The Bucks Stop Here

One of the many joys of living out here in the country is that we are so close to nature.  We have deer in our yard most of the year, and moose wander through in the winter. We have heard and seen evidence of coyotes, and have seen a bunny or two (in fact, we saw bunny tracks in the snow last winter - with coyote tracks right behind). Our neighbor has badgers living under her driveway. I really hope I never run into them.

My husband feeds all of the wildlife: deer for the corn, peanuts for the squirrels, seeds for the birds, mineral licks for the moose. (He hasn't started feeding the badgers yet.) We call our yard Bruce's Backyard Bistro. Here he is last winter making his rounds.

The adolescent deer we saw when we moved in last November are now young adults. Their mother isn't with them anymore, but a couple of brothers still come to the Bistro together. It's exciting to see them strong and healthy, and watch their antlers grow.

This guy is licking his lips - he's really enjoying his meal!

The biggest boy is pretty reclusive and only shows up at the Bistro right before sunset. The slightest noise sends him running. I guess you have to be pretty wary if you're an eleven point buck. I was able to sneak this one in from the back porch.

And now we have a new generation started. This is our first fawn of the season. Its mother just started bringing it to Bruce's Backyard Bistro. I hope it enjoys the menu as much as its older siblings and friends.