Monday, August 8, 2011

Two Fawns Walked Up To Me

I just had a major encounter with two baby deer and I got the best part of it on video! I'll tell you the story from the beginning, and then tell you about the video.

I haven't been going very far this year because of last year's car accident. It just has made things a little bit harder for me. Because of this, I got to thinking that I hadn't been to Heritage Park, one of my old favorites, this year. It's not very far, so I decided to get into my truck and go.

There are usually a lot of people at Heritage Park, so I am always of a mind that there are no animals at this place. But I usually see quite a bit every time I go there. Even so, I wasn't expecting much except to walk this place I have liked so much.

I was on the main trail when I found myself free of any people. But when I looked into the distance in front of me, I saw something odd. It was hard to see, but it appeared to be a deer looking back at me. It seemed strange that it wasn't running away, but I've seen deer on this trail many times before.

I zoomed my camera in to get a better look, and, sure enough, it was not only a deer, it was a little fawn. I noticed that it was eating the leaves off the trees, so I didn't want to disturb it, But I had to walk that way, so I took pictures as I moved forward.

I fully expected this baby to run as I got closer, but nothing of the sort happened. In fact, this little fawn was now joined by a second, and they were looking right at me. Then as I moved towards them they began to come towards me too!

This development began to remind me of an encounter with raccoons I hada few years ago. Many of you might remember that one, but I'll give links for you newer readers who would like to read a hilarious story about how I was chased at high speed by raccoons for about a third of a mile.

Here are links to this three part raccoon story:
  1. Raccoons
  2. Surrounded By Raccoons
  3. Chased By Raccoons
Well anyway, when these two little deer began to come forward I stopped in my tracks. I wanted to get as many pictures of this as I could. You're looking at the best right here. The two deer would come forward, then they would stop for a nibble on the leaves. Then they would come forward some more.

I was wondering why they weren't frightened of me. I knew these two were wild, but they were also babies. I also wondered where the mother was. I didn't want her angry with me if she found out how close her babies had gotten to me.

This is a big park, so I'm guessing that she just gave them a little freedom, and they were pushing that freedom a little too much. Humans are mostly safe for them here, but it's not wise for them to become too tame. I also didn't want to disturb these cute little creatures too much, but my destination was past the spot where they stood.

So now we get to this last picture. These babies were now very close to me. I had zoomed my camera out al the way, so they were actually even closer than the picture shows. This very scene is the exact spot where the video starts. And what happens in the video?

Well, as one of them walked right over to me, I watched them for a few seconds and then decided I just had to get past them. I kept the camera pointed at them the whole time. Finally, the closest fawn got spooked by my sudden movement, and decided to run. The video makes it look as if I moved closer, but I was just moving around the poor little thing. The second fawn saw its sibling running, so it decided it was time to follow, but at a more leisurely pace.

And now you want to see the video, right? Here's the trick. The video is over at Nature Center Magazine, featured as the Cool Nature Video for this week. The video is the best part of this whole story. It shows you just how very close I got to these two little deer, so I urge you to go over and watch it.


Nature Center Magazine - We need your comments. We're starving! (Our new slogan)

19 comments:

  1. Oh Ratty, they are adorable. I'm glad to got to see them so close. It is rare to see little ones like this without mama around but she was probably not far away. I'll go over now and check out your video.

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  2. Fantastic Ratty! What a stroke of luck to get so close. Last night a deer watched Sadie and me on our walk, but it was a long way off. I'll pop over now and watch the video. That's if SquirrelQueen has finished with it. :-)

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  3. What a nice find you have some new friends.The mom stays close but not too close to attract predators with scent.

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  4. Wonderful shots! You've got a way about you :)

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  5. They must like your "ratty" smell.

    Rats and deer were of the same species many many many years ago, I think so, based on your observation.

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  6. Wow...not many people get so close to nature but it is so wonderful when one can have an experience like this! Beautiful!

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  7. i believe they don't sense any fear from your presence and you look so kind and friendly to them that they did not run away from you. beautiful shots of a wonderful experience.

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  8. The fawns are adorable, and rare to see in the middle of this big city life!

    Ok, ok, I'm heading toward NCM to see the video, since your slogan gave me a chuckle.

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  9. thank you all so much for your wonderful comments. They are the best part of each blog post.

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  10. oh they are so cute. What a wonderful adventure you had. a once in a life time experience

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  11. How wonderful for you Ratty! It was meant to be. I know how you felt, I have had a hummingbird come right up to my face and buzz there, looking at me eye-to-eye for about a minute and it was almost spiritual!

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  12. wow that was awesome!love to see them too in real!

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  13. Beautiful photos of the little ones! What a treat that was for you!

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  14. You must give off a really good vibe Ratty. this is nearly miraculous. Congrats on wonderful photos and experience.

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  15. That is the most awesome encounter you could have Ratty!!! They are so cute. What beautiful photos to keep and treasure. Now I will go look at the video!!

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  16. How cute! Yet, how odd that the mother was no where to be found.

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  17. I am just in awe at those two precious little ones! They are such sweet fawns. When you are rewarded by seeing such special creatures on your outings, that must just make your day, Ratty! Great photos!

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  18. Such wonderful pictures...they were very bold babies indeed....checked out the video too!!

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