How Photographers Effect Wildlife. Part 1, Deer
/The very act of observing something changes it, and wildlife is no exception. Take deer for example. This is a tender time for them. The does are having babies, the bucks are growing antlers, and everybody is shedding.
So here's terrified embarrassment:
"NO-o-o!! Nobody can see me like this!"
Boys can be so sensitive, and photographers can be so cruel.
Does have lots of responses. Like the butt shot:
"Hah! Silly photographer will go away if I just give her a butt shot. If that doesn't work then Grandma Doe up the road will kick her into next week."
Yep. I left the scene.
Next a doe responded to my presence with illogical avoidance:
"If I hide behind myself then you can't see me."
Hopeful distraction:
"Look! What is that over there?"
And the direct approach:
"Go away! You can come back in a couple months when I've shed out!"
I think that I really crossed the line. Does don't yell very often.
Then there is disgusted resignation:
"It's not bad enough that I'm shedding, you just have to take a picture when I'm also ankle deep in slime? No respect. Well, I guess I best just get on with it, and you, stupid photographer, can just prove that you're shameless."
Gosh, should I have held back on publishing this photo?
And finally there's quiet self-restraint:
Aw-w, so sweet. Babies can be so wise. This silent baby was left untouched. Human scent can cause a doe to reject her fawn. I used a long lens so that I didn't have to get too close and only stayed a few moments. Mama Doe is out foraging and will be back soon.
Next: Bears.
Wishing you fun observations each day,
Alaska Beachcomber
More lighthearted posts with Southeast Alaska deer:
Deer Moms Embarrass Their Kids, Too
And lots of animal posts: Alaskan Critters Menu
