"My" small herd of deer has become a fixture---to the point that I think if I were to leave a barn door open they would move in
Last night three apparent yearlings were playing---and there was no question that they were playing. They were running after each other from one side of the field to the other, jumping and kicking up their heals as they went. As they were totally engaged in this play the adults simply stood still and watched---right along with me. The play continued until they were tired out---and I am sure they slept well.
This morning they are back in their dinning hall. Without question they are rejoicing in the approach of spring and the greening of the grass. I cannot remember ever seeing a herd of deer that were clearly this relaxed. They are perfectly comfortable with being out in the day time and on occasion will lay down right in the field.
Until hunting season begins again in the fall, they really have nothing to be concerned about.
To the left of this picture is a wild flower patch---and a parking lot for the fawns. In another month the doe will put their fawns in the middle of the flowers while they feed. They do that to further mask any scent of the fawns with the smell of the flowers.