The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mule_deer
While looking for birds along the trail I decided to stop and take a break from the walk. This trail is at an elevation of 6,500 feet plus and at the time I was quite winded after about a 5 mile hike, carrying two cameras and equipment. I had layed both cameras and pack on the ground and was taking a drink of water when I heard a noise coming from behind a large sandstone rock. Thinking it was a bird rusting in the leaves I was surprised to see these Mule Deer (a total of seven deer) walk from behind the rock.
Expecting them to be like the skittish White Tail Deer, I was expecting them to quickly run away. However, they seemed to be as curious about me as I was about them. A young deer, seen in the following photo, came within ten feet to check me out and then decided to browse next to me. Mom wasn’t really happy about this and started blowing and jabbing her right front leg. She is seen in the last photo with ears raised.
What a great opportunity to film animals in the wild so close-up….made my day. And by the way, birding was also just as exciting.
Photograph taken at Roxborough State Park near Denver, Colorado: March 23, 2011
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxborough_State_Park
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Posted by ShacklefordPhotoArt on 2011-03-25 16:26:43
#Mule #Deer
Tagged: , Odocoileus hemionus , Mule Deer , Deer , Animal , Wildlife , Nature , Roxborough State Park , Littleton , Denver , Colorado , SuperShot , AnAwesomeShot , ShacklefordPhotoArt , ShacklefordPhotoArt.com , Photo Art , Donnie Shackleford