I Like Deer

I'm always amazed when I see a beautiful deer in the wild. They are such beautiful creatures. One of our local Metro Parks has several that will let you get rather close if you are respectful of them.

When I see two ore more at a time, it's even more exciting.

 This poor guy must have had an accident that cost him part of his leg.  But he seemed happy and very well adjusted. 

 Then there was Mister "I'm in charge".  He ruled that day.

 Mostly, they just wanted to graze.

 And stick their tongue out at me.

Red Squirrels

Red Squirrels are very shy and very FAST.  These guys can travel at the speed of sound, I swear.  But this guy was chomping on his lunch, and sat still for a few seconds for me.  If you look closely, you can see pieces of his walnut flying through the air.  He was on a mission.

 This guy also posed for me.

I guess lunch time might be a good time to capture these tiny critters.  They make a rattlesnake-type sound so be on the lookout for them on your next walk in the park.

I'm in Love.

Yes, it's true.  I'm in love.  With Deer.  And when you can get close enough to them to get a half way decent picture, it thrills me to the bone.  Today was one of those days.  The males were chasing the females, and it was fun to watch.  But then, they would grow tired, and stop long enough to have their portrait taken, then off they went again.

 This guy was very determined. 

 Waiting....

 Resting.....

 And this guy seemed to have something on his mind for sure.  I decided not to stick around.  The noises they make can be a little threatening.

And then there was this guy peeking through the tall grass. 
Yes, Deer.  They are absolutely awesome creatures.

Big Bucks

Last evening, I visited a local park that is known for having not-shy deer.  If you know where to look, and are quiet and move slowly, they will let you photograph them.  I have been there several times and found females.  But yesterday, I was informed that there were several males at one end of the park, so we checked it out and found some beauties.  The sun was setting fast so we went back early this morning and here's what we found.

 

 Some of the females were smoking!  Oh MY!

 

This one just turned around to pose.

 It was rather chilly and you could see the breath on a few of the Buck.

 They like to jump up and eat trees.

Some of them just stroll along the path like they own the joint.

 

I don't think I will ever grow tired of seeing a deer in the wild.

The moon

It's not a full moon tonight, I don't think, but it sure is pretty.

Even when it rains...

It was a good weekend.  The forecast was for rain, but I don't let that stop me.  Yesterday, while it was raining, the sun came out.  For the second time in a month, I got to see one of these!  I never saw a full one before!

 And today, when it was time to come home, I glanced in an open field and saw these guys.

And these guys.

 

And when this guy saw my camera, he said "buh bye".

 

 Some guys just don't like to be photographed.

Snake in a Lake

There is a park in the area that I've never really explored.  Yesterday, with a friend, I did.  It was beautiful.  There were mushrooms growing out of trees....

 There was the occasional turtle, covered with tiny little green leaves.

 I saw a dragonfly or two..

 And then... all of the sudden... what is that in the distance?

 

It's slithering and moving fast!  And getting closer!

A SNAKE!!!

 But he was on a mission, and went on his merry way.  I was never scared for even an instant.  Honest!