Always leaving
I had quite a sight in my backyard last night. We have some jingle bells at our back door that we need to ring before letting our dog out. Too many critters wandering about, and enough bad experiences with skunks and opossums to teach us to make sure the “coast is clear” before letting her out in the dark.
We have been seeing deer lately – usually a family group of 4 or 5 that come to raid our bird feeder. But last night, I think we had the entire local herd. I kept ringing the bells and making noise only to see more deer coming from other ends of the yard. All sizes from grown adults to last years fawns. Occasionally we will get a 10 point or larger. Total count was about 8 that I could see. It took them all awhile to rehuddle and decide to leave – but I honestly thought they were going to make a stand. Our malamute would love nothing better than to give them a good chase – but being so close to a road – I would hate to see them dash in that direction.
We only see them at night – rarely during the day where I can get some photographs. No matter, it is great to see them visiting. The shot in this post was from a park not too far away called Stoney Creek. I originally labeled it “Come play with me” because it carried this message for me that this deer wanted me to follow it off into the field – away from what a human should do – do as the deer do. We read and hear so much about negatives these days – take an escape and read Guy Tal’s eloquent words about other things to think about.
the bells are a great idea! this has been such an extremely hard winter that we’re seeing many more deer than usual here too. Despite the feeding ban, they have torn down every feeder they can reach and have chewed through wire and wood to get to the seeds. I always enjoy watching them, but not when they’re this frantic for a meal. Spring can’t come too soon!
(lovely image as always btw)
Thanks for directing me to Guy’s website a) because it is another great blog to follow and b) because that post is just the kick in the a** I need. New spring habit to begin on the Equinox: drink coffee with the birds!
So outside I go.
Thank you.
You are welcome Kay. Everytime I read something Guy writes, I feel even more like a babbling idiot!
That is a beautiful image – such delicate colors. Great idea about the bell. We also have had many close calls with wildlife. The worst was in the fall when there was a bear and the dog went right out after it, so I may have to adopt your idea.
Cindy, Roberta – Thanks! The bells work pretty good – and also have the benefit of training your dog to ring something when they need to go out.
Although I’d seen deer tracks in our yard when we first moved in, like the local gray fox, it seems they’ve since moved on. The hubby & I were both delighted to see a pileated woodpecker again today, though. Haven’t seen one of those around for at least a year now (maybe even longer.) Still can’t get ‘em in my photographic sights, though. Still a challenge to strive for!
When I lived in Montana, my backyard was always crawling with mule deer, especially early in the morning.
Beautiful photo.. I love those colors.. loungeroom is decorated in them!!