After reading an earlier post re. eyes and sclera and expression, I need some clarification.
Perhaps some of the folks w/live reference could take a shot @ this chart?
EXPRESSION SCLERA SHOWS EAR POSITION(s) NOSTRIL FLARE
---------- ------------ --------------- -------------
alert Y or N? Forward only? not always?
relaxed
attentive
aroused
aggressive
happy?*
* I threw that one in only because when I look at mounts, many of which are photos in supply catalogs, I say, "what is that deer's mood/expression? Many times I can only come up w/----happy? what is this happy?expression?
To me, it would seem that certain behaviors/moods would be rather specific w/regards to the expression. Whereas others, particularly those less "intense" would be more variable in expression. (ie. less specific)
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Oh well, the !@#$%&* computer didn't transfer my "chart" as it showed on my screen, so I'll try again.
Can anyone explain each of these expressions with regard to variables such as: sclera, ear position and nostril flare?
Expressions:
alert
attentive
relaxed
aroused
aggressive
happy* see prev. post
...particularly interested in when the sclera could or should be shown and how that relates to ear position(s)
cant answer all your questions, but if you want to see happy look towards the fawns! i have spent the last month during dusk watching deer, every thing from there legs to there wiskers to learn! having hell with shutter speed due to low light thou,,, but that's another story,
if you have time go to a library and check out a video on deer, the fawns will show you what happy is, there wiskers flex forward, there eyes wide open and there mussels are tensed ready to spring and play at a fleeting second! lol
and the does when ready to slow them down, put there ears down and squint there eyes right before they swat them with there feet!
also alert, the nose is inhaling as much as possible, watched a doe snort at -10 and wow if i could have got it on film! the mist was incredible. i know still photo better for mounting but watching a video if you can, shows alot.
The jist of my post was to gather accurate information on the expressions of mature whitetail bucks. In particular, when certain physical attributes are expressed and when they are not. Most significantly to me as one trying to recreate these expressions is the "white" of the eye. I would like to correctly portray this in the proper expressions. I'm also interested in how the ears are portrayed by these various expressions.
The "happy" expressions in your fawns Jen I'm sure are very real and fun! But, I'm working at recreating expressions of maturity, pride and dominance.
you might contact glen c. at white tail designer systems to see what picture reference he has, or again like i said look to video, there are some spectacular deer fights available.