There were deer everywhere, and they were preoccupied with sex. The does were standoffish; the bucks were crazed, driven by instinct and testosterone. I walked up to the edge of the woods and saw deer in every direction. They all carried an intense energy. Heads down, moving quickly, searching. I looked to my right and saw a doe bedded down with the mature buck nearby. They were 20 yards away. I knew right away she was likely in estrous, and the buck was waiting for his chance to breed.
Another wonderful piece of writing, Bill. I shudder when the fall comes and we see the carcasses of deer along the highway. One time at dusk a group came bounding out of the brush and ran across the road right in front of me. We were all lucky -- they made it to the other side and I got to see them.
Even after living closely with these creatures for many years, I still love to see the White-tailed deer around our neighborhood animated by their ancient and gentle wisdom. One of my favorite memories is the sight of a small herd running back and forth, at play in our backyard, on the morning after a light snowfall. The sparkling light! Their obvious joy! Very moving. And so similar to how the neighbor children would also spend the morning: in celebration--sheer delight at being alive.
All the delicate details speak to me in this one, Bill. Thank you.
What a lovely way to start my day. Thank you, again, Bill. Deer have a special place in my heart and you've captured their essence in word and image so beautifully. I was not aware of this Mary Oliver poem and thank you for that, as well.
I know you've mentioned over these months some books you've read this year. I'd be curious to know which have been your favorites.
Another beautiful post Bill - thank you! I am more familiar with the behavior of Moose and Caribou and recently moved to where I am surrounded by white-tailed deer. I, too, live on the edge of a nature preserve and my dog Lukas and I have been learning about our deer neighbors these last two years. Your post not only celebrated them but also taught me a number of things about their behavior. Thank you. And thanks for sharing the dream you had with them too - I feel they are honoring you in return.
Whitetail deer are so often overlooked, but they are beautiful and intelligent creatures. I see them in the mornings when I ride my bicycle through the trails.
Dec 15, 2023·edited Dec 15, 2023Liked by Bill Davison
Years ago, when we were just kids playing outside, a young doe let us pet her for several minutes. We tied a string from one of our hoodies around her neck hoping to see her again, but we never did. Seems almost like a dream these many years later.
Dec 15, 2023·edited Dec 15, 2023Liked by Bill Davison
Oh, deer. What a great post, Bill. One of the main events in the drama of life — acted out before us if only we stop to observe, as you always do. Thanks.
Great encounters with an under-appreciated animal here in North America. Excellent photos - especially that one photo where you can see your own reflection in that doe's eyes.
As the sun streams in my window and the big truck traffic rides by down below-
I’m in the warm kitchen and the essay filled me with joy. I miss the days last winter in Texas Hill Country where 40 plus deer come into my brothers land and eat some breakfast early each am, they have their trail they take and people feed them corn. There their territories are broken up by ranches and roads :-0 also some smaller properties and they must cross some fast through roads, (ranchers don’t slow down) to get to the water.
There can be also stupid barbed wire! The photos are so inspiring and it’s cool to see that animals too desire sie contact with us. I dream of patting their necks. And hugging them.
Another wonderful piece of writing, Bill. I shudder when the fall comes and we see the carcasses of deer along the highway. One time at dusk a group came bounding out of the brush and ran across the road right in front of me. We were all lucky -- they made it to the other side and I got to see them.
I love your pictures! And especially enjoyed the two does coming out of the water,
and the Bambi’s looking over their spots at you and the camera.
Even after living closely with these creatures for many years, I still love to see the White-tailed deer around our neighborhood animated by their ancient and gentle wisdom. One of my favorite memories is the sight of a small herd running back and forth, at play in our backyard, on the morning after a light snowfall. The sparkling light! Their obvious joy! Very moving. And so similar to how the neighbor children would also spend the morning: in celebration--sheer delight at being alive.
All the delicate details speak to me in this one, Bill. Thank you.
What a lovely way to start my day. Thank you, again, Bill. Deer have a special place in my heart and you've captured their essence in word and image so beautifully. I was not aware of this Mary Oliver poem and thank you for that, as well.
I know you've mentioned over these months some books you've read this year. I'd be curious to know which have been your favorites.
Another beautiful post Bill - thank you! I am more familiar with the behavior of Moose and Caribou and recently moved to where I am surrounded by white-tailed deer. I, too, live on the edge of a nature preserve and my dog Lukas and I have been learning about our deer neighbors these last two years. Your post not only celebrated them but also taught me a number of things about their behavior. Thank you. And thanks for sharing the dream you had with them too - I feel they are honoring you in return.
Captivated and longing to run with the deer in my neck of the woods.
Thank you.
Oh ! Can you put the photo in notes?
Would love to see it
Thank you for your writing! I enjoy reading your posts.
What a truly wonderful , place to experience. Thank you for taking us there in photos , words, and chorus.
I am always silenced and left in awe of any wildlife encounter.
A small gift in return;
Intangible
I reach with my eyes
Longing for just one glance
To make eye contact
I am seen
We hold each other in gaze
Humbled to be acknowledged in peace and mutual respect
The deer breathes out with an audible whoosh
I breath in
taking the moment with me for a lifetime
An Enchanted encounter
Whitetail deer are so often overlooked, but they are beautiful and intelligent creatures. I see them in the mornings when I ride my bicycle through the trails.
Years ago, when we were just kids playing outside, a young doe let us pet her for several minutes. We tied a string from one of our hoodies around her neck hoping to see her again, but we never did. Seems almost like a dream these many years later.
Oh, deer. What a great post, Bill. One of the main events in the drama of life — acted out before us if only we stop to observe, as you always do. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing and writing about beautiful animals.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Great encounters with an under-appreciated animal here in North America. Excellent photos - especially that one photo where you can see your own reflection in that doe's eyes.
As the sun streams in my window and the big truck traffic rides by down below-
I’m in the warm kitchen and the essay filled me with joy. I miss the days last winter in Texas Hill Country where 40 plus deer come into my brothers land and eat some breakfast early each am, they have their trail they take and people feed them corn. There their territories are broken up by ranches and roads :-0 also some smaller properties and they must cross some fast through roads, (ranchers don’t slow down) to get to the water.
There can be also stupid barbed wire! The photos are so inspiring and it’s cool to see that animals too desire sie contact with us. I dream of patting their necks. And hugging them.