A few days ago, on a hot and sunny afternoon, hubby and I jumped in the car and headed out on a quick errand. We soon got out to the main road. The very first driveway off to the left leads back toward a splendid country estate behind a tall fence and set on several acres of forested land. At that driveway, I nearly ran the car off the road.
A handsome buck stood stock still, not even an ear twitching. I stopped the car -- luckily I wasn't being tailgated, in fact we had the road to ourselves -- and stared back at this simply magnificent animal! His coat was fine and a lovely golden tan, his antlers were delicately covered in velvet, and he seemed unafraid of us. Hubby and I were so in awe!
I had no idea if this fine fellow was going to run across the road in front of us or bolt back into the woods outside the fence, or turn and bound down the driveway into the timber or even turn off toward the big house. [I'd read somewhere that deer can easily leap 24 feet.] We sat in the car, the deer stood in the driveway. We all made eye contact, rather startled but intrigued by each other.
After about a minute he'd had enough. I suppose it was when I spoke to him. "Hi sweetheart," I cooed softly. It's pretty silly now to write those words, but it's what just came out, he was that impressive. I guess I just forgot I was talking to a wild animal.
When he turned, he wagged his black-tipped tail at us and delicately picked his way into the brush in front of the main fence and just vanished into the wood.
When we came home an hour later, and turned onto the main road, I slowed the car down and hubby and I looked up and down all the driveways, and scanned the wooded lots, horse pastures, front lawns, and meadows, hoping to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous animal again. But, alas, our little friend didn't come to out to say hello.
I wish I'd have had the camera with me -- naturally I didn't. I found this deer on the 'Net. I don't know who took the photograph, but the deer looks so like the one we saw, I wanted to use it and thank the photographer for their outstanding work. I will find it again and give the proper attribute to him or her. Excellent work!!
The next time we go out on a hot and lazy afternoon, I will take the camera with me and hope for a repeat sighting. Until then, this handsome fellow will do nicely!
14 comments:
I'm glad you kept the car on the road. What a great encounter with such a beautiful animal. We have lots of deer in the area but rarely see them.
You also learned an important, always have a camera nearby.
SQ
Wow that is so awesome. My in-laws something get deer on their property. Sometimes they just lie down in the grass and rest for a while.
My neighborhood, while very populated, and located just 2 blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan, has LOADS of deer, thanks to the ravines and forest areas. The does are often seen scampering through yards and across our roads. The bucks, however, are more elusive... perhaps a bit more shy? Anyway, I have only seen one, in all my years here. He was meandering right down the center of my street, straight towards the beach, with his head held high, as if daring anyone to accost him. What a sight!
I'm glad you had the opportunity to meet this grand fellow!
What a wonderful meeting! It's just as well you didn't have a camera. This way you got to notice everything and fully enjoy it.
Our daughter lives in the mountains between Florissant and Cripple Creek, Co and has pictures of as many as 6 does and a buck at her living room window waiting for her to give them a cookie. They stop by every evening. Simply amazing! Great post....
Very cool encounter! We have a ton of deer out here, and also a TON of open space, so I never see them near the house, which is good for my garden, but it does mean I see them as I pass through the State Forest. I'm lucky that they've stayed on the side of the road, that jumping 24 feet thing makes me nervous!
What a lucky encounter..I do envy you.
There are deer around here, mostly preserved for hunting, and very wary indeed.
SQ!! I did learn that lesson -- hope I just remember to take it always! LOL As for the deer, I think they're wandering around looking for water. We've had much less rain than normal and a hot spell that comes and goes, and on this ridge, no rivers. I think they are raiding back yard collapsable swimming pools! [And my cheapo-birdbaths, which are often knocked over in the morning!] :D
Loree!! Thanks for your comment! We've noticed in our front yard, a huge flattened area on some mornings. Maybe the deer are resting here once in a while, too! That would be very cool!! :D
Flea!! Wow that is so cool to be close to the lake & have so much wildlife!! The buck you saw sounded simply magnificent!! Right now the bucks are keeping a low profile and growing this year's antlers and getting ready to fight each other for the does this fall. But they are out there and since you're so close to their habitat, it wouldn't surprise me that you will see one soon. I sure hope you do!! Be sure to keep us posted!!! :D
Mary Anne!! Thank you so much for your comment!! Yes, I think you're right, we did notice everything and enjoy the experience so much -- I guess it's kind of seared in the memory now! LOL :D
SG!! Wow, your story of the deer and the cookies -- how wonderful! What a beautiful experience -- God's creatures dropping in for cookies!! What delightful little neighbors they must be!! I would love to see that -- she is so lucky! But it's the deer that make out like bandits -- all those cookies! Has she said if they have favorites? LOL Next thing they'll be staying for coffee -- or maybe they'll stick around for pie or waffles with lots of whipped cream? I hope she has video of them. I would love to see it!! :D
Kate!! Thanks so much for your comment!! You're in deer country all right! Just always remember to be careful driving at dusk and dawn and of course overnight in those dark forested areas with no street lighting and you'll be OK. But take your camera along in case you see one!! :D
Fly!! Thank you so much for your comment! That is very cool that you too have deer near your village!! They probably are a slightly different variety -- but with the same personalities -- and needs. Have you noticed they love flowers? LOL Such cuties but they can be pests!
If you see one and have your camera handy, snap a picture! I'd love to see it! I can see them now, delicately picking their way along the sidewalk cafes and peeking in at the farmer's market, and stopping at the flower stall for an afternoon snack. LOL :D
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