Saturday, December 31, 2011

Deer

The deer now have their full coats and are ready for the cold of winter.  The question is whether or not we’re going to have cold weather this winter.  Our pattern of frequent rains and mild daytime temperatures seems to be holding strong.  That’s not to be taken as a complaint, just an observation.

They all look strong and healthy.  Their full fluffy coats look very well kept and there are no signs of gauntness or bare ribs.  It’s been a while since I’ve seen late December deer looking so fit.

Nighttime temperatures still dip below freezing and heavy frosts are a normal morning feature.  These deer are still carrying a coating of frost on their backs.  The deer hair provides such superb insulation that body heat won’t melt the frost and the deer don’t feel the chill. 

The twins are still traveling with their mother.  They are totally independent now and don’t look to her for guidance, but they’ll remain companions until next spring.

They come looking for cracked corn.  Each tiny bit must be picked up individually.  They can’t end up with more than a few kernels for their efforts.  Corn isn’t an ideal food for deer, but what they get here isn’t more than a little treat.  To remain healthy, they need to get out and consume the mixed browse to be found scattered across the fields and woods.

The twins may have declared independence, but they still exhibit some traits of young siblings.  There’s always that concern that your brother is getting a little more than his fair share.

5 comments:

  1. Hi Steve,

    I just love this post. Love the deer looking so good, too.

    Happy New Year!

    All the very best for 2012,
    Lois

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  2. Hi Steve... What a lovely sight to see, and be able to get photos too ..they are looking very nice ..lucky you ; }
    I haven't seen the deer, but I know they have been out in the yard under the apple tree and just tracks everywhere, for we have no snow and the ground is not frozen...today we are being treated to a messy rain that is freezing on surfaces..Will we have snow??? I believe...for sure...but this is crazy for here ! Even my daughter who lives in northern Maine 4 hours up in Aroostock County has "NO" snow !! Her sheep are still in the pastures!!
    Well enough before I bore you to death haha...need to start the new year of right!
    Best wishes for a great 2012 to you and your family!!
    Grace

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  3. haha...loved that last shot. Your caption is perfect. Happy 2012...

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  4. I noticed one of the fawns should be named'' socks'' its feet markings stand out.

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  5. Happy New Year Lois.

    Hi Grace. I saw the pictures of ice on your feeder. I hope the ice doesn't interrupt your electric service. Temperatures are in the 40's here and the predicted snow flurries have been taken out of the forecast. My challenge is to stay awake for the next couple of hours. My kids won't let me go to bed until after the ball drops.

    Hi Kelly. I just quoted what my sisters probably thought many times as we were growing up.

    Hi Mike. It'll be interesting to see if Socks keeps those markings as he ages.

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