Sunday, October 17, 2010

Backyard deer and a fox

deer,blacktail deer


The trouble with wildlife photography is that the wildlife doesn’t always cooperate. Several days ago I saw this little bunch of does and fawns in the field right behind my house. I happened to have a still camera handy, so I grabbed it and took this shot. Several shots actually, but this was the best. For the next few days I kept the video camera set up on a tripod hoping the deer would be back. A couple of times I saw 1 or 2 deer in the field, but to late in the evening to shoot any video. So far there has been no further sign of them.

A couple of days ago I took Bear out to set up a couple of calling stands. Drew a blank on the first stand. On the second stand I was using the electronic call, playing cottontail distress sounds. Only a couple of minutes into the call and I caught a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye. There was a fox in the brush, but it saw me at almost the same time I saw it; swapped ends and beat it out of there. I didn’t even have time to turn the camera on. Bear had seen the fox too, so I turned him loose for the run. At least he had some fun out of the deal.

8 comments:

HermitJim said...

Bet ol' bear was all excited with the exercise! Good to at least get some sighting, even if you didn't get a picture!

Bob Mc said...

I always enjoy seeing something come to the call Jim; a photo or video is icing on the cake. The fascinating thing about predator calling is you can never be sure what might show up.

Keith said...

I know just what you mean. I saw two grey Kangaroo (Australian deer) today just outside the garden fence. I grabbed the video camera but have not played it back yet. These two were young and sleek, and the female had a joey in the pouch.
Usually we see mostly walleroos & wallaby, the roos are a pleasant change. These two are new to our forest, & I hope they stay around.
Regards.

murphyfish said...

Ah the bain of my life at the moment Bob, trying to photograph the critters that I see on the trail. A combination of Lucy’s exuberance and my stealth being akin to a bull in a china shop manages to thwart all attempts to photo anything furry apart from at a distance. Seems to go back to my schools reports; ‘must try harder’!
Regards,
John

Leigh, Andrea Leigh Gil said...

ha! I feel your pain! It seems that my life's ambition is going to be catching the turkey that grace our field on film! Try getting close enough with the goats calling out to them your every move!

Bob Mc said...

Seems like everyone with a camera and an urge to capture the local wildlife has had the same experience. LOL. No one said it was going to be easy. I haven’t hunted deer with a gun or bow in years, but deer season is open now and that may have a lot to do with it. I haven’t seen a buck since that one walked past my camp last summer. I wonder if he is still alive. Season will close next weekend, and the deer will soon be in the rut. I’ll bet the bucks will start showing up then.

spotted face said...

I have seen several red fox in these parts the last couple of years. Really nice to see the environment can support them again. I think there has been a mouse population explosion or something. Tons of hawks and owls, too.

Better luck with the camera next time! Take care -

Casey

Bob Mc said...

Gray fox here Casey. They like the heavy timber/brush country. I've never lived where there are red fox.