumbled upon this handmade soap. As the woman at the counter tried to convince me “very interesting product, very good, only men, very good”…
Seeing the elk in rut during the mating season is quite an experience. In the summer, the bull elk spend their time peacefully grazing and browsing. In July, you would think you could walk right up and rub their velvet antlers (not recommended).
By mid-September though, when their testosterone levels are at their peak, the bulls are fighting for control of their harems. They bugle to get the cows' attention and they are always ready to take on rival bulls for the best mates.
You will definitely not want to get between a bull and a cow during the rut! And if you choose to park your vehicle roadside for a photo opportunity, you risk getting dents from those antlers. Check your insurance coverage!
This guy was all pumped up with the hover-fly equivalent of testosterone. I was in his space and he was keeping a compound eye on me! At first I was upset I missed a bit on the wing, but the more I think about it, I like this crop and the movement.
White-tailed buck in rut
Lip curling occurs when a buck finds a place where a doe has urinated. The buck sniffs the spot then extends his neck and chin to about a 45-degree angle and curls back its upper lip and nostrils for several seconds. This action exposes the vomeronasal organ located in the roof of the mouth that helps elevate a buck to peak testosterone levels.
Rapid River, Mi.
Male deer, or bucks, grow and lose their antlers every year. The antlers begin growing in early spring and by late summer they are fully-grown.
During rut, bucks want to show their dominance. Their antlers are used during sparring matches with other bucks. Early in the season, these matches are nothing more than some pushing and shoving but by the peak of the breeding season, they can turn into full-blown fights.
After rut, the buck’s testosterone levels fall. This causes a weakening of the tissue and bone. The antlers simply fall off. There is no pain or discomfort to the animal. In a few weeks, the cycle begins again and new antlers will begin to grow.
This is for J.Lil's Mini Challenge...cross-dressing!
I actually scared myself with this one a little bit. The high-contrast and graininess helped the illusion, I think, but I always thought I had more testosterone than the average girl. ;-)
(I used some mascara to make a 'stubble shadow' on my upper lip and chin).
Fallow Deer Bucks battle just to establish supremacy but no Does around to fight over....Testosterone!
The fall rut is here, and Oklahoma’s woods are filled with the drama of the whitetailed deer. Bucks, fueled by instinct and testosterone, are on the move—chasing, sparring, and displaying their antlers in hopes of breeding a doe. Their necks swell, their coats darken, and their behavior shifts from cautious to bold. You might spot one any time of day, nose to the ground, tracking a doe’s scent.
This seasonal surge in activity is nature’s way of ensuring the next generation. It’s also a reminder of the wild rhythms pulsing through our Cross Timbers, forests, and prairies. For photographers and wildlife watchers, it’s prime time—just remember to keep your distance and respect their space. And if you're photographing where deer hunters might be present, don't forget to wear orange.
The rut is raw, beautiful, and fleeting. By late November, the woods quiet again, and the cycle turns.
Watched them going like this for over and hour. Four hours later they were still charging each other. I don't know how the fence stayed up. The posts were wobbling all over the place and the fence had ripped away from quite a few of the posts.
Normally, I try not to include manmade objects in my shots, but, this was just to good to pass up.
Now no more posts till I get caught up! :-)
PS - The bull on the outside, ended up getting the barbwire all tangled up in his antlers. Fish & Game had to dart him and then removed the wire. He recovered okay. They weren't there this morning! :-)
I did find that other huge non-typical bull and get some more shots of him. Saw 9 moose this morning.
Camera Setting: F4.5 - 1/320 - 160mm - ISO 1600
AI Midjourney render using acrylic paint, colored pencils and black ink. Post work done with Photoshop and Gigapixel AI.
Image Copyright © Λlpha Λrt 2023 All Rights Reserve
Red Deer / cervus elaphus. 23/08/18.
'Velvet' hanging in tatters but a defiant stare...the stag was standing under some trees as if seeking refuge while going through his untidy phase! Realistically, he was most likely there to take advantage of the lower branches to rub his antlers against.
In 5-6 weeks he will have transformed himself into a majestic sight. Pumped full of testosterone he will no longer be a shrinking violet standing in the shadows! He'll make sure he is in full view, both to the other stags and to hinds who will be coming into season then.
It's hard to believe we are almost at that time of year again!
.
Think, meditate, exercise to boost confidence .
So first , what exactly is the science behind the Wonderful Woman Pose?
When an attacking mode expanding our body to fill up more space pumps testosterone into our system.
Red Deer / cervus elaphus. 10/10/18.
´RUTTING BEHAVIOUR.´ (7)
The stag was announcing his presence to other receptive hinds in the area and also challenging potential rivals with his loud, throaty roar.
The annual rut, driven by testosterone charged stags is a time of great tension and drama. There are winners and losers and stags need to be fully alert to every event going on around them.
Red Deer stags shed their antlers during April and May and the new growth is complete and cleaned by August/September.
I hope you'll enjoy the my images as much as I enjoyed taking them.
The growth and formation of antlers is a complex process that appears to be a process known as modified endochondral ossification - in other words, a cartilage skeleton is turned to bone. Red deer antlers may reach 90 cm (3 ft.) in length and weigh 3 kg (6.6 lbs) each, although 70 cm (2 ft. 4 in.) and 1 kg (2.2 lbs) is more common. During their development, the antlers are soft and vulnerable to damage and covered in a greyish-purple coloured membrane called velvet. The velvet carries nerves and blood vessels to the developing antlers and, should the velvet become damaged, the antlers can become deformed.
Antlers have androgen (male sex hormone) receptors and it appears that an increase in testosterone levels in the stag—probably related to decreasing day length—causes a cessation of the velvet's blood supply, causing the bone to die and dry out - at this stage, dry velvet can be seen hanging from the stag's antlers and he is said to be “in tatters”. Dry velvet is usually removed by rubbing the antlers against trees and bushes during summer (typically during July), a process known as “cleaning”, and during this rubbing the antlers become stained with tannins and sap from the trees and saplings, turning them from white to a polished chestnut brown.
Lust is the initial passionate sexual desire that promotes mating, and involves the increased release of chemicals such as testosterone and estrogen. These effects rarely last more than a few weeks or months. Attraction is the more individualized and romantic desire for a specific candidate for mating, which develops out of lust as commitment to an individual mate forms
I mentioned recently that Black-tailed Godwits spent a lot of time fighting, and someone asked if it was like sword fighting. Well not really as this one had jumped on the other one's back and was nipping or plucking, I'm not sure which. But the victim was giving a great display of his wing bar and tail pattern. If you are questioning my choice of crop, I didn't have a choice as this was straight off the camera. I was using a 700mm prime and they were right in front of the hide. The Black-tailed Godwits were keeping company with Ruff, which are famously pugnacious. Yet the Ruffs seemed perfectly chilled while the Godwits grappled. It surprised me as all of the Godwits (and Ruffs) were in non-breeding plumage so should not have high levels of testosterone at this time of year. This was taken at Martin Mere in Lancashire.
Greater Kudu - Lower Zambezi, Zambia
This male was having a 'moment', showing his 'strength' to the unimpressed other male members of the herd who totally ignored him!
Face to face with a Red Deer Stag – This morning, as I stepped into Bradgate Park, I didn’t know what awaited me — but soon I found myself face to face with a magnificent red deer stag in its natural habitat.
It was a rare and thrilling encounter. By pure chance, the stag approached to within about 5–7 meters, allowing me to capture these close-up portraits.
At this time of year, red deer stags usually roar and clash their antlers in dramatic displays of strength and dominance — the “Deer Rut” is in full swing. Yet this morning was surprisingly calm.
During the rutting season, males are heavily driven by testosterone. They often forget to eat, become restless, and spend their days fighting rivals. For photographers, safety and respect are vital: never stand between a dominant stag and his harem, nor between two rivals who haven’t yet decided the outcome of their contest.
Wildlife photography often requires careful planning, logistics, and tested camera settings. In short, knowing your subject and your equipment is essential when working with such fleeting moments.
Despite the overcast light, I was greeted first by a young male and his lone female companion. Later, as I crossed the River Lin, I spotted two impressive stags — likely just after their morning feeding. This year, with the mild weather, the rut seems less intense; roaring is rare, and many stags appear calmer than usual.
After waiting patiently for Stonechats and Robins, I took a short break — and sometimes, as nature photographers know well, that’s when magic happens. About two hours later, two large males appeared from different directions and met near my path. One moved closer to me, watching the other intently. I quietly took cover behind an old oak fence, and to my surprise, the stag approached and paused just in front of me.
He was aware of my presence, yet remained calm. I didn’t move suddenly; when our eyes met, I pressed the shutter. He then passed by, continuing on his way.
These portraits were taken with patience, respect, and a bit of luck. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the quiet connection with this majestic creature.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and inspiring weekend.
Field Observation: The stag was fully aware of my presence but showed no aggression. Maintaining a calm posture and avoiding direct eye contact for too long helped build trust. The combination of patience, quiet movement, and natural cover made these close portraits possible.
I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.
Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Your comments and criticism are very valuable.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
Photographed in South Africa from a safari vehicle
=> Please click twice on the image to see the largest size. <=
This is not a relaxed and happy elephant. Whenever an elephant looks like this one...I'm very happy I'm in a safari vehicle and not on foot. I don't remember why the animal was reacting like this...did we startle it or is it just having a bad day?
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From Wikipedia: The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is one of two living African elephant species. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with bulls reaching a shoulder height of up to 3.96 m (13 ft 0 in) and a body mass of up to 10.4 t (11.5 short tons). It is distributed across 37 African countries and inhabits forests, grasslands and woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land.
Diet:
The African bush elephant is herbivorous. Its diet consists mainly of grasses, creepers and herbs. Adults can consume up to 150 kg (330 lb) per day. During the dry season, the diet also includes leaves and bark.
Elephants are the largest existing land animals. Three living species are currently recognised: the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. They are an informal grouping within the subfamily Elephantinae of the order Proboscidea; extinct non-elephant proboscideans include the mastodons, gomphotheres, and stegodonts. Elephantinae also contains several extinct groups, including the mammoths and straight-tusked elephants. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs, whereas Asian elephants have smaller ears, and convex or level backs. The distinctive features of all elephants include a long proboscis called a trunk, tusks, large ear flaps, massive legs, and tough but sensitive skin. The trunk is used for breathing, bringing food and water to the mouth, and grasping objects. Tusks, which are derived from the incisor teeth, serve both as weapons and as tools for moving objects and digging. The large ear flaps assist in maintaining a constant body temperature as well as in communication. The pillar-like legs carry their great weight.
Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia and are found in different habitats, including savannahs, forests, deserts, and marshes. They are herbivorous, and they stay near water when it is accessible. They are considered to be keystone species, due to their impact on their environments. Elephants have a fission–fusion society, in which multiple family groups come together to socialise. Females (cows) tend to live in family groups, which can consist of one female with her calves or several related females with offspring. The groups, which do not include bulls, are usually led by the oldest cow, known as the matriarch.
Males (bulls) leave their family groups when they reach puberty and may live alone or with other males. Adult bulls mostly interact with family groups when looking for a mate. They enter a state of increased testosterone and aggression known as musth, which helps them gain dominance over other males as well as reproductive success. Calves are the centre of attention in their family groups and rely on their mothers for as long as three years. Elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild. They communicate by touch, sight, smell, and sound; elephants use infrasound, and seismic communication over long distances. Elephant intelligence has been compared with that of primates and cetaceans. They appear to have self-awareness, and appear to show empathy for dying and dead family members.
African bush elephants and Asian elephants are listed as endangered and African forest elephants as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). One of the biggest threats to elephant populations is the ivory trade, as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks. Other threats to wild elephants include habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. Elephants are used as working animals in Asia. In the past, they were used in war; today, they are often controversially put on display in zoos, or exploited for entertainment in circuses. Elephants are highly recognisable and have been featured in art, folklore, religion, literature, and popular culture.
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The hissy fit of this agressive African elephant continues as it lets go a blast of dust and dirt from its raised trunk, Mabula, South Africa. This young male is probably in musth, a periodic event characterized by huge increases in testosterone level. Of interest, the presence of the dominant mature male in a herd, absent in this small population, will suppress the occurrence of musth in young males.
31/08/2019 www.allenfotowild.com
I started working a lot with water splash last year. I truly enjoy it and wish to work a lot more in doing abstract water splash without a subject. I did not have much time yet to work on this but will in 2019. For now I am working with subjects.
After a long day's skirt wearing and niceties, Jo loved nothing more than to shrug into her boiler suit and caress pieces of wood (and the cat)
for WAH who are visiting testosterone on a Face down Tuesday.
for 39/52 - Natural Frames (too hard to resist this theme for this photo)
Face to face with a Red Deer Stag – This morning, as I stepped into Bradgate Park, I didn’t know what awaited me — but soon I found myself face to face with a magnificent red deer stag in its natural habitat.
It was a rare and thrilling encounter. By pure chance, the stag approached to within about 5–7 meters, allowing me to capture these close-up portraits.
At this time of year, red deer stags usually roar and clash their antlers in dramatic displays of strength and dominance — the “Deer Rut” is in full swing. Yet this morning was surprisingly calm.
During the rutting season, males are heavily driven by testosterone. They often forget to eat, become restless, and spend their days fighting rivals. For photographers, safety and respect are vital: never stand between a dominant stag and his harem, nor between two rivals who haven’t yet decided the outcome of their contest.
Wildlife photography often requires careful planning, logistics, and tested camera settings. In short, knowing your subject and your equipment is essential when working with such fleeting moments.
Despite the overcast light, I was greeted first by a young male and his lone female companion. Later, as I crossed the River Lin, I spotted two impressive stags — likely just after their morning feeding. This year, with the mild weather, the rut seems less intense; roaring is rare, and many stags appear calmer than usual.
After waiting patiently for Stonechats and Robins, I took a short break — and sometimes, as nature photographers know well, that’s when magic happens. About two hours later, two large males appeared from different directions and met near my path. One moved closer to me, watching the other intently. I quietly took cover behind an old oak fence, and to my surprise, the stag approached and paused just in front of me.
He was aware of my presence, yet remained calm. I didn’t move suddenly; when our eyes met, I pressed the shutter. He then passed by, continuing on his way.
These portraits were taken with patience, respect, and a bit of luck. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the quiet connection with this majestic creature.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and inspiring weekend.
Field Observation: The stag was fully aware of my presence but showed no aggression. Maintaining a calm posture and avoiding direct eye contact for too long helped build trust. The combination of patience, quiet movement, and natural cover made these close portraits possible.
I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.
Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Your comments and criticism are very valuable.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
this pic was taken at 12am on friday night
Lu bikin dosa ku bikin prosa
testosterone testarosa
citacita sosa kl kl kosa nostra
jalan berliku ku harung roller coaster
gah sentosa tiada penyesalan
luas pandangan jauh dah berjalan
tak sempurna masih ada kejanggalan
gagal merancang, merancang kegagalan
(aka "Manimal in Distress")
Mr Alpha: Hello?
Hubert Crackanthorpe: hello
Mr Alpha: So you going to fill me in on why you always stand by my side?
Hubert Crackanthorpe: Weird...I considered the same question. Vantage point huh?
Mr Alpha: You legit walk up to stand next to me
Hubert Crackanthorpe: Really? You feel targeted?
Hubert Crackanthorpe: Is it that 'two guys sharing the restroom' feeling?
Challenged Testosterone Tune: Misfits - Where Eagles Dare
© Ben Heine || Facebook || Twitter || www.benheine.com
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I intended to represent a mermaid attracting several persons with her love (please see some closer details below)...
Made for "Art Official Concept", an art gallery based in Cape Verde (Western Africa).
See the whole Pencil Vs Camera Album.
More facts: The Republic of Cape Verde is an island country, spanning an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa. The islands, covering a combined area of slightly over 4,000 square kilometres. The previously uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th Century, and became an important location in the Atlantic slave trade due to their geographically advantageous position. The islands' prosperity often attracted pirates including Sir Francis Drake, who twice sacked the (then) capital Ribeira Grande, in the 1580s. The islands were also visited by Charles Darwin's expedition in 1832.
Cape Verde has a rich cultural heritage influenced by continents like Africa, South America and Europe. This heritage is reflected in the country's literature, poetry, cuisine, its dance and its famous national song, the Morna, represented worldwide by the famous Cesária Évora.
>>> Review from THE DAILY MAIL for this picture: "Mixed Reality: This incredible sketch has captures the boats on the water sitting alongside a mermaid on a rock. A carefully-cut hole in the paper even makes room for the diver as he prepares to launch himself overboard" (Kerry McQueeney, The Daily Mail, Sept. 2011)
Update: See THIS VIDEO showing some 18 Pencil Vs Camera images in progress (with a small animation and an original musical composition)
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For more information about my art: info@benheine.com
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As a peace loving TGirl I do wish someone would take that short little man on a testosterone fuelled power trip by the balls help and return the world to normality!!
Perhaps us TGirls should rule the world and show everybody that a little peace, love, tolerance and acceptance is a wonderful thing..?!
Big love to any peaceful, kind, tolerant, accepting, loving people out there...💖