These two cuties came running up from the woods the other day while I was reading on the barn porch.
They’ve grown so quickly.
Getting taller every day.
We have a total of four fawns who visit.
But I’m guessing these two are twins since they’re always together.
Mom wandered up shortly after.
And kept an eagle eye on me and my camera.
No worries momma.
Bambi is safe with me.
Still stealing deer food.
And when it’s too big to finish in one sitting?
They’re still planting.
And I’m still cleaning up scattered dirt.
And squirrel poo.
Help me out with this…
Aren’t teenagers supposed to grow up and move out?
But the ever dwindling woodchuck family is now down to three.
Momma chuck and two children.
The sextuplets are now twins.
And even more outnumbered by the starlings than ever.
But they’re growing quickly and packing on the pounds for winter.
So much so, it’s getting hard to distinguish them from their mother.
Until…
She stands up.
No doubt about it then.
Does anyone know where I can get a woodchuck girdle?
Asking for a friend.
We caught another glimpse of Bambi last night.
Making it’s way into the woods with mom.
Can I get an awwww?
Last year’s babies antlers are growing…. this one’s straight up.
And this one’s up and out.
They’re brothers and no, I have no idea why their racks grow in different shapes.
And lastly, the end.
Of the deer, as well as my post.
We had our first little guy sighting of the season the other day.
And oh my goodness….
If that isn’t the definition of the word sweet I’ll eat a kale souffle.
The family kept a close huddle on the food.
But Junior managed to push his/her way into the fray.
I think I might have audibly squeaked in joy at that point.
Bambi!
We knew some of the does were pregnant, but they won’t bring the fawns up out of the woods for the first few months.
And even then it’s usually very early in the morning when yours truly is still in dreamland.
So it was wonderful to see them in the late late afternoon when the sun was still shining and providing light for pictures.
Welcome to the herd little one.
You’ll want to stick around, the crazy lady with the camera lays out a pretty nice buffet.
This is the time of year my heart goes out to these graceful wild creatures.
Because in Maine?
It’s fly season.
And there’s nothing flies like more than a juicy deer.
The poor things are covered in them.
Day and night, night and day.
All over their bodies.
They twitch, they scratch, they shake like a Parkinson’s patient to no avail.
I can’t even imagine how horrible this must be.
I go berserk if one nasty fly finds me when I’m mowing the lawn…. I’d be stark raving mad if I had to contend with this many!
Okay, I admit it.
The little rat bastards fellows are cute.
Sitting on the railing….
With vibrant day lilies blooming in the background…..
Voguing for the camera like some fur covered super model.
Though I highly doubt Naomi Campbell ever pooped on her runway.
Cute, yes…
But you’re still a giant pain in my ass!
Woodchucks are still being tormented by starlings.
And are sometimes drastically outnumbered.
Deer and fox happily dine together.
Squirrel keeps an eye on deer.
But calls in back up.
Until another fox shows up.
Who is so chill he lays down and eats like a Roman.
How chill?
He even smiles for the camera.
Deer, fox and squirrels depart, woodchucks return.
It’s the circle of life.
Otherwise known as an average afternoon in our backyard.
*note – these pictures were taken before the drought turned our lawn a lovely shade of brown*
I was finally able to grab a few pictures of our resident buck.
Which is getting harder to do as the summer wears on.
But this father son shot was pretty sweet.
Junior’s antlers are growing.
And it always makes me wonder what the felt feels like.
Naturally there are woodchuck photos.
And some close ups.
We have one lone chipmunk this year.
And yes, those pesky red squirrel babies are still here.
Using our deck railing as a cafeteria.
As well as a toilet.
Yes, I’m talking to you.
Clearly your mother didn’t tell you not to shit where you eat.
Bad form. Very bad…..
Of photos.
But after the post I did the other day, I don’t blame you for wondering.
Babies have grown up.
And venture out daily. Three in the above picture.
They are also getting fat.
Though I can’t imagine why.
I’m sad to say I saw a fox run off with one in it’s mouth last week.
And though momma chuck does her best, nature will occasionally have her way.
She started with 6 children, went down to 4…. and now it’s 3.
Quadruplets are now triplets.
But they’re still fun to watch….
I’m still trying to make friends…
And Momma still needs a good support bra.
River's world..... 