Saturday, January 17, 2009

Camera Critters: Bitter Cold


When the bottom drops out of the thermometer, the creatures of the great outdoors face a bitter struggle for survival. This is a time of year that is especially difficult for the very young and the old. In some years there is a significant die-off of whitetail deer in our area. Recent winters have been relatively mild with little mortality, but this one has the potential to cause problems if the cold continues and heavy snowfalls follow.

The Young Are Especially Vulnerable

While deer avoid the bright sun as much as possible in mid-day during warm weather, they prefer sunny spots, which are sheltered from the wind in winter. Deer also may fluff their hair to give it greater insulating quality.

Adult Doe Fighting The Cold

For more Camera Critters photographs, click Here.

23 comments:

Jane Hards Photography said...

Incredible adorable images. I envy you the work you do.

Carletta said...

I learned something new again - didn't know they fluffed their hair.
Wonderful shots! I'll be posting some more of mine next week. I got a new camera from Christmas and oh, the closeups. It's exciting.

Michele said...

We had some bitter cold temps here now for almost 3 weeks and we have a HUGE mule deer population... temps as low as -35 C (-31 F) and did not notice where they had gone. Did see some gather in the local farmers fields laying in the snow, usually huddled together but not as many...
I hope I will see them again soon... it's starting to warm up nicely so hopefully they will be back out again...
Your photos are amazing!

Marvin said...

Great shots, Willard.

It appears to me that the winter coats of many whitetails are darker -- almost gray instead of tan. Is this the case? Or, is it just some sort of optical illusion caused by the seeing the fluffed coats on an overcast day? Thanks.

EG CameraGirl said...

This winter is a scary one for wildlife. It has been sooooo cold and it started in November so promises to be a long one.

Beaitiful photos, Willard.

Kerri Farley said...

Wow Willard....these are fabulous shots! We had COLD weather yesterday...but it didn't last long. I did notice that the birds were out and about in full force yesterday and today.....I wonder if that means we have some bad weather coming up.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: Wonderful captures of the deer, you had to brave the weather to get them. I haven't seen as many deer since the weather changed.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

I like the new header, Willard.

Louise said...

They are cute and beautiful creatures. I hope they find a way to survive, but nature is nature. I don't always like it, but it's part of life.

Leedra said...

It is colder than usual here, but no snow. Hope the deer are ok.

Leedra’s Photos For Fun
Photography By Leedra

Ken Conger Photography said...

Timely post. Super detail in the images. Blue Skies.

The Birdlady said...

That first one looks like a Disney deer.

Shelley said...

We have had negative temps in northern michigan all week and I'm refilling my bird feeders several times in a day. Looking at these beautiful and sweet looking deer is a treat!

Anonymous said...

I like these photographs, Willard. I never get to see these animals anymore but there was a time when I did. Long ago. LOLI have two new blogs to show you:

Dips Pen
Abraham Lincoln's Blog

Stacey Olson said...

Willard, these are wonderful images. I love the fuzzy winter coats, but also worry about the well being of the hurds.. one good thing about the cold is I have not seen the fleas on the rabbits, that has been a problem for the last few years..

Unknown said...

Awesome images Willard. The first one is so cute and it was thoughful of you to get the whole face in focus

Nick S said...

Beautiful deer shots my friend

SaraG said...

Awesome photo's!!

Philip said...

Incredible shots of this young deer love the close ups well done !!

imac said...

Interesting and beautiful shots Willard.Come take a look at my 1st Deer shoot, Ive got a long way to go to reach your 1st class posts.lol.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard:
I tagged you with a photo request today.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I guess it is true what they say about the survival of the fittest Willard. It seems such a pity in one way but I guess the strongest genes do breed stronger animals.

Gretchen said...

Just beautiful!