Saturday, May 23, 2009

Camer Critters: Local Whitetail Fawns Soon To Arrive



Some fellow blogger such as Helen and Marvin have already photographed newly born fawns, but as yet none have arrived here. The mature does are in an advanced state of pregnancy and I am anxiously awaiting the first sighting.

Pregnant Whitetail Doe

This is a seven-year-old doe in prime condition. Judging from the size of her abdomen, she will almost certainly have twins.

This series also gives a close look at the condition of the coat at this time of year. If one looks closely, they can see the red summer hair showing through. The winter hair falls out, sometimes in single strands and sometimes in large patches.

The Winter Coat is Gradually Replaced With The Summer Coat

The head is usually the first area to completely change, and the process is almost complete in these photos, while the neck and body still has significant amounts of the winter coat.

The Process Is Almost Completed In The Head Area

While I have seen newborn fawns as early as Mid-May, most in this area arrive in a period ranging from late in the last week in May to Mid-June. I have no idea why, but most in this particular herd give birth within a few days of June 8th. This doe and her mother before her often gave birth exactly on June 8th.

Stay tuned for the arrival of the first fawns and more on Pennsylvania Elk.

For more Camera Critters photos, Click Here!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful, crisp, clear photos!

Shey said...

Awesome captures. Love the series of photos. Very nice and enjoyable.

Happy weekend! :)

Sandy Kessler said...

i like the progression s Sandy

SaraG said...

Beautiful photo's Willard. I can't wait to see your pics of the new arrivals!!
Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Anonymous said...

I love these. I've never gotten close enough to any deer to see the way their coats change. I am looking forward to seeing the fawns!

Adrienne Zwart said...

Great photos! I am looking forward to seeing pictures of the fawns. Hope they cooperate for you.

Anonymous said...

I like these photos, WIllard. You are really getting up close and personal on these shots. My 120-400mm lens is so heavy I can't lug it around much. So I seldom take it.

Allison said...

You taught a 50 year old woman something today. Thanks. A lot here on your post I did not know. Beautiful and awesome captures!
PEACE!!!

Dianne said...

beautiful photos
and thanks for all the info!
looking forward to the babies, hope you get to see them and take photos

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: Neat capture, I had a doe come into my back yard for CC.

Shelley said...

These were beautiful - I love examining the detail on these does! Looking forward to the fawn photos!

imac said...

AW cute Willard, great shots.

Check-out Dorothy's History Lesson on Grantham (1)

lv2scpbk said...

Great photos. Happy Memorial Day!

Stacey Olson said...

Great post Willard. This poor doe looks like the ones here.. don't want to run.. or jump fences.. they are all so huge.. haven't seen a fawn here yet either, but soon.Saw our first Antelope fawn a few days ago though.. Happy Memorial Day Willard, to you and yours..

Unknown said...

Cool series on the animal behavior or changes in its coat.

Lovely details as well.

It would be great to see images of the newborns, will eagerly wait.

Tom said...

Another fantastic post Willard.. I look forward to your forthcoming posts about these does and the fawns. I learned so much from you last year.. thank you.