This happened last year, a buck following the doe around. They hunkered down in the yard. We didn't witness that event, though. She is only in heat for 24 hours, and he follows her closely. This is taken through the dirty kitchen window, forgive the blurring. It's on my To Do list.
He's been following her for a day. They had a meal together, then he licks her butt to get her in the mood. That's about halfway through the video. (Don't watch if you are easily grossed out! It's quite enlightening, fascinating for some of us.)
From my professional photographer acquaintance, Justin Hoffman:
" I watched it on your blog post :) The behaviour you captured is called 'tending' - the interaction between a buck and doe just prior to mating. As for him 'smelling' - he is judging if she has entered estrus from the scent of her urine."Hubby called me to the back window. I could tell it was time. The buck was totally focussed on her.
Now if you are squeamish, don't watch. It's nature in its most raw form. I was quite curious.
After the event, he wandered a little ways away to let her recover. She looked a bit stunned. I suppose that is the hormones.
They moved around to the side yard, and then back to the front.
This is the look of a happy lad! They moved around the house, she eating, he supervising.
After the deed was done, everyone relaxed a bit. I don't know if this is a yearling, but I suspect it is, sitting on the pine needles in the sunshine.
Once the rutting buck and doe went around to the front yard, three bucks turned up in the back yard, sniffing around.
Look at his interesting antler shape. This is the best photo I could get!
In the evening, this doe came to clean up under the feeder. She is a large, healthy one.
