I can get that last Crabapple
by Kym Backland
Title
I can get that last Crabapple
Artist
Kym Backland
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This was the start of the deer fighting for that last crabapple. She stretched her neck and before I could take the next photo, Mr. Buck shows up to get the last crabapple. Or to mate. But, it was fun to see the "stretch" for that last lonely piece of fruit. These Black Tailed Deer are so interesting to watch around here. Do they ever have LONG tongues. Just like a Giraffe almost.
Here's some of that info you might want to know about.
Deer are among the most familiar animals of Washington, and in many places they are the largest wildlife that people encounter. Their aesthetic beauty is appreciated and admired, although their fondness for garden and landscape plants tries some peoples’ patience.
Two species and four subspecies of deer occur in the state
Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus,), or mule deer, inhabit areas east of the Cascades in Washington, preferring open forests and sagebrush meadows.During summer, mule deer are tan to light brown; during winter, they are a salt-and-pepper gray. They have large, dark-edged ears, from whence they derive their name. The 7 to 8 inch tail of a mule deer is white, except for a black tip. Mule deer are the largest deer in Washington. Adult buck (males) weigh up to 250 pounds; adult doe (females) weigh 120 to 170 pounds.
Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) are our most common deer subspecies. They occur from the crest of the Cascades west to the ocean, preferring brushy, logged lands and coniferous forests. Many of the physical characteristics of black-tailed deer are similar to those of the larger mule deer. The tail is broader and the backside of the tail is covered with dark brown hair that grades to black near the tip. When alarmed or fleeing from danger, the tail may be raised, displaying the broad, white underside. Adult black-tailed deer bucks weigh 140 to 200 pounds and
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus idahoensis, Fig. 2) occur in eastern Washington on farmlands, in low-elevation stream and river corridors, and near populated areas.White-tailed deer are usually reddish tan in summer and brownish gray in winter. They derive their name from their broad, 10 to 11 inch long tail. When alarmed, white-tailed deer raise their flaglike tail, displaying the white underside. White-tailed bucks weigh 150 to 200 pounds and adult does tip the scales at 110 to 140 pounds. Food and Feeding Habits
•Deer eat a wide variety of plants, but their main food item is browse—the growing tips of trees and shrubs. In late winter and early spring, deer eat grass, clover, and other herbaceous plants (Table 2).
•Deer also eat fruit, nuts, acorns, fungi, lichens, and farm and garden crops if available.
•For their first few weeks of life, fawns thrive on milk, which is more than twice as rich in total solids as the best cow milk.
•Deer eat rapidly and, being ruminants, initially chew their food only enough to swallow it. This food is stored in a stomach called the “rumen.” From there it is regurgitated, then re-chewed before being swallowed again, entering a second stomach where digestion begins. From there it is passed into a third and then a fourth stomach, finally entering the intestine.
Shelter and Range Needs
•Deer are sometimes referred to as “edge” species, meaning they thrive at the interface of openings and cover patches. This allows deer to feed in productive openings while being close to escape cover.
•Many wooded suburban environments, such as parks, greenbelts, golf courses, and roadsides, meet the needs of deer.
•Mule deer can move long distances during spring and fall migrations to avoid mountain snow. Mule deer summering in the Cascades migrate as far as 80 miles to reach adequate winter range.
•Black-tailed and white-tailed deer normally reside within a ½ to 3 square-mile area; in mountainous locations, they move to lower elevations for the winter.
hybrids are not common, but are occasionally seen where both species occur in close proximity.
Uploaded
October 24th, 2014
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Viewed 476 Times - Last Visitor from White Plains, NY on 03/29/2024 at 8:18 PM
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Comments (27)
Guy Ricketts
You have the most wondrous yard I have ever seen, Kym! Methinks the buck wanted both that crabapple and to mate - after all, the way to a buck's heart is through his stomach (I've heard). Great capture! v/f
Phyllis Kaltenbach
Oh, what a wonderful capture, KYM! If it didn't take forever to change a title on an image I would change "2 Tora's" to your comment, " He puts his PAW in the air..........Like he Just Doesn't Care! that is so cute! Love this beautiful DEER! L/F
Judith Killgore
You are so fun, I just stop by your place to absorb a bit if joy! You have so many wonderful scenes to make one take a deep pleasant and just smile ...
James Wollard
Kym, saw this through "Images that Excite" group. I love it.! Did He get it?
Kym Backland replied:
James Wollard, Yes, she stretched her neck out long and lean and got that last delicious crabapple
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Claire Bower
Wonderful I really get your desire to capture the emotion of the moment in your work and it comes across loud and clear along with your love of fun and nature. Thank you for sharing these wonderful shots on this site.
Tessa Fairey
Great capture dear Kym! After all that effort she lost to Mr Buck/mate! Happy Autumn my friend! l/f
Randy Rosenberger
It is with great pleasure I chose this piece of artwork from your portfolio to FEATURE on our homepage of the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group. This is the quality of fine art that makes it a joy to share with other artists and prospective customers. Love the beauty and composition of this skillfully presented piece of beauty. Thanks for sharing! Liked and faved Forever, Elvis Randy B. Rosenberger