(Surprised By) White-Tailed Deer

While out in the field today, I sensed eyes on me.  Across the field, I noticed these four deer "hidden" in the tall grass. 

I zoomed in for a better look at them, and after snapping a few pictures, I was startled when they began to run--and suddenly, about five or six more deer, which were REALLY hidden, popped out from the brush right in front of me and bounded away!!  Can you see them in the top photo?  No matter how hard I try, I cannot!  But....  they are there!!

They don't call them "White-Tailed Deer" for nothing!  As the deer leaped and bounded for thicker cover, their tails stood straight up like white flags, signaling an alert to the rest of the herd.  The sudden commotion was a littl unnerving, to say the least!

Winter Birdwatching

I crossed the state line, where a light snow was falling all day.

These birds seemed to be enjoying it as much as me!

It really was a beautiful day.

A Fowl Mood

An array of waterfowl caught my attention as I spent time at a nearby lake for a little peace after a busy day.

I'll have to consult my reference books to learn the names of most of them, but strictly for viewing pleasure, I offer the following:

                                                                      

Hungry Hawk

Same Route, Different Day

A promise kept, I re-visited the 'new route' I took earlier in the week to view the rolling hills of this scenic landscape.

The swamp, harshly lit the previous time I was there, was now more subdued under a cloudy sky.  It was ready to snow.

And today this heron was there, too.  Fishing.

One of the charming things I found along this route was the tunnel.

AAAHHHGGGG!!!

!

On the Way Home - Alpacas, Deer and Mallards, Too

I took a different route home from work the other day. 
I love doing that!  I never know what surprises lie around
each bend, and today was no exception.

First, I came across--literally in the middle of nowhere--this sculpture.  I had pulled over to the side of the road to gaze across a swamp.  Lookingout the window over my left shoulder, a sparkle caught my eye.

                                                   Over the other shoulder were these mallards:

                                               Which took off in a frenzy upon my presence!

        Around the next bend I drove past small farmyard nestled in the woods.  These alpacas smiled at me.

Continuing on my way, I saw this precious scene sprawled out ahead of me, of which I promptly pulled over and snapped a few photos.

The rest of this new route home proved to be scenic, and I vowed to return during different daylight conditions for more dramatic images.

Thanks for following along!