Sri Lankan Sambar Deer Stag enjoys its Afternoon Siesta at Horton Plains National Park

I had just finished my 9 kilometre trekking trail across the Horton Plains National Park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. I came out, had a cup of tea and was catching my breath when I saw this Sri Lankan sambar deer stag sitting under the shade of a nearby tree and enjoying its afternoon siesta.

 
This guy was handsome enough for me to take my camera gear out in spite of being tired and famished. His antlers were large and offered a brilliant frame. Intermittently, the sun kept shining on the sambar deer’s face and horns providing great natural lighting.

 
I didn’t have my tripod on me at that point in time, but I found a bench nearby, put my camera bag on top of it and propped the camera on top of the bag helping me get great stability.

 
It looked like the stag was taking total rest. He hardly seemed to be moving though his eyes were focussed on me. It looked like he was chewing the cud and may be digesting his food together.

 
I took snaps of this Sri Lankan Sambar Deer for nearly 20 minutes and may be say about 400 photos, but here are some of the very select few for your eyes.