We had more Whitetail Deer in the backyard again yesterday, six this time. And this time they had a clear hierarchy, with Papa and Mama and yearlings. Papa (second photo) spent most of his time watching me and making sure I wasn't coming out the door. Mama (the largest deer in the top photo) herded the youngsters (one just off camera) to the grass up toward the tree line. There was one latecomer, a youngster with an injured right forefoot (bottom photo) who Papa watched over carefully. This one probably won't live much longer; it can't put any weight at all on the leg, which will leave it vulnerable to the local Coyotes. There's another injured youngster, the furthest left in the top photo, who also has an injured leg - the left hind leg - which hobbles it a little, but it can put weight on the leg and isn't nearly as bad off as the other one. Life is tough for deer, especially in that first year!
And just a note - My posts here are going to be more sparse from now on. I start work at the local Lowe's tomorrow, and I don't know what my schedule looks like yet. It's a "seasonal" (translation: temporary) part-time job, part-time being defined as anything between 10 and 39 hours a week, which has the potential of turning into a regular full-time job, so keep fingers crossed.
© 2011 by A. Roy Hilbinger
© 2011 by A. Roy Hilbinger
Roy, I've enjoyed following your blog and the lovely photos of the Shippensburg area, which I miss very much now that I live in Ohio. Good luck on your new job. Timber Hill, the Appalachian Trail, King Street, the spring house, the duck ponds, South Mountain, and all the other great walking places will still be waiting for you on weekends and your days off (and so will your blog audience). Again, good luck!
ReplyDeleteOh, Roy, I'm pulling for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat deer pix. & best of luck at Lowe's. Hoping it works out for the best.
ReplyDeletewe have four behind us; thunder through every morning. good luck at Lowe's. if i lived closer I'd buy all my essentials from you!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed...and toes! lol. :)
ReplyDeleteThe deer look like they've dried out from the rain now. We're getting snow right now...supposed to be 2 inches!
Fingers crossed my friend. But not so crossed to mean that the job takes up all your spare time and you don't get chance to take your wonderful photographs.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the Job Roy, you and I know what it's like looking for work in your ahem . . more mature years . . fingers and toes crossed. Do the same for me. Love the pics. As for the lameness, I guess basically the sweet things are at the bottom of the food chain. And yes, I have eaten venison. Just don't like knowing what it looks like in the wild. Very cute though.
ReplyDeleteGood News About The Job Roy. I Hope It Goes Well.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Photos Sir!
Beautiful shots !
ReplyDeleteHi Roy...I loved these photos. I know it's nature's way, but I still hate to see inured animals, and the little injured deer looks so sweet eating the ivy too... Good luck with the job!!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Roy. I live in Queensland Australia we have no deer but plenty of kangaroos
ReplyDelete