I Walked A Kilometre With Them

Feeling a need to key away here and not exactly sure on what until skimming over previous posts, I have noticed I missed out on sharing one of the coolest experiences for this year. And that was walking a kilometer with 6 White-tailed Deer!

This happened back on April 4th when walking a stretch of the Humber River. I happened to spot a couple White-tailed Deer just down a hill from me. I took a couple shots from the distance I was at; and then thought why not just walk down there and see what happens? If they get spooked, they will move along quick, and I won't pursue. But maybe they will be okay with my presence... "hey, it could happen" is what I convinced myself with.

As I began to slowly walk down the hill, the two Deer stopped and looked at me which made me stop. But neither bolted for the nearest quick exit, which would be in any direction away from me. So once again I moved in closer... slowly and quietly. I never got close enough to touch them but I sure didn't need to use any zoom with my camera. Not long after getting to the bottom of the hill and taking a number of steps with them did I then notice more Deer... 6 to be exact! I was floored! And they were all pretty cool with my presence, just doing their thing, sniffing and eating, walking along at a very slow pace. They'd pass me on either side, cross in front of me and continued their daily activities. Here are a few photos from that 45 minute moment with them...

Pretty sure this is one of the adult females.

The most curious of the herd was this fellow. At one point he was almost at my finger tips being very curious of me. I reached out my hand and he moved nearer to me. Unfortunately for him, mommy (I am assuming) noticed his approach to me which made her stand on her hind legs and bring a front hoof down across this guy's neck. I am certain she was telling him to back off from approching me. If I didn't see it, I wouldn't have believed it for myself. He did back away and move towards the rest of the Deer.

I walked behind this pair for a short bit as the others slowed to enjoyed the feast about the ground.

Out in the middle of some deep woods and I find this piece of furniture.  I ask if there is a smidgen of land not touched or eff'ed up by man on this planet?

It was at this log that I made my decision to be our cut-off point.  As much as I didn't want to leave them, I would have to eventually.  And as the last one crossed over, I silently thanked them for the moment, before I turned back the way I came..  I probably could have spent all afternoon with them if I really wanted to.

There is so much to see out there, even in woodlands so close to my home, here in Toronto. All one needs to do is keep their eyes and ears opens and their mouth shut. Show respect to the creatures as you walk through their home and you will be blessed with a memory to take home with you.