The First Fawns Arrive

Young Fawn Nursing: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 300mm f2.8-1.4 extender -ISO 1600 1/100 Sec. f4

I discussed in some detail in the post of May 16 about when one could expect to see the first fawns in my area.  To my surprise I saw the first one that very evening.  It was well over 300 yards away and nursing from its' mother.  Even though it was late and the range was far I decided to try for a video clip, but by the time I got the 500mm F4 mounted on the GH3, it was no longer visible.

Fast-forward to early morning on May 18th and I was pleasantly surprised to see a young fawn come running into the meadow I was watching.  It ran to its' mother and started nursing while I took several photographs with the 5D MK III and the 300mm f2.8 with 1.4X extender.

Doe and Fawn: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 300mm f2.8-1.4 extender -ISO 1600 1/60 Sec. f4

The fawn left the meadow shortly after sunrise and found shelter in the woods on the nearby hillside.  I was able to get into position for a few more photographs without disturbing it.

Fawn Resting: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 17-40 f4@40mm-ISO 400 1/125 Sec. f5

Fawn In Woods: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 300mm f2.8 -ISO 400 1/60 Sec. f8

I have seen this fawn with its' mother on more occasions, but none close enough for good stills, although I have gotten video of it and a few other fawns as well.

It is not clear why these fawns are arriving earlier this spring--although of course it is because the does were bred a bit earlier last fall, which again raises the question as to why breeding activity was a bit early last fall.  Whatever the case, the young animals are welcome additions to the local herd and provide wonderful observation, and filming opportunities when they are seen.

Originally published at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill.