Saturday, June 12, 2010

Camera Critters: The Fawns Arrive

The doe featured in last week's Camera Critters usually visits the meadow each morning and evening.  She was there on the morning of June 9th, but did not appear that evening or the following morning, so after the other deer left the meadow on Thursday morning, I checked out some of the nearby woodlands and found her alternating between feeding and lying down.

Doe Resting In Woods After Giving Birth

At first I thought I had arrived in time to witness the birthing process, but closer observation indicated that she had already given birth, as her flanks were sunken.  It is sometimes very hard to tell if they have given birth or not as the abdomen may still be distended for several days after birth and some older does, never quite regain the slim, trim lines that they once had when not pregnant.

She did come to the meadow on Friday morning and I was able to document her appearance.  Compare the photo below with the one of similar perspective posted last week and you will see what I mean.

Doe With Sunken Flanks
 After I time I noticed that she had vanished while I was occupied with photographing another deer, so I went to the area where I found her Thursday and saw her slipping through the woodland.  Suddenly a tiny form stood up, went to her and began feeding.  Light levels were low and I mostly shot video, but what stills I did take at this point were unsharp.

Suddenly she left the fawn and came walking past me.  The fawn turned and ran directly under my video tripod. (I was shooting the still camera hand held, and using the tripod for video)  It was so close that I had to make a few steps backward to get far enough away for the 70-200mm to focus correctly.

Whitetail Fawn Up Close


The fawn stayed there for some time while I took several photographs.  It is always a battle to photograph them in the woodland because of the low light level, which usually requires high ISO settings and low shutter speeds.

Low Light Levels And Contrasty Light Makes Photography Difficult


For more Camera Critters photographs, Click Here!

19 comments:

imac said...

Are they not so cute Willard.
Hope all is well, and have a nice weekend.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: That is being in the right place at the perfect time, just marvelous.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

I have no words to describe these pictures.They are beyond amazing and so cute.
Blessings,Ruth

Tom Arbour said...

Willard- What a great close encounter!

A Garden of Threads said...

Stunning shots of the fawn.

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh my goodness! What a cute fawn! These shots are wonderful, Willard!

DeniseinVA said...

Tremendous shots Willard. Thank you so much. I found your post very interesting and your photos incredible.

Carletta said...

No matter the light Willard - they are amazing captures! I love that we have you and your patience to show us these nature moments most of us never see.
I have a couple does that are beginning to come by daily again. One I feel pretty sure has birthed a fawn. I'm hoping when the time comes she'll bring the little one.

V.L. Locey said...

What beautiful shots Willard!

Anonymous said...

You are blessed to have many awesome encounters with these, normally, elusive creatures. I do realize, though, that it does make it much tougher when you lose them.
Beautiful photos. The fawn is precious! The mama is so pretty. How could anyone hurt them???

Misty DawnS said...

Oh my gosh!!! I LOVE it!!! As you know, deer are my favorite animals (along with dogs). That fawn is sooooo adorable and beautiful! What a wonderful experience.

Anonymous said...

I LOVED your fawn pictures. What a great opportunity to get such close-up pictures.

Christy said...

Great shots. I love them. And after seeing these and my encounter last night with deer it really makes me long for when I can get my stronger telephoto lens.

Unknown said...

Awesome series Willard.

Brad Myers said...

Another great post Willard. I am amazed that you can tell the does apart to me without antlers they look the same. And a great encounter with the young fawn, looking forward to more from your farm.

Me said...

Amazing images! Keep shooting.

Tim Rucci said...

I really enjoyed viewing your photos. I was planning to visit Big Meadows the second week of June but something came up and I had to change my plans. I've only been there once and have wanted to return ever since. Your images bring back fond memories of my visit in 2008.

Peggy said...

I can't believe it went under your tripod! Wow! What a lucky day Willard! I need to go with you some day! Maybe the luck will rub off! Fantastic photography!

Anonymous said...

These are just fabulous photos, Willard.