Big Horned Flemen

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

This was taken while visiting Wyoming and filming the great horned sheep. Flemen occurs when the ram finds a female during breeding season and this action taken by the ram helps to open the Jacobson gland in the upper pallette. They are amazing animals to observe especially during mating season.

Nikon D300
Nikon 70 to 200
ISO 640
1/160, F4
manual All comments are appreciated.

[denise ippolito]

Judy, Beautiful pose, nice composition and good eye-contact! Thanks for the info. it is very fascinating to hear about the species w/ the post

[Todd Frost]

Nice comp and exposure. Love the included habitat. Hope to have as much luck in Feb.

Todd

[D. Robert Franz]

Hi Judy,

A fine example of the flemen response. The inhalation of female urine by the ram causes this response which as you said opens up the Jacobson's organ which tells the ram if the ewe is in estreus... You can see this response in nearly all ungulates, cows, horses, deer, elk, etc.

Love the comp here the snowy scene adds so much to this image. I did a little levels work what do you think?

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Hi Dale. The levels work looks good !!!! Many thanks for the additional info too.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Judy this one is really, really nice!! I love the environment and behavior!! I am hoping to go out with Dale this December.

[Fabs Forns]

Great description the the behavior and excellent capture. Dale's repost makes it shine.
Wish I was there again ;)

[Steve Canuel]

Great placement of the subject in the habitat. Nice timing too. Gives the viewer a good feeling of being there.