The sun had just risen over the horizon as I started walking down a trail on Monday morning at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I noticed a dark shadow at the edge of the trail and slowed down. When I got a little closer, I could see that it was a small White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). There are probably quite a few deer at the wildlife refuge, but I rarely see one.
The deer sensed my presence, raised its head, and stared right at me with what looked to be mostly curiosity. Our eyes remained fixed on each other for quite some time before the deer crossed the path and disappeared silently in the underbrush.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Great photo! She’s happy to see you only carrying a camera.
Thanks, Dan. It is interesting that you mention that I was carrying “only” a camera, because the refuge was closed later in the week for “deer management.” Several times a year deer hunting is permitted with what I believe are some pretty strict rules. I personally do not hunt, but understand that it is one of the ways for handling the overpopulation of deer in our area. I have a habit of carrying my camera with the long telephoto lens cradled in my arms in a way that I have been told looks from a distance like I am carrying a shotgun. Yikes.
It’s always a wonderful thing to be watched by a wild animal as you watch them
I’ve seen this look on occasion while in Quabbin Park. Deer have a curiosity to them as long as we don’t get within their comfort zone.They do seem to know when it is hunting season. The authority allows for “deer management” but not in the park proper. The reservoir’s watershed is quite large and there is an annual hunting season in different parts to the north and west portions.
In many of the parks in my county there is a lengthy season for bow hunting from tree stands. As I wander I have seen several tree stands, only one of which was occupied.
Special moment!
She looks to be in good health and curiosity is (usually) a healthy thing.
I know that one of the concerns that authorities have about the deer overpopulation in our area is the potential lack of food that could lead some deer to starve during the winter or cause the deer to move into more populated areas where they are more at risk of being killed on the roads.
Spectacular pic!
Thanks.
Beautiful!
[…] Deer at dawn […]
Isn’t it amazing how perfectly silent they can travel? I, on the other hand, am always snapping branches and crunching stones.
Deer is beautiful animal👍🏻