We had deer visiting us this morning. A lone doe, youngish we thought from her size, came by for lunch at the feeder . . .
. . . though mostly she chewed on fallen leaves, of which there was an abundance. Her appearance was not unusual. Does and their young—usually one or two—are fairly common in our yard.
This morning, though, we were visited, at the same time, by a buck on the prowl.
He made a pass at the babe, but she rejected him. He responded by driving the doe from her spot and took over (I know, I know: men! exasperated sigh), as she went off to graze on leaves elsewhere.
Eventually, he moved off to the back (a peace offering?), and the doe returned to her spot under the tree. After chewing on leaves for a while, she went off as well. He liked how she moved.
The buck went to the far back, where there are some evergreens and undergrowth and a path to open space. He stood there for a while as Mrs. P and I wondered what would happen next. To our amazement, he settled down for a rest.
Then the doe also settled down to take a load off her feet.
When she faced away from him, Mrs. P and I wondered if, rather than a dating scenario, we were looking at an old married couple.
They stayed there for a good half hour, perhaps longer. After recuperating from whatever he needed to recuperate from, the buck rose, followed by the doe. He seemed to be selling (though in a not very appealing way) . . .
. . . but she definitely wasn’t buying. After a few minutes, he gave up and wandered off. She munched a bit more before leaving herself.
Glad I’m not in the dating scene. Looks tough out there.
Words and pictures © 2009 AtHome Pilgrim.
All Rights Reserved.
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Comments
Rated
Who doesn't love deer?
They're delicious.
Ariana: Glad you like, Ariana, and thanks for stopping in!
Duane: I think PICUTER is one of those Pokemon characters. As for loving deer, I'm with you, and Number Two Son is an enthusiastic third. He also loves rabbit: seems to feel that cute and cuddly is most appealing on his plate.
berry: Welcome! Looks like the doe also didn't appreciate the buck's pointed advances.
I love to play with them, the usual game of chasey butt, except this time of year. During the dating season the males all want to play butt heads. More than once I've gotten knocked to the ground by one of those freight trains. Even if you keep a lookout posted they move like lightning. All in fun of course, when they know you and they are being playful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeA5ow7cS1c
This is playful.
Deborah: Yeah, but you're in the city! I'm totally jealousing over all the derelicts you get to see.
wschanz: Thanks for dropping in. I'm glad I saw that video after I went outside to fill the bird feeder. Otherwise, I might not have!
T Michael: I love a good pun!
Welcome, Lady Dove, and thank you!
Lea: Hers came first; his after.
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing them. And your narration is spot-on perfect.
Rated.
I feel a little bad for the buck, I have to say. My friend said it's actually rare to see one in the wild. Is that true? This little mating ritual is adorable. I hope they can soon boogie down!
Mary Ann: Actually, Mrs. P and I got married in Hoboken, many a year ago, so I know it. I felt a little bad for the buck, too, but maybe he shouldn't have led with his antlers, you know? We see a lot of deer around here--there's a huge overpopulation problem, but not usually bucks, no. Though we've seen several this fall: we can't remember a year that they've been so visible. We suspect it's yet another sign of over-pop.
-R-
Lunchlady: Glad you got a peek. We also get turkeys, but you wouldn't want to look at them!
emma: Charms for the charming.
Lija: Welcome! And, you're welcome.