Behind the Scenes - II. A Curious Meeting

 

Wildflowers, sunshine, and one very puzzled male Mule deer who was enjoying some "me time". He seemed perfectly content in his solitude, while I was left wondering why the deer was alone.

I think he might have just found a quiet spot to rest in the flowers away from the herd. Deer like to pick safe, concealed areas to rest.

Young bucks often separate from their mothers and siblings as they mature, spending more time alone while they figure out their own territory. 

Anyway, meeting this male Mule deer was unexpected—at least on my part.

Generally, life is good.

Young Male Mule Deer with His Harem

 

A young buck with his harem appeared out of blue, quickly crossed the road and before they were going to disappear into the desert they stopped and looked at me with curiosity. Just a few seconds decided the fate of this family portrait.

Generally, life is good.

Young Male Mule Deer in November

 

Two days ago I encountered a small group of Mule deer, male and female, on Antelope Island.  

The first thing that caught my attention was a young buck poking his head out of the tall dry plants and intensely staring at something.

He had long antlers, and when he turned to look at me, his antlers stuck out as far as his nose.   

His legs were short and his necked was muscular.  I believe that the buck was young and about three years old. 

The buck broke away from the group and was quite close, but soon he got bored of being away from everyone and went to catch up with his friends. 

The main thing is for the deer to stay together to protect themselves from coyote attacks.

Generally, life is good.