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Project Noah Nature School
Odocoileus virginianus
This deer's coat is a reddish-brown in the spring and summer and turns to a thicker grey-brown throughout the fall and winter. These deer can be recognized by the characteristic white underside of the tail, which they show as an alarm signal by raising it as they run away. They also stamp their feet and snort to warn of danger. Whitetail deer eat large varieties of food, including legumes and other plants, including shoots, leaves, cacti, and grasses. They also eat acorns, fruit, corn and bird seed. Their special stomach allows them to eat some things that humans cannot, such as mushrooms and Red Sumac that are poisonous to humans. Their diet varies by season according to availability of food sources.
Seen in my yard
This buck is one of a pair of twins born to a doe I have known since 2007. His brother has disappeared but he is very attached to his mother. A week after these were taken (he and his mother are engaged in mutual grooming in the last photo), she began chasing him away as she has given birth to a new fawn. He really wants to be with her but she won't allow that until the fawn is older. My yard is considered a safe space by this family as I don't chase them away and let them eat ivy and bird seed that is on the ground; I spray plants that I don't want them to eat.
Spotted on May 15, 2012
Submitted on May 24, 2012
5 Comments
That is interesting!
While I understand the need for conservation and the opposite side of the coin with population control to curb diseases like Chronic wasting, and also in-breeding. (I myself am a hunter, however, I only ever take what I need, and more often than not will shoot with my camera rather than my gun).
I believe in a healthy balance, which is why spend so much time on my own property creating the perfect habitat and haven for wildlife. (I do not hunt in the habitat as that would just be insanity and cruel, and above all against fair chase).
It's sad that the offspring have died, do you think it could be due to genetics and inbreeding with others of the same family?
I think it's awesome that she brought the fawn to your yard for you to see! Moments like those really brighten any day.
A lot of people in our town detest them and in some neighborhoods have allowed bowhunters in. The bowhunters keep petitioning to be allowed in more neighborhoods. I wrote a report for the town council about the different options of control and asked them to authorize a pilot project with contraception but they haven't responded to that. I have been following one doe and her family for five years now and would be upset if she were shot. Today, she brought her newest fawn to show me (now 7 days old). This is her fifth; two of her offspring have died.
Wow, I have heard of urban overpopulation. It's something I've never personally witnessed though. I bet they are very fat and happy year round having all those "fresh" landscaped yards, trees and shrubs to munch on through out the year! I am glad that they have a safe place or haven in your yard!
I have a section outback between the pines and scrub brush near the seasonal pond, that after I dig the pond out and deeper to make it a year round habitat, I will be planting with clover and various other rich greens for the deer and other herbivores that are residing on the property. hopefully this will keep them out of the veggie garden! LOL
Thanks, Brandon. We have a large population of deer in our urban neighborhood and it's not necessary to plant anything to attract them. In fact, they have pretty much cleared out most of my ivy and other small plants in the wooded area of my yard. The salt lick I have had in my yard was used by them, house finches and squirrels.
Wonderful photos Maria! Thank you so much for adding to the backyard habitats mission!
Do you plant anything specifically to attract the deer? Also have you thought about putting out a mineral lick for them?