Whitetail Deer

 

When I worked I always went in early and didn't often see the sunrise.  I promised myself that when I retired I would watch every sunrise.  I usually do get to see sumrises now but in the summer, when it comes up just after 5 a.m., rising with the sun isn't as appealing.  Did wake up around sunrise this morning and padded around the house closing windows before the day began to heat up.  Remember how I talked about deer using the meadow around the house to hide their fawns?  First thing I saw was a doe and her twins walking across the adjoining hay field toward the gorge.  Her twins must have be born early in May.  They were sure of their legs and running ahead of her.    Shut the window to the SW.  There was a doe at the salt lick.  This is the time of year the deer hit the salt lick hard.  The males are beginning to grow antlers.  The females are looking for more nutrition as they produce milk for newborns.  Plus now that their diet has turned to lush green meadows deer can use more salt to break down cellulose.  This deer kept watch on the family trio crossing the meadow above her and looking over her shoulder in the direction of the woods.  She's got a fawn nearby.  I finally shut the window in my bedroom.  There was deer watching me from some yards out.  Another doe.  Fairly certain she's got a fawn in the tall grass too.  I went back to bed.  A little less than an hour later when my alarm went off, the meadow was clear of all deer.