Sunday, December 9, 2007

Most Welcome Backyard Visitors

Wednesday, my grandaughter Keely called to me and my grandson Zach in a hushed sort of voice. I went out to the kitchen and she was standing like a statue by the window that looks out on the back yard. She whispered for us to slowly come to the window. There in the backyard were two deer. One was very large, the other smaller. They were eating some of the branches on a pine tree. I took a picture of the smaller one but it didn't come out very well. The screen was still in the closed window, so it made for a blurred photo.



The deer actually seemed so much larger than those we usually see. I think that is due to the fact that we only see them in the late spring and summer. On those rare occasions when they come to the back yard, they are usually partially hidden by foliage. They don't stay long. Usually we spot them across the street at the far side of the baseball field. Again, they don't linger.

Wednesday was different. We watched them for a good 10 minutes. They wandered from the far side of the pond to the other end of the house. Slowly we made our way to the bedroom facing the woodsy area at that end of the house. It was dusk and snowing, but we had no problem watching them. They were beautiful. Finally they made their way to the woods across the street. I managed to get one picture in which, if you look carelfully, you can see them. The sky had darkened by this time and it is reflected in the photo.



Dave told a co-worker about our adventure. He suggested a feed that we could put out to attract the deer back to the yard. Dave bought it. It smells good enough to eat. It looks similar to granola. Dave had put some out Friday, Saturday and today. There are all kinds of deer tracks in the area. Each morning when he checks, all the feed is gone!

Today he put a motion sensor out there that beeps softly in the house whenever disturbed. Hopefully, we will get to see them again and get some good photos. (Yes, we took the screen out - finally. LOL).

Zach, Keely and I were enthralled watching them. They are so beautiful. It was a wonderful experience for us to share. With a little luck, we will have more opportunities to see these beautiful and most welcome backyard visitors!

12 comments:

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Tina!

Love the deer photos in the snow. And how nice that Keely and Zach were there to enjoy seeing them. Of course, at my house, I'm liable to bump into them, there are so many. But it all started with some feed, 6 years ago. Now they're always close-by, and come out of the woods when I go outside. And some of them will take a cookie or a piece of bread from my hand. My granddaughters love to watch them, when they're here. They are beautiful creatures, and bring me much joy. I'm glad you're enjoying them as well.

Blessings,

Renie

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

That's what is so grand about living in or near wooded areas! I think deer are elegant, graceful creatures that are so beautiful! How wonderful that Zach and Keely were able to share in that fun "spying" with you :0)

Thanks for another great post--and what pretty photos!

Smiles,
Michele

Tina Coruth said...

Hi Renie,

Thank you! As I was making this post, I was thinking about you and the deer in your woods. I can't imagine what a thrill it must be to have a deer take bread from your hand. Now that we are leaving out feed, maybe they will grow accustomed to us and not run away. That would be lovely!

I'm so glad you stopped by. It's always good to see you. :-)

Hugs,
Tina

Tina Coruth said...

Michele,

I'm a city girl born and raised - no where near woods. I always loved the hubbub of the city. But I'm glad we moved out here where there are woods and not so many lights. Although we aren't isolated, it is enough that my family has seen all kinds of wild animals. (Dave was a country boy, so already had these experiences.)
There is something about deer. As you said, they are "elegant, graceful creatures that are so beautiful." It is a joy to watch them and a delight to see how much my grandchildren love them, too.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice compliment! :-)

Smiling right back at you,
Tina

Michele said...

Hi again, Tina! I just wanted to drop in to say thanks for your sweet words you left on my blog today. I'm dreaming big with my goals for 2008 and praying I at least do my best all year to reach them!

Smiles,
Michele

Grandy said...

I love it when the bambis come around. They are smart animals, that's for sure. I see them in my yard more when it's deer hunting season. It's like they know that my neighborhood is off limits.

Mary said...

Tina,

Wow! I can make out the deer in the photos very nicely. How wonderful to have deer come to your yard. I do hope the feed draws them to your yard so you can enjoy their presence.

Blessings,
Mary

Mary said...

PS. I forgot to tell you that I've tagged you for some hoopla. Please drop by and find out what you have to do. ;-)

Tina Coruth said...

Michele,

You're welcome. I enjoyed reading your post. You are an inspiration! I know you will accomplish your goals. :-)

Smiling right back at you,
Tina

Tina Coruth said...

Grandy,

I'm glad the deer know where to go in hunting season. My yard is off limits as well. I think you are right - they know where the friendly areas are. Thanks for stopping by! :-)

Tina

Tina Coruth said...

Mary,

Thank you! Yes, the feed is working. There are three that come for dinner in the evening and breakfast in the early morning. It's always dark. Sometimes I can just barely see them. The tracks in the snow can't be missed. LOL

Hugs,
Tina

Tina Coruth said...

Hi again, Mary! I'm on my way over right now! :-)

Hugs,
Tina