One of my favorite birding spots lies in northeast Pinellas county, especially during spring and fall migration. Labor Day was one of the few days I have ever been skunked by the birds. But this county park offers more nature than just birds. Often you will see alligator, otter, racoons, armadillos and lots of white-tail deer. Just after sunrise is the best time to catch the animals in action. The lighting is great early as it rises slowly though the mix of oaks and pines. On Monday after a disappointing boardwalk search for warblers, I noticed some spotted fawns running around. I am not one to shy when it comes to jumping in and having fun. So camera in tow I decided to join the several families of deer which were feeding on the green park grass. The price for this “fun” is no quick movements, avoid eye contact whenever possible and above all don’t push the deer. The best wildlife pictures comes from the natural behavior of the animal. I call this “nature time” , when your subject only moves a few yards while you remain frozen to the side of a tree. The “fun” or rather reward comes from the brown eyes of a new fawn looking straight into your lenses.
Two “forky” yearlings in velvet were first to march to the bedding grounds.
The does were tending to the fawns with much care. I have witnessed fawns nursing before but never two at once.
For over an hour I was rewarded acceptance into the white-tail lives to capture these moments and share them with you.
Birds by Dave 