Sitka black-tailed deer

Sitka black-tailed deer, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Canon 1D Mark IV, 500mm f/4L IS, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800

The Sitka black-tailed deer populate the southern island shores of Alaska, and have not survived to any degree on the mainland. This Sitka black-tailed deer paused while feeding in the early morning just long enough for me to grab a few shots. The light was quite low as evidenced by the ISO and exposure, but fortunately the IS lens and a stable platform made for a few sharp frames. I always have my long lens loaded on a camera and with reasonably fast reach since opportunities like this can be fleeting. While serendipity is not what I bank on for wildlife photography, it pays to be ready because in due time, opportunities like this will unfold.