This afternoon I went to a conservation area and went on the only trail I haven't been on yet (2.0 miles round trip with a 0.7-mile each way spur). I saw six armadillos within a few yards of me each time (but all with their faces constantly buried in leaves or hidden by shrubbery until they became aware of me, at which point they ran away), seven deer (4+1+2) and one great big owl. I got some pictures of the owl but there were twigs in front of its face. I haven't looked at them closely yet.
The best thing about the deer was that in the first group of four the first one I saw ran up on a small rise just a few yards off the trail and was still there looking for me, then at me when I got to that spot. I stopped, and she stayed still. The sun was right behind her, so there was no photo opportunity, but the 10 or 15 seconds of direct eye contact was wonderful. Then she tossed her head, stamped her hoof on the ground, snorted and ran off. Then I saw a buck and two more deer and the first one I saw run into the woods. Three of them had to cross the trail in front of me to do that.
I went up past where they had crossed the trail and sat down for a few minutes to drink some water and rest, hoping they might come back out, but they didn't.
It was wonderful! The only problem was that from that trail back to the car was about 45 minutes, and I stayed too long and it was almost completely dark when I got back to the car. Walking in the woods in the dark, not good. :)
Anyway, it was really great, and I wanted to share that with people who would understand. :)
Posted by Brian Gatlin on January 3, 2011 at 9:29 PM
gotta love those special days when you have those moments, Barbara. Much as I love photographing wildlife, most of my cherished wildlife memories come from times I didn't even have a camera with me. (Or the time I saw a mountain lion and was so excited I forgot I even HAD a camera with me!) I find that being open to the day's experiences and being flexible and improvising away from the plan often leads to those moments. Just throw a headlamp in your daypack, and next time you'll be ready for the next great detour and late return!
We sure understand! Sounds like a very wonderful, peaceful day.
Sandy
Posted by Steve Kennedy on January 4, 2011 at 9:39 AM
I agree - those are the days I cherish. Doesn't matter if I "get the shot" or even if I have a camera with me. Like Brian said, get a head lamp so you can see the trail the next time an adventure keeps you out latter than planned and enjoy the moments when they present themselves.
Discussion
3 repliesThe best thing about the deer was that in the first group of four the first one I saw ran up on a small rise just a few yards off the trail and was still there looking for me, then at me when I got to that spot. I stopped, and she stayed still. The sun was right behind her, so there was no photo opportunity, but the 10 or 15 seconds of direct eye contact was wonderful. Then she tossed her head, stamped her hoof on the ground, snorted and ran off. Then I saw a buck and two more deer and the first one I saw run into the woods. Three of them had to cross the trail in front of me to do that.
I went up past where they had crossed the trail and sat down for a few minutes to drink some water and rest, hoping they might come back out, but they didn't.
It was wonderful! The only problem was that from that trail back to the car was about 45 minutes, and I stayed too long and it was almost completely dark when I got back to the car. Walking in the woods in the dark, not good. :)
Anyway, it was really great, and I wanted to share that with people who would understand. :)
Sandy