Monday, April 13, 2009

Wild Kingdom




Ok..So the coolest thing happened to me while on this walk. I have always wanted to see a bear while hiking...I know, stupid fantasy; however, what happened today was pretty darn cool, though not a bear was in sight. As I was walking through the woods, three deer scared the s***t out of me! Sorry, it is the only word that fits. I didn't hear them and they darted out so close to me that had I had the time to reach out, I'm pretty sure I would have touched them. Once my heart beat slowed down I notice a pretty worn trail to my right, one which was formed by deer. I thought that perhaps there were more deer to come so I pointed my lens down the path and leaned against a tree, crouched down. Within a few minutes this deer appeared. It was so far away that I actually heard it before I saw it. I literally crouched there for at least ten minutes while this deer inched closer. Every time I had to refocus, the noise of the camera kept the deer frozen until it once again found the confidence to move forward. My heart was pounding again; however, more painful were my legs shaking and my shoulder vibrating from holding my pose so long. I had to snap this photo because I knew I couldn't keep my stance much longer. The deer was close enough to get spooked by the shutter and took off. I know it isn't much of an image but it was the coolest thing to watch. I'm not anti-hunting; however, I have NOOOO idea how hunters can pull the trigger. I always thought that I couldn't do so, but after today, I know I couldn't. Incidentally this deer turned around, for the last time at the sound of my shutter, and dug hard into the earth. It's tail ballooned big, it made a grunting noise and ran off. I'm not sure what it was that she was saying to me, but it didn't sound pleasant. I then, full of nature, turned a corner and saw the geese shown above. Ironically, a few minutes later I came upon a mother and a three year old girl, who was more wild than any animal I encountered. I knew that my opportunity to watch wildlife was done for the day!

7 comments:

Zezee's View said...

Wow! What a day! I love the deer picture!

J.L.Velez said...

What an amazing experience having nature so close to you in so many ways! I could watch deer forever, they are so graceful and still. The shots are awesome today. I also liked the description of the "wildest" animal you saw today! Your patience and love of nature definitely paid off today!

Bridget said...

wow.
these are beautiful!
your patience paid off big time.
i love the ducks

philmary said...

Beautiful how the deer is so well camouflaged and is timidly sensing you..Do you know which senses are acute in deer ?

Unknown said...

OMG I love it and the deer pic is amazing. keep up the great work.

trishalyn said...

Wow...what a great experience...and the photos to tell about it! My heart was beating wildly just reading about it!!! We used to get deer in our backyard (until more houses sprung up nearby). It's a thrilling experience to be that close to wildlife. Hats off to you!!!!!!!!
:-) :-) :-)

Linda said...

Nice job. Your patience and aching muscles paid off. Good for you that you were willing to wait it out.