Our white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

The cycle of life is evident in our region. We lost Lil' Orphan Annie last week, however, life goes on as the forest makes way for the new generation.

I was out grabbing the newspaper at 5:30 a.m. Wed., July 6th. It's the perfect time of day. Cool, quiet. The deerflies were biting, though. They stuck me three times. I am glad I had my camera with me! The deer velvets are beautiful! This buck will have a handsome set of antlers once they grow. They prepare for rutting season, when they fight for the does.



Down to the trailcam, I risked life and limb with the deerflies, as well as sweat. It's very hot. I use a sticky on the back of my hat. Close up, they have lovely colours! Their bite leaves a nickel-sized welt. It's one of the issues we face, deerflies and deer ticks. We have a TICK COUNT 2016 of 106, with the season only half over. Last year from May to November we had a grand total of 105.


Happily, when I recovered the footage, I found 10 seconds of joy. This is the first fawn I've seen this year. Out for a morning jaunt down beyond the meadow. They do not come up onto the lawn, as the deerflies are horrid. It's been terribly hot, as well and I decided to put on the air conditioner. IT's on its last legs, but still chugging away.

Tuesday morning, on the trailcam...
Deer fawn from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

First we see the buck, 3 minutes later the Coyote, then the bucks again! It was very exciting.
Trailcam buck Coyote from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.