On the 24th April the 'watcher' had a chance encounter with a Roe Deer buck. (You can click the link to review that experience). Here are two of the photos taken at that time.
I should point out that unlike other deer species the Roe casts its antlers in November or December; grows new ones during winter, protected from frost by the woolly 'velvet' which is usually rubbed off by May.
During my stroll on Saturday (see previous post) the 'watcher' was again under surveillance by the 'watched', who this time was partially hidden by the grass and gorse. Once again the 'watcher' stood motionless and slowly crouched down while the 'watched' continued to stare intently in the 'watchers' direction. 
The 'watcher' noted the changes in the appearance of the 'watched'; the moult of his winter (grey-brown) coat into his foxy-red summer garb is nearly complete and the growth of the antlers that are 'pearled' near the base; and a question surfaced: "Could this be the same buck?" The 'watched' was not unsettled and maybe was thinking " Have I seen this intruder to my domain before?". 
After what seemed ages but was probably only five minutes or so the 'watched' stood up slowly, still keeping a wary eye on the 'watcher' and then moved away into deeper cover.
Maybe the 'watcher' and the 'watched' will meet again some day! 
Very beautiful to look at!!! So different from our whitetail deer in Michigan!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures, Frank! It is strange how you get that sneaking suspiscion that you've met up with a certain creature before. I've had deer in our woods that I'm certain we played the "watcher" game a few times...each visit they stay a little longer, with ease too.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelly. Perhaps you can publish an image of White-tailed so I can compare?
ReplyDeleteHi spookydragonfly. These encounters are what makes wildlife watching exciting & memorable.
Beautiful Frank,
ReplyDeleteWe don't have these types of Deer on the Island. We have white tailed and Moose.
Crista
Great post and terrific photos. He's very different looking from our deer here.
ReplyDeleteThey are real pretty. Different face from ours here. I love to watch deer. I've been waiting to catch a glimpse of the twins that were born last year but I haven't seen them since just before spring when they were shedding their winter fur. beautiful photos!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent Frank. Let's hope you enjoy many more encounters in the future.
ReplyDelete...very beautiful deer. It's fun to watch this fellow grow up (it has to be the same deer). They are very different from our Whitetails..especially the antlers and the neck and shoulder.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful encounter you had. :c)
ReplyDeleteHi "Early Birders". Thanks for dropping in & leaving all your kind comments. I look forward to seeing a White-tailed on one of your blogs before too long.
ReplyDeleteLovely detailed photos. There are deer west of here (actually west of Gympie the nearest city) but they are 'ferals' from failed deer farms. Apparently the industry was 'hyped' and then didn't live up to its promise.
ReplyDeleteThese are brilliant images Frank, well done.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite species of Deer I think.
Lovely photos Frank, a very special encounter!
ReplyDeleteI hope that they do meet again. : )
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice series of photos! Just love the no tail look..very different from the 'white-tailed' deer I photographed, this morning, on my walk!! I do hope you two meet again!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a cool looking deer. The "watched" stood still for you for a good while!
ReplyDeleteSo different than our white tail. I used to wonder why they called them white tail and not just deer, then I finally figured out there trully are different kinds.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures.
Leedra’s Photos For FunLeedra’s Greeting CardsPhotography By Leedra
What a wonderful experience and interestingly told. They're such shy creatures so well done you for getting such good pictures.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful.. don't have those here for sure.. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHi Frank,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice observation. I have seen some deers this summer in France but did not get any chance to get pictures of them. You manage really well and I love the atmosphere in these pictures. Well done.
Hi Frank,
ReplyDeleteWe also get Roe Deer here in the Alps, but they are really shy and the only time I have seen them anywhere near close is when I did not have my camera with me.
You have some lovely shots of them!
btw, "digiscoping today" week 3 is now up, thank you for your continued support!
happy birding
Dale
http://alpinebirds.blogspot.com
Precious, absolutely precious. You amaze me with your photographs.
ReplyDelete