Mother and Child

Photographed this morning.

The fawn and its mother came back this morning and settled down in the meadow, in the typical "facing away from the center," defensive position.

Fawn

Photographed this morning.

Fawns Grazing on Our Hillside

Photographed this morning, out the kitchen window.

Fawn

Photographed yesterday, in the meadow.

This fawn was on its own, mom not in sight.

After a lot of munching on leaves, it took off, fast, for its mother, who was uphill, doing her own grazing..

Don't Mess with the Deer When They Are Feeling Protective

MATT SAYS:

This is my first fawn sighting of the season.  The picture was captured, such as it is, with my iPhone.  You can see the tiny fawn, standing behind its mother, on the left, and a large deer, which I surmise is a stag, on the right.  As I snapped the picture the stag started walking right at me, slowly, but keeping his gaze on me the entire time.  I pocketed my iPhone and backed off -- I was at least 50 yards away when I was taking the picture -- and he lost interest.  I have never had a deer behave that directly and aggressively with me before.  I can only guess the stag interpreted me as a threat to the fawn and decided to confront me.

Last Year's Model

A fawn photographed late last spring (2011).  On our walkway.  Its mom was nearby.

I think I've confirmed part of the reason these deer don't fear humans.  Last night, I saw a woman beckoning to the deer, with a shallow platter of fresh veg offerings.  Attractively arranged.