"Natural World" Through My Camera

Mink, Groundhog, Buck & Doe...

2012-02-01T10:29:00.004-05:00

This morning I was lucky to see a mink looking for breakfast along a quiet stream...

Yesterday I found these deer peacefully chewing their cuds...

The day before I saw this groundhog. An unusual sight for the end of January...

And these two bucks that survived the hunting season and were still carrying their antlers...

Recent Sightings...

2012-01-30T19:24:00.002-05:00

This tiny Brown Creeper scurried quickly around the trunk of a tree. I felt fortunate to get at least one photo of it...

A little later I encountered this Slate Colored Junco in a roadside fence...

I have photograped this deer many times but I can't resist when they cooperate so well...

There were hundreds of migrating Canada Geese at the Lilipons Water Gardens...

I saw a group of Wild Turkeys on a recent foggy morning. You do see them don't you?

Here they are with my lens zoomed out to 400 mm...

In this photo they have moved to a more open area and it is apparent that they are mostly young gobblers trying to establish who is the "boss"...

I found these interesting holes in a local stream bank. I believe they were made by Belted Kingfishers and I will be watching them closely to see if I am correct...

This dog was in a large field often occupied by deer and turkeys. I don't know if he is a feral dog or if he belongs on the land...

On my way home I encountered this furniture, left alongside a public road by an inconsiderate person who was too lazy, or too cheap, to haul it to the landfill for proper disposal...

Thanks for visiting. Please stop back soon.

Best of "Red Fox Portfolio"...

2012-01-27T18:46:00.000-05:00

I have been struggling lately to find "blog worthy" photo opportunities. Today I thought I would look through my portfolio and put up what I consider some of my "best of" images. The subjects for today are Red Foxes. I hope you enjoy...

Blood On The Snow...

2012-01-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

We had a little snow and freezing rain yesterday so I did not venture out. Today I went to one of my ususal spots, a meandering gravel road along a beautiful stream. The first wildlife I saw was this young gray squirrel...

Next, I passed the tree where I spotted a screech owl just two days ago. To my surprise, it was still in the same spot and appeared to be napping contentedly...

As I headed for home I came upon this blood trail in the snow. There is no way to say for certain how it was made, but my guess is that a late season bow hunter was successful and this is the route that he took to bring his came to the road...

Thanks for visiting. Stop back again, soon.

Common Screech Owl On A Frosty Morning...

2012-01-20T10:06:00.000-05:00

Every time I pass this tree I look expectantly to see some type of critter in one of the many holes in the trunk. It looks like a place where flying squirrels or birds might seek shelter but, until today, I was never rewarded for my diligence. This morning I noticed that one of the holes looked a little different, and upon closer inspection I was able to identify a screech owl peeking out. He was probably napping after a night of hunting...

This doe emerged from some woods and hurried across a frosty field. I guess she thought she was late for the party...

Feast or Famine Sightings...

2012-01-15T15:41:00.003-05:00

I started out looking for fox squirrels this morning. I had a sighting, but it did not wish to be photographed, so I decided to try another area looking for more willing subjects. In my travels I came across fresh beaver sign. Note the bark stripped from these limbs just outside the den...

A little farther along I spotted numerous Eastern Bluebirds. I don't mean 4 or 5, I mean bluebirds that numbered in the scores. I quickly parked and spent the next hour taking photos of them, and the other species, that were in the area...

I hope you enjoyed today's bluebird bounty. Remember to stop back soon.

Fox Squirrel Breakfast Buffet...

2012-01-14T15:36:00.000-05:00

The big fox squirrels must have been hungry this morning. I went to my usual spot and had three arrive to eat at the same time. Too bad they did not get close enough to each other to allow me to get them all in the same photo...

The first, and boldest, one scampered around the base of a tree and eyed me closely to see if I was friend or foe...

After deciding that it was safe to eat with me nearby he began looking over the osage oranges to determine which one was to his liking...

In this photo it almost seems as though he is asking me if I thought he made a good selection...

Once his selection is made he goes to work gnawing at the tough outter part of the plant...

Soon, the desired seeds are exposed and the meal begins in earnest...

After the squirrels have had their fill the birds arrive to clean up any remaining seeds...

Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoyed watching the squirrels eat as much as I did.

The Pickin's Have Been Slim Lately...

2012-01-13T15:44:00.002-05:00

It seems that with the changing weather wildlife has been harder to find. Here are a few photos that I managed to take over the past few days. They include a gray squirrel, a hawk and a fox squirrel.

I hope the next time you stop by there are more photos to view.

It's All About The Food Source...

2012-01-06T19:52:00.001-05:00

If you have been following my earlier posts about trying to photograph fox squirrels you know how difficult it can be. Today I set up on a food source (osage orange) and was in the right place at the right time. Here are my best photos of fox squirrels to date, enjoy...

When he tired of hearing the click of my camera shutter he took his osage orange and headed for the trees from which he had come...

A little later I encountered this napping red fox enjoying the afternoon sun...

On a rural road near my house I came across this senseless vandalization of a road sign. The bridge in this photos was installed in 1876 and is still fully functional...

Thanks for visiting.

The Last Day Of 2011...

2011-12-31T17:21:00.001-05:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone who visited my blog, signed on as a follower, left encouraging comments, or contacted me off line about the photos I have posted. Your input is appreciated very much.

This morning was foggy in the period just after sunrise. What we called the "edge of light" when I was young. I was sitting quietly, hoping to photography a fox squirrel, when I looked to my left and saw this beautiful buck looking at me through the mist. There were at least three bucks present and it appears the rut is not quite over as they were all interested in a young doe...

When the sun rose a little higher, and burned away the mist, birds became very active seeking food in the trees and among the ground vegetation...

Tufted Titmice came flying in by the dozens...

Mourning Doves were well represented...

There were several White-breasted Nuthatches...

This lone Blue Jay landed briefly before moving on...

While scanning the trees for birds I could not help noticing this tree with an unusual trunk. One of those freaks of nature that leave me wondering what forces caused it to be shaped as it is...

Happy New Years Everyone

and remember to stop by often in 2012.

Fascinating Den Tree...

2011-12-30T18:19:00.000-05:00

Whenever I pass this tree I always glance at the opening and wonder what kind of critters, or birds, have used it for shelter. When I was a kid we called trees with cavities like this one "den trees" and fantasized about what might be hiding inside. More than one forest fire in West Virginia was started by some hunter trying to "smoke" the game out. A foolish practice at best, but part of the "hunting culture" in Appalachia...

The first wildlife of the morning was a group of deer feeding on the frost covered vegetation...

This young deer was interested in something in the woods not far away...

I rarely find a cooperative Red-bellied Woodpecker so I was delighted when this one did not fly...

A little farther on I encountered some Mourning Doves finding their breakfast...

The distinctive red crescent on the nape and white rump marking identify this Flicker...

Some Carolina Wrens are not shy at all, but this one would not hold still...

I did see several gray squirrels scampering through the branches of the Osage Orange trees...

I don't know if tomorrow will provide images worth posting, so just in case it doesn't, here's wishing you a Happy New Year and prosperous 2012.

Natural Camouflage In The Wild...

2011-12-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

How many deer do you see in this photo? Look closely and you will find six. A good example of how wildlife has evolved and adapted to blend in with their surroundings...

One of my recent obsessions has been to photograph a small population of fox squirrels that I recently located. If you live in an area where they are common, you might be thinking "what's the big deal?" I probably see 150 gray squirrels for each fox squirrel spotted. This adds to the challenge of getting photographs...

Later in the morning I found this cooperative Slate Colored Junco...

These deer race across an open field to escape the sound of a low flying helicopter...

Here, two NPS Rangers perform a field necropsy on a deer that is suspected of being shot by a poacher...

I will leave you with a photo of this beautiful old brick farmhouse that witnessed much violence and chaos during the civil war...

Thanks for visiting. Stop back soon.

Symbiotic Relationship In The Wild...

2011-12-26T20:35:00.001-05:00

This gray squirrel gnaws open the hard outer surface of an osage orange. In doing so he gets to eat his fill of the seeds within the plant...

When he scampers off many birds arrive to take advantage of his work and eat some of the many seeds the squirrel left behind...

A Tufted Titmouse and a House Finch enjoy the bounty...

This comical Whitebreasted Nuthatch looks for food on the trunk of the osage orange tree...

The Northern Cardinal adds some beautiful festive color to an otherwise dreary winterscape...

One More Post Before Christmas...

2011-12-24T16:28:00.001-05:00

I thought I was done posting until after Christmas but yesterday, and this morning, provided so many photos I decided to post them today...

This group of deer was foraging in the frosty grass...

Later in the morning some individual deer came into the field to enjoy the sunshine...

Dogs in the distance caused this young doe to flee in alarm...

I changed locations and found some cooperative birds to photograph, including this Red-bellied Woodpecker...

Tufted Titmice and House Finches were feeding on the fruit of the Osage Orange tree...

Squirrels like the seeds inside the fruit as well...

And this White-breasted Nuthatch appeared just long enough to have its photo taken...

Yes, they do circumnavigate the tree by walking sideways, or even upside down...

Merry Christmas everyone...

Raining And Overcast...

2011-12-21T16:23:00.002-05:00

The title says it all. Dreary weather with few wildlife sightings. Today I did see this thoroughly soaked hawk looking for prey in our neighborhood...

A little later I came upon this doe, resting and chewing her cud and perhaps trying to avoid danger. She lowered her head and tried to blend into her surroundings as I approached...

This could be my last post before Christmas. In case it is, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and thanks for visiting my blog and helping to keep me motivated to continue posting.

Mostly Birds On A Cold December Morning...

2011-12-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

Frosty mornings, with temperatures in the mid 20's, has been the norm for the past couple of days. The birds are active early looking for food. I came upon a flock of 11 wild turkeys feeding in a small meadow...

When the sun had risen a little higher I found ths tufted titmouse eating the seeds of an Osage Orange fruit...

Just a short distance away was this house finch also looking for seeds...

A downy woodpecker explores a dead limb looking for breakfast...

As I was leaving the area I spotted this young fawn that appears to be suffering from a digestive ailment...poor thing!

On a remote country road I came across a deer carcass which was serving as a buffet for a number of carrion eaters...

Finally, this tiny brown creeper was an unexpected discovery...

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Eastern Fox Squirrel...

2011-12-17T17:27:00.001-05:00

The Eastern Fox Squirrel is huge compared to most gray squirrels. Although they are not "rare" here in Maryland, I encounter them infrequently and always enjoy an opportunity to observe and photograph one. This one crossed a gravel road, paused for a quick scan for danger, and then dashed across the open field to the next stand of woods. Not long ago I observed a Redtailed Hawk diving on one in this same field. Perhaps he remembers his close get away...

After making it to the woods he scampers up a tree before continuing on, looking for fallen nuts to store for his the winter to come...

A Monarch Has Fallen To A Poacher...

2011-12-15T18:02:00.001-05:00

One of the places that I frequent to observe and photograph wildlife is the Monocacy Battlefield National Park. Recently park rangers found this beautiful buck senselessly killed, and abandoned, by a poacher. Someone who could not be satisfied with a legally killed deer, even in a state where the bag limit during firearms season allows for 12 deer to be taken. Park users, and all citizens, should be outraged by this wanton act that deprives the public of one of the largest deer on the park. Here are a few of the photos I took of him this fall...

The following text is from a National Park Service press release. If you have any information about who might have committed this act please contact Park Ranger Courtney Murphy at 301 698 6247, Ext. 225.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DECEMBER 12, 2011

CONTACT: PARK RANGER COURTNEY MURPHY
PHONE: 301 698 6247 EXT. 225 / 301 331 9343
PARK CENTRAL DISPATCH: 866 677 6677

On Monday, December 12, 2011 Park Rangers at Monocacy National Battlefield discovered a 12-point whitetail deer dead on the Thomas Farm section of the battlefield. It is believed that the deer was killed illegally sometime around the week of December 4, 2011. Rangers discovered the deer while patrolling a section of the park that is accessible to visitors.
Hunting is not permitted at any time within the boundaries of Monocacy National Battlefield. Shooting and taking of wildlife inside the park area is a criminal offense. Poachers are prosecuted to the full extent of the law and potentially face heavy fines, restitution costs, jail time, and forfeiture of crime-associated personal property, including weapons, and loss of hunting privileges.
Persons convicted of the federal poaching statute known as the Lacey Act and 36 Code of Federal Regulations can be fined up to $15,000 and sentenced up to one and a half years in jail.
Rangers are asking for assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible. A reward is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and successful conviction of the violator/s.

Anyone who has information regarding this violation and/or poaching in Monocacy is encouraged to contact Ranger Courtney Murphy 301 698 6247 EXT. 225

Seems Like Deer Is All I Can Find Lately...

2011-12-12T16:25:00.002-05:00

I came across deer in small groups, large groups, and individually. Here are some of the photographs they provided...

A hungry, abandoned, barn cat is hoping for a snack...

This hawk allowed me to take a picture or two. Usually they are skittish and leave quickly...

I was grateful for the chance to take its photograph to share here.

December Is An Interesting Month...

2011-12-10T14:10:00.001-05:00

The rut is not quite over for the Whitetail Deer...

Many waterfowl are stopping in the area during their winter migration...

Mating season has ended for the Red Fox...

And many animals are in survival mode, just trying to get through the cold weather ahead...

These feral cats wait eagerly for a handout when a car slows down or stops...

While the deer feed with the early morning sun warming their environment...

Thanks for visiting.

Another Neighborhood Deer...

2011-12-04T18:37:00.001-05:00

First thing this morning I received a call from the same neighbor that had the buck in his yard yesterday. He wanted to tell me that a piebald fawn was at his feeder and that I should come over and take a photo if I wanted. It only took me about three minutes to be there and start snapping away...

I have read that piebalds suffer from inferior genetics. I don't knowif that is true, but I do believe they are beautiful creatures that I enjoy seeing and photographing...

From there I made my usual loop, looking for photographic opportunities. I came upon this Great Blue Heron that appeared to be hunkered down in the cold...

Just a short distance away a group of migrating Mallards were enjoying the early morning...

There was heavy fog this morning and this doe seemed more like a ghost in the woods than a flesh and blood deer...

I stopped by this historical building on the way home. It was standing during the civil war and was the site of a battle in which thousands were killed...

As always, thanks for visiting.

Sometimes You Don't Have To Look Farther Than Your Own Neighborhood...

2011-12-03T18:10:00.001-05:00

I started out this morning before the sun was up and did not even get out of our neighborhood when I spotted this buck standing in a neighbors yard. I made him a few prints of the shot, I hope he likes them...

After getting out on the small two lane road I spotted this Red-tailed Hawk watching for prey in a farmers field...

This is a great time to spot raptors as they migrate to warmer climates for the winter. I spotted this hawk in another field. I believe it is a Northern Harrier, also known as a Marsh Hawk...

In the next field this doe and her fawn were tentative about crossing. Notice the pie-bald marking on the fawn...

Thanks for stopping by.

Frosty Morning...

2011-12-02T13:51:00.001-05:00

After several unseasonably warm days in a row we had frost this morning. I went out at first light to see what photo opportunities it might offer. I encountered this lovely view of a small stream flowing not far from my house...

Next I went to one of my regular spots for finding deer and came upon these does enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun...

While watching them, several more deer broke from the cover on the edge of a field. Mostly does but one eight point buck was with them...

Thanks for visiting. Come back soon.

Glad To See That He Is Eating...

2011-12-02T13:44:00.001-05:00

This is one of the larger bucks I have been taking photos of all fall. Often times when the rut is going on they forget to eat and wear themselves down to the point that they cannot recover. As you can see, this nine point is eating but he still hasn't lost his interest in the ladies...

It Can't Always Be About Big Bucks...

2011-11-30T19:04:00.001-05:00

Today I came across this fawn venturing out on her own. She was not too camera shy, even though deer season is underway...

While exploring a local stream I found this "cache" of winter food that an industrious beaver cut and jammed into the muddy stream bottom. It will remain fresh until it is needed later on...

A little farther upstream I came upon this young Great Blue Heron fishing for his breakfast...

At the Lilypons Water Gardens I stopped to enjoy this waterway. Moving water has a way of helping a person to unwind...don't you agree?

Fog, Rain And Sunshine...

2011-11-24T10:49:00.001-05:00

This week started out with a lot of early morning fog, sprinkles, drizzles and downpours. Yesterday the skies began to clear and some welcome sunshine arrived. The first photo is from Tuesday. Even though I spent 4 hours waiting and watching, these does bedding in the misty woods were all that I could find...

About mid-morning on Wednesday the sky lightened and the sun broke through. I found these bucks hanging out with a doe...

This 9 point is one that I have numerous photos of, but he is so beautiful that I can't resist snapping more when he is visible...

This respectable 8 point lost last half of his antlers in a battle with another buck for breeding rights...

Here is the doe they were interested in. She's a cutie isn't she?

I returned in the afternoon to see if anything was visible and found the same 9 point still chasing the doe. They were in the woods when I arrived...

A short time later she crossed a field bordering the woods with the 9 point close behind.

Next to appear was this 7 point that was following her scent but being careful to keep his distance from the larger 9 point...

When he crossed the field he found a group of does loafing on the edge and checked them all out...

Later, I found this large buck following a doe in a corn field. You do see the buck don't you? Look through the fork in the tree and you should spot him...

He is a little easier to see in this photo...

As I was heading home I spotted a lot of deer in a farmers field. One was a piebald fawn so I had to turn around for a photo. It is a very long ways off...

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for stopping by.

Long Distance Deer Viewing...

2011-11-21T18:25:00.001-05:00

For the past few days most of my deer sightings have been pretty far away. Sometimes up to a mile, or just a little less. I stretch my longest lens to its limit and then do some additional cropping in the computer and hope for the best...

This buck was beautiful in the early morning light...

He followed the doe that interested him to the wire fence...

Then, he decided that the grass was truly greener on the other side...

After making the leap he had does scattering in every direction...

But the object of his interest crossed back into the green field...

She then led him into a corn field where a merry chase ensued...

Ultimately they ended up in the woods...

Where they found a secluded area for their romantic activities...

A little later these does came running into a field...

They began feeding almost as soon as they stopped running...

Before long, this button buck came running by, startled by some unseen danger...

Perhaps this intruder into the deer woods was the source of alarm...

Or. maybe he was frightened by his own shadow like this doe appears to be...

Thanks for visiting and be sure to check back soon.

Careful, You'll Poke Your Eye Out...

2011-11-19T18:37:00.001-05:00

I had to grimace as these two small bucks sparred. It's a wonder there aren't more blind bucks running around what with them jabbing each other with sharp antlers...

No serious injuries were sustained by either deer.

Mid-Day Deer Activity...

2011-11-19T18:16:00.001-05:00

Due to previous commitments I was not able to get started looking for photo opportunities until mid-day yesterday. I was not very optimistic since dawn and dusk are traditionally the best times to see wildlife activity. Imagine my surprise when I began seeing deer activity at 11:45. These photos were taken from then until 1:00 when I had to leave for another obligation. Enjoy...

Wild Turkey For Thanksgiving Dinner?

2011-11-13T19:59:00.001-05:00

None of these will be on my plate, but it was neat to see this small flock of Wild Turkeys today...

They decided to leave the soy bean field and actually came through a weed row that put them much closer to me...

This Turkey Buzzard was flying over the flock of turkeys as if he wanted to join them...

The Whitetail Deer Mating Ritual...

2011-11-13T15:57:00.001-05:00

As nature and wildlife photographers I think we all are striving to capture rarely seen behavior with our cameras. This morning I was lucky to observe this drop tine ten point buck seduce and breed a doe. I have observed this before on a couple of occasions, but I never had the opportunity to photograph the sequence of events...

This doe seems to know that trouble may be lurking in the shadows of the woods...

Before things get out of hand for her and her fawn she decides to depart...

With a little distance seperating her from the perceived danger she and her fawn comfort each other with mutual grooming...

Not too many minutes later the source of her alarm became apparent...

The glint in his eye may speak volumes to a wary doe...

This buck has a distinctive drop tine on his left antler which makes him easy to identify...

He has found a doe that is almost ready to mate and he will not leave her side...

She is almost ready to accept him and ducks into the shadows for some privacy...

Finally she is ready for him and the cycle is complete...

He will remain with her as long as she will accept him. When she is no longer interested he will be off searching for another chance to pass his genes along to another generation of offspring.

Thanks for sharing my morning. I hope you found it as interesting as I did.

11-11-11 Update...

2011-11-11T18:31:00.001-05:00

I don't have anything special to post today, but I could not let this uncommon date go by without posting something...

These does were grouped together and alerting on the woods where the coyote emerged in my previous post...

Maybe they were concerned by these "other" threats lurking in the woods...

Later, this smaller 10 point buck was searching for a doe of his own...

This nice 8 point buck was following a doe in an area not far from my house...

I watched this Redtail Hawk dive repeatedly on a fox squirrel. The squirrel escaped unharmed (this time)...

Thanks to everyone for stopping by.

To all of my fellow veterans...Happy Veterans Day, and thanks for your service.

Thrilling Photography Opportunity Today...

2011-11-09T18:11:00.002-05:00

I briefly saw this coyote this morning and was able to snap a few photos before it disappeared. This is a rare occurance for me and one that I am grateful for. In the first photo he is staying in the shadows while checking the field for danger or prey...

They Don't Always Come Out In The Open...

2011-11-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

I have received a number of questions and comments lately about how I always find nice bucks in the open to photograph. My response is usually that "they are not always so cooperative and I am not always so lucky". Here is the photographic proof. These photos were taken over the past two days. Between the fog, and the reluctance of the deer to come into the open, good photos have been hard to take...

This mature buck would not leave his doe and she did not want to leave the cover of the woods...

Thanks for visiting.

The Same 9 Point Buck Was Back...

2011-11-06T18:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I posted about this beautiful deer and some of his behavior. This morning I was delighted to see him in the same field and spent a bit of time photographing him...

The rut is beginning to really heat up and does and bucks were very evident. Luckily for me, this one has claimed a field that I can access as part of his territory...

He was not he only buck checking out the field, but this small four point was no real competition for him so he tolerated the intrusion...

And even followed him into the woods for a little male bonding...

To be sure the smaller buck knew he was boss the nine point rubbed a tree to get the point across...

I have observed, but never photographed, this behavior in the past...

Just to be sure the other deer knew he was here he created a licking branch...

He then moved into the shade and made another...

This adult doe decided to leave before his passion got out of hand...

Although he tried to sniff her out through woods and thickets she had disappeared...

Finally he had to give up on the older doe...

And focus his attention on this young fawn...

She was still out running him when I left. Thanks for visiting.

Early Morning Buck...

2011-11-05T17:36:00.000-04:00

Just after sun rise I saw four bucks chasing the same doe this morning, but they were not in a location where I could take photos. Feeling a little discouraged I continued to my usual spot and found this solitary nine point sniffing about the field...

He did not seem pleased with my presence and headed for the woods...

After waiting awhile for him to reappear I moved to another spot where I could observe a different field. In a short time the same buck showed up there...

He seemed interested in a doe, but she was having nothing to do with him...

He then decided to make a scrape at a licking branch and I was fortunate to observe, and photograph, this behavior...

Done licking, time to scrape...

When he got done with the scrape he seemed at a loss about what to do. I was afraid he was going to wander away...

so I used my grunt and bleat calls to see if I could grab his interest...

He moved into the shade and then back into the sunlight. He did not know how to react to my calling. He was probably laughing at me the whole time...

It was a beautiful morning that I enjoyed very much. I hope you enjoyed it too.

Continuing Rut Action...

2011-11-05T16:45:00.000-04:00

I went out yesterday afternoon and things were pretty slow at first. This flock of turkeys came into the field but would not get close enough for really good photos...

There were eighteen birds in all. They would come out into the field a ways, then rush back to the security of the woods. After a while they would come back out again...

Just when it was getting dark and I was losing hope of seeing deer this nice buck showed up to check out the does in the field...

He was not visible too long when this drop tine buck showed up...

The first, larger, buck was not happy about the interloper...

A little buck on buck chasing ensued...

With the smaller buck banished to parts unknown the larger one strutted out of the field...

By now it was getting even darker and the light was fading quickly. This little four point ran out to see if any of the does in this group were ready to breed. Sadly for him, they were not...

Stayed tuned for more action as the rut progresses...

Last 24 Hours Rutting Action...

2011-11-03T14:08:00.001-04:00

Yesterday morning I began my search for wildlife soon after sunrise. The first critter that I found was this fawn feeding on frost covered vegetation...

Not too much later this four point buck, with antlers resembling those of a Sika Deer crossed the field I was watching...

Next, I noticed a spike buck lazily chewing his cud while watching a fawn feeding nearby...

Soon there were a number of does feeding within sight...

Bucks are randomly cruising hoping to find a receptive doe before a larger buck discovers her and claims her as his own...

And there are many larger bucks on the prowl...

This buck seemed indecisive about approaching the does or going into the woods...

He might have been concerned about this ten point buck being nearby...

He seems to be thinking "choices, choices"...

He finally selected one to impress with his size and charm...

Even bedding down to keep an eye on her...

While this pair was occupied other bucks were still searching...

The day as not JUST about deer as this young squirrel proves...

The first deer to come out this morning (Thursday) was this very nice buck...

And later this small buck ran across the field to where some does were feeding...

He was in buck heaven for a while, surrounded by so many does...

These two, probably mother and her fawn, were enthusiastically grooming each other...

Just before leaving for the day I was able snap this photo of a Cedar Waxwing...

Thanks for sharing this time with me. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Evening Buck Activity...

2011-10-31T22:28:00.000-04:00

I went out this evening to see if anything was happening in the Whitetail Deer world. It was...

This nice buck came into a field to check out the ladies...

I think I heard this little doe give a sigh of relief when he walked past her...

He scanned the field looking for receptive females...

And used his keen sense of smell to check them out...

Finally, he seemed to settle on one in particular...

He began to "dog" her everywhere she went...

He seemed a little confused whe she was not receptive to his advances...

But like any good suitor he did not let a little rejection discourage him for long...

He knows that, sooner or later, her biological time will be at hand...

And he intends to be on hand when the time is right...

(sounds like a Levitra commercial doesn't it?)

This young doe will probably be in estrus in December during the "late rut"...

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my afternoon adventure. Stop back again real soon.

Fresh Buck Rubs Indicate Rutting...

2011-10-31T16:43:00.004-04:00

I don't know which buck rubbed these fairly large trees...

I am pretty certain it was not this four point...

But it could have been this ten point...

After all, he has a girlfriend to impress...

And she doesn't want to be left behind...

More Than Just Deer...

2011-10-30T20:40:00.001-04:00

I captured these images today and decided to put them in a seperate post...

First, a Great Blue Heron...

Then some changing leaves...

This flock of pigeons circled my position before landing to feed...

Thanks for stopping by...

Busy Day Today Following The October Snow...

2011-10-30T20:30:00.000-04:00

These two does seem to be saying "You want a piece of me? Come on I'll give you a piece of me!"...

They are in a clinch in Round One...

Then a devastating left uppercut sends the challenger reeling...

Finally, she throws in the towel leaving the winner to celebrate...

Most deer coexist without these types of conflicts but establishing dominance is an important part of living in a Whitetail Deer herd.

This deer was eating late standing corn before the combine comes through to harvest it...

The larger doe in this photo displays a "Roman Nose" typical of older deer...

I think the doe in this photo thinks if she ducks her head and tucks her tail the buck won't notice her...

I think he noticed her anyway, he is following her into the field...

Akward Adolescent or Sexual Predator...

2011-10-29T08:01:00.002-04:00

I watched this 18 month old eight point chasing a doe yesterday evening. Finally he got frustrated and rushed the group. It looked like he planned to force himself on one of them but they all escaped unscathed...

When the does scattered he grabbed a mouthful of grass and acted like nothing had happened...

Earlier in the day these does shared a tender moment grooming each other...

I am glad I went out before the snow came or I might have missed these scenic views...

Thanks for looking...

Blue Heron Looking For Breakfast...

2011-10-27T20:00:00.000-04:00

I found this young Great Blue Heron looking for his breakfast the other morning...

Suddenly, he spied a minnow swimming by...

This doe thinks she hears something behind her...

Maybe if she listens with her other ear...

If all else fails listen with both ears and look where you are listening...

Oh, it was just mom and the rest of the family coming out to eat...

Little brother had to stop at the licking stick...

Notice how dark this does coat appears...

These three deer are late comers to the buffet...

On the way home I spotted this raccoon beginning his evening foraging...

The rut is beginning, stop back often for updates...

First Rutting Activity of 2011

2011-10-26T19:56:00.000-04:00

Went out looking for signs of the rut this evening. Finally paid off as the light was fading. This young eight point was feeling his oats and dogging this young doe around a field...

Taking Exposure Compensation In The Other Direction...

2011-10-26T16:01:00.002-04:00

Since I dealt with adding exposure compensation in yesterdays post I thought it was only fair to do one about under exposure. I promise to keep this short and to the point...

This photo was taken without any compensation...

In this one I dialed in -0.3 compensation...

This one was taken at -0.7 compensation...

Here is -1.0...

And finally -2.0...

Which do you prefer? Because I think that Nikon DSLRs tend to overexpose I usually keep -0.3 exposure compensation set as my "standard" exposure.

Lastly, here is a link to a site that explains EV Compensation much better than I can. I hope you find the information useful and that it enhances your photography endeavors...

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/ev-compensation-explained

Exposure Compensation Can Be Useful...

2011-10-25T13:43:00.003-04:00

Today Ifound this very respectable eight point buck bedded down in the shade. Despite being patient and waiting for him tomove to a better location, he instead, walked deeper into the woods. I used the opportunity to take some photosand apply exposure compensation to them in order to demonstrate the effect.

Here is aphotograph viewed full frame just as the camera recorded it. There is no compensation applied and thelight meter is trying to compensate for the brightness of the field and treesinstead of providing the correct exposure for the buck resting in theshade. What, you don’t see the deer?

In thephoto below I have heavily cropped the image so that the deer is visible but noexposure compensation is applied.

Here I havedialed in +0.3 stops of compensation.

Now I haveadded +0.7 stops of compensation.

Here is theeffect of +1 full stop of compensation.

Finally,here is +2 stops of compensation.

I hope this makes the use of exposure compensation a bit clearer to those who have never tried using it. Almost all digital cameras have this capability and sometimes it may be the only way to get the photo that you desire.

No Beaver Today But The Deer Were Moving...

2011-10-23T14:44:00.001-04:00

I started out this morning hoping to photograph one of the beavers that reside in our local stream. I failed to see one but I did see evidence that they are still about. This gnawed branch was a beavers meal not too long ago...

Things got a little better when I changed my focus to the local deer population...

Not all of these bucks were photographed today but I thought it was interesting to note the difference in their antlers...

First a little "button buck"...

An 18 month old four point...

The left antler on this buck is growing down the side of his head...

This mature buck would be considered a trophy by almost any hunter...

That is until they saw this even larger one...

This buck is sneaking along a creek keeping under cover. He must know that hunting season is in...

Or maybe he is frightened by the scarecrow...

The leaves are beginning to change, and fall, making the woods more colorful...

And the squirrels are scampering about gathering nuts for the cold weather to come...

Thanks for stopping by...

Does and Fawns and a Kitty Cat, Too!

2011-10-20T02:52:00.002-04:00

Went out for some wildlife viewing recently but the crittersdidn’t want to be seen. I found thesedeer eating in a field late in the day. I wonder if they know that muzzleloader season starts today? After a while they drifted back into thewoods.

There always has to be someone who gets behind the rest of the group...

I saw this cat prowling for mice. I don't know if it is a feral cat or just one who strayed far from home...

Thanks for looking. Keep checking back for new photos...

Leaping Fawn...

2011-10-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to post this photo for a while. I just came across it again today and decided the time is now. I hope you enjoy...

Licking Branch Activity...

2011-09-30T19:46:00.001-04:00

I am a little behind on updating the blog. I just was released from a short stay in the hospital and, hopefully, things will get back on track soon. These deer are leaving their scent in an inportant means of communication with other deer in the area...

Let The Games Begin...

2011-09-21T21:25:00.000-04:00

Each year the beginning of autumn signals the start of the Whitetail Deer rut, the very intense breeding season. This is when the larger bucks begin to throw caution to the wind and show themselves during daylight hours. The patient, diligent photographer will sometimes get lucky and capture images of this behavior...

And all to win the affections of the local does...

Thanks for looking. Please stop back again soon.

Fawns Are Losing Their Spots As Autumn Progresses...

2011-09-20T07:25:00.003-04:00

I recently came upon this fawn near Adamstown. It seemed confused about whether to cross the road or not and lingered long enough for me to get these photos...

Piebald Fawn With Family...

2011-09-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos of the same piebald fawn that I posted last week. I hope to keep seeing it and documenting its growth into adulthood...

Buck Shedding Velvet From Antlers...

2011-09-19T08:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I found this buck with partially shed velvet hanging from his antlers. This is the first time I have been able to photograph a buck in this condition. I hope you enjoy the series. Pay particular attention to the left antler...

I hope you can visit again soon. I have some new piebald fawn photos that I will be posting...

Writing A Column For An On-Line Magazine...

2011-09-11T18:08:00.001-04:00

I was asked to contribute a column to an online outdoor-hunting magazine on the subject of wildlife photography. Here is a link to the publication:

http://marylandwhitetail.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=5485459

I would encourage you to look through the entire magazine. There are articles about hunting ethics, etiquette, archery and much more. If you are undecided about hunting you may find some new insight into how ethical hunters think and act. It seems that these days only the less admirable faction of the hunting community gets much attention. In any event, I hope you enjoy the wildlife photography column. I will try to keep it interesting.

First Piebald Fawn Of 2011...

2011-09-10T20:48:00.001-04:00

I went out this evening to a recently planted field that often holds deer as sunset approaches. When I got there about 18 does and fawns were enjoying the farmers crops...

It is always a pleasure to watch does and fawn interact. In large numbers it can be hard to tell which fawns belong with which does. Fortunately the deer always know...

On the way home I came across this unusual sight. A piebald fawn with its normal colored mother and sibling...

While not true albinos, these unusual deer are always a special treat to observe and photograph. Thanks for letting me share this one with you. It is not often I find enough subjects to make two blog posts on the same day. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

First Day Following The Storm...

2011-09-10T13:57:00.003-04:00

We finally have seen the last of Hurricane Irene and theresidual rain that has been falling on the East coast recently. Here are two photos of storm clouds movingover the Catoctin Mountains near Jefferson, MD…

I went out thismorning hoping to find something of interest to photograph and was rewarded forthe effort. A few days ago I spottedthis felled tree that had been stripped of its bark by one or more beavers…

As I approached the same area this morning I saw a beaver onthe bank feeding on succulent plants that had been underwater just the daybefore. He tolerated me long enough toget this series of photos…

After it left I decided to wait a while hoping that it wouldreturn soon. In a short time these mallardscame swimming upstream…

When they left I was visited by a Great Blue Heron thatquietly fished its way downstream. Thebeaver never did reappear…

In this photo you can see that this section of the creek hastwo distinct colors where surface runoff from the recent rain comes into thestream…

Thanks for stopping by, and come back again soon.

An Evening With Whitetail Deer...

2011-09-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why, but yesterday evening the deer wanted to come out of the forest to be in the crop fields earlier than usual. Fortunately, I was present and able to record these images...

These fawns seem undecided about which way to go.

I'm not sure if they are conferring about strategy, or just sharing an affectionate moment.

Mom can be seen in the background making sure that all is well before making her appearance.

In this photo mom and one of this years fawn are joined by last years offspring.

Does and fawns seem to share a special bond.

Especially during the fawn's first year.

"Hey, wait for me!"

"I'll play with big brother if mom won't wait."

"Who's still in the woods?"

"Oh, it's you. Let's play!"

Thanks for visiting. Come again soon.

No Coyotes, But I Did See These Gobblers and Paw Paws...

2011-09-01T13:11:00.002-04:00

I went out this morning hoping to locate two coyotes that I recently heard about. They were as elusive as usual but I did find three wild turkey gobblers and some paw paws. The fruit will not be fit to eat until the first frost of the year. When I was young we used to call them West Virginia bananas, yum...

Black Vultures on Deer Carcass...

2011-08-31T20:19:00.003-04:00

I happened upon a group of Black Vultures feasting on a road killed deer. All but this one flew at my approach...

He climbed atop the carcass with a defiant posture...

These two "lovebirds" are sharing a morsel of regurgitated carrion...

Driving Through The Hurricane...

2011-08-29T08:47:00.002-04:00

We went to Amherst one day ahead of schedule just to look around and get to know the area. We were glad that we did because we were able to get Kyle moved into his dorm before the storm arrived. From now on the Class of 2015 will always be the "Class of Hurricane Irene" in my mind. Here are a couple of pics, taken through the windshield, while we were driving across New York state. Our route south was closed by flooded highways so we had a major detour to find an open road to get home...

Belted Kingfisher and Green Heron...

2011-08-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

Both of these birds are difficult to photograph due to their shyness. I was lucky to get these images this morning. I hope to try again soon...

Artsy, F**tsy, Critters Have Been Hard To Find...

2011-08-17T22:15:00.001-04:00

Rather than post more deer, egret, and heron photos this week I decided to try something new. I hope you enjoy...

Great Egret In The Early Morning...

2011-08-13T17:56:00.002-04:00

I came upon this cooperative egret while it was searching for breakfast. Thankfully, it allowed me to take a few photos before departing...

Here he has found what appears to be a snail as an appetizer...

Then he decides on something more substantial as the main course...

A nice crayfish, or crawdaddy if you prefer, makes a good meal...

You can see the lump in the egret's neck where his food is going down...

Enough fishing at this location. Heading for new waters...

Thanks for viewing, and sharing my morning...

Natural Beauty All Around Us If We Remember To Look For It...

2011-08-10T18:39:00.002-04:00

Over the last couple of days I have been lucky to find some beautiful subjects to photograph. Yesterday I saw this Great Egret and three others along a small stream...

Many fawns were visible including this group of three, and others...

This doe is unusual because she does not have a white throat patch that is typical of most Whitetail Deer...

One term often heard in areas with too many deer is "browse line". Here it is apparent how the browse line is created...

This abandoned caterpillar tent caught my eye this morning. I photographed it a few days ago and it was still teeming with the larvae...

Finally, these lovely blue flowers were blooming in abundance at the LilyPons Water Gardens...

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, remember to stop back soon.

Cooperative Green Heron This Morning...

2011-08-05T18:54:00.003-04:00

Usually these birds do not hang around long enough for me to take photos. Thankfully, this one was different. Enjoy...