This time of the year the island looks like a battlefield, with males limping, eyes damaged from the tips of antlers, cuts covering their bodies, abrasions, and even the bodies of the defeated hidden in the tall grasses where they laid down to die.
The younger buck on the left does not have a chance with the seasoned, larger male. There were three does nearby.
Make no mistake, these Key deer were NOT practising sparring and meant business.
This image was captured at sunset tonight. The deer are always more active once the sun goes down.
Ears back does not mean a friendly sniff but a prelude to a charge.
The larger deer has a deformed antler probably from another battle. He needs to fight many bucks to defend his does. Eventually, if a car does not get to him first, a younger, stronger deer will.
The fawn, with her mother, is about five-six months old.
Gulf Fritillary or Passion Butterfly. It migrates over the Gulf of Mexico.
