Deer - arctangent's Photos

Many of these pictures were taken in urban settings, backyards or parks.

Like all my pictures of wildlife, these are pictures of opportunity. I don't go out looking for them. I don't set myself up in 'blinds'. I don't own high powered lenses for bringing the subjects close. Enjoy them for what they might show about animal behavior and the interactions between animals and people.

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arctangent > Another white tail deer in an urban setting.

It's early March, too early for new growth for it to browse on. Its seeming patient demeanor is a metaphor for its patient winter-long wait for Spring to arrive.

arctangent > Slim pickings.

This deer was nibbling on fallen leaves half buried in snow. I can't believe there's much nourishment left in dead leaves!

arctangent > Ever alert.

A whitetail, browsing in the woods behind the house.

arctangent > Whitetail yearling.

Eventually this yearling turned around and headed back to join the others in its group, disappointed no doubt that I hadn't supplied the anticipated apples.

Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.

arctangent > Whitetail...responding to some sound or movement beyond my ken.

Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.

arctangent > Whitetail yearling.

This was its closest approach, passing right in front of me. It was at this point I learned, from a couple of guys in a truck who were driving through the cemetery, a possible explanation for the behavior of the deer. Locals bring apples to the deer, to entice them to come closer. Some do it in order to get better pictures. I was warned not to feed the deer directly from my hand, though, if I decided to try it myself. No fear. I'm not anxious to expose myself to kicks, bites, or more importantly to deer ticks, which carry some foul diseases!

Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.

arctangent > Whitetail tableau.

Now a third deer has crossed the road, and is more cautiously approaching me. The yearling is now nearly opposite my position in the road, and is probably not more than twenty feet away.

Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.

arctangent > Whitetails.

Others in the group have now also turned to face me, but made no move to approach. It is as though they are waiting for something to happen, waiting for me to make the next move. Very puzzling.

Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.

arctangent > Whitetails.

By this time, one of the adults, possibly the mother, had also crossed the road, and stopped, facing me, and just stared at me. So a moderate level of concern, but no real alarm. I'm becoming more and more baffled by the behavior.

Riverside Cemetery, Maumee, Ohio.

Another white tail deer in an urban setting.

It's early March, too early for new growth for it to browse on. Its seeming patient demeanor is a metaphor for its patient winter-long wait for Spring to arrive.