In the summer months, we often see mule deer fawns in our neighborhood. This year, these twin fawns have been living on our property.
One of the twins has a badly broken front leg, but it’s healing itself. My veterinarian said this often happens in bones with growth plates. The injured deer keeps up pretty well with its sibling now.
Their mother keeps a watchful eye nearby. In this picture, she was hiding under a tree branch like I wouldn’t notice her. 🙂
Here she is next door. Can you find the hidden fawn?
The fawns often learn things the hard way. Moments after this picture was taken, the fawn tried to eat the cactus.
Deer like to stay in our yard because there’s plenty of water to drink. This fawn was bedded down next to our water feature.
Our dogs usually keep their distance from deer. Does will attack dogs (and people) if they think their young are threatened. My dog is in the lower right of this picture.
I love watching the deer, but they eat many of the things we plant. You can see how we installed fencing around one of the plants in front of my dog.
Mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, populations are down by 56 percent since 2004 in Deschutes County, Oregon, where I live. Though they can be pests, we tolerate their presence.
Here’s a short video of the fawns playing. I wish they would have been centered in front of the camera better, but you’ll see how they can be endlessly entertaining.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Summer daze
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Beautiful interplay between the fawns and mom. Your dog doesn't seem phased!
Thanks, Anne! My dog wanted to chase the fawn, but knows she better not because mama deer is nearby. :)
Beautiful! Baby deers!
Yes, they are pretty cute!
Beautiful. 😊🥰
thanks, Liz!
This is a wonderful post, Siobhan. You clearly have learned to co-exist with wildlife. Having your yard setup as it is creates a safe environment for all. Beautiful photos.
Thanks, Egidio! Our property is like a giant sized playpen for fawns. There was a third fawn in the yard a few days ago. :D
So sweet Siobhan. There are those who complain about the deer here but like you I love them. They're just so sweet.
Thanks, Tina. It's hard not to like them when they are so adorable. :D
While it's a shame that they damage your plants it still seems a treat to have such beautiful creatures visit you like this :)
Yes, it is, Sarah. It's hard to yell at something so cute when it's munching on your favorite flowers. ;)
Siobhan, deer can be pests in gardens, but they are beautiful creatures... oh, and after a bit of a search, I found the hidden fawn. >grin<
Yes, they're beautiful. Right now, they're too big to get through the squares in the wire fence and too small to jump over it. They'll be here for a while. Glad you found the hidden fawn!
I find this fascinating and lovely at the same time. Beautiful photos :)
Thanks, Sofia! The fawns are so cute.