Thursday, May 21, 2009

Oh, Shenandoah!

Finally - it's spring in the park (Shenandoah Nat Park - my favorite spot; hope I don't get shot there now!). Flowers, butterflies.....

More butterflies....


and BIRDS!! This Canada warbler is a first time for me....he was really high up!

Catbirds aren't particularly exciting, as we have them all over the place at home, but he just looked so beautiful,

And this guy I'm not real sure about. I thought it was a great creasted flycatcher (it's some kind of flycatcher), but it sure had a strong black eye line. He was funny with his cap sticking straight up!

John got these scarlet tanager photos - When I saw him, he wasout of decent reach, even with the uber lens.

Taking off.

Willard, it's time! I watched this doe through the brush for a long time, trying to figure out why she just looked at me and never turned to leave. Then I glimpsed the chestnut color under her, and the enchantment began! I couldn't have been in a worse spot for trying to see and get some photos without making them nervous.

So sweet.

It was very new - actually I was surprised it was already here - it seems a few days early, and the weather has been so awful. He was wobbly, but curious.
Looking for food, or comfort - or both.

This is my favorite - if you enlarge the photo, he seems to be looking at a tiny violet on the ground, a la Bambi. I don't think that was really the case, I think he was just unsteady. I spent a few minutes not breathing, then reluctantly backed out to leave them in peace. It was beautiful.

29 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

That is too cute.I can imagine how special that moment was.Thanks for sharing that moment with us.
Blessings,Ruth

Willard said...

It looks like you had a wonderful trip and the encounter with the fawn is so special.

I am anxiously awaiting the new arrivals in the local herd (for some reason most of them arrive within a few days of June 8th).

I will go to Shenandoah soon, too. It has a special spot in my heart. I think early morning in the meadow during summer, when there is a cool tang in the air, the sun is shining, the air is crystal clear and the whitetails are there in plenty, is about as close as one could get to heaven on earth.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Helen, I love the Shenandoah Mtns. The deer ones are super!!! Love that little Bambi.

All of the pictures are wonderful: birds, butterflies, deer, etc... WOW!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Tami said...

Wonderful pictures....love the fawn!!

Have a beautiful weekend!
Hugs~T

holdingmoments said...

Great pictures as I scrolled down; and then, Bambi. Superb shots of that new arrival to the world.
What a moment to see, and capture.

sweetbay said...

Great pictures of the fawn with mom!

Redzlan said...

Beautiful series, complete with insect macro, bird and mammals!.
Love them all.

Tina said...

Helen,
I can see why that is your favorite park!! The butterfly photos are very nice...such detail!! You are so right about trying to get close to that tanager..quite a challenge..but you did a very nice job!!
..and what to say about that fawn..such a sweetie..you lucky girl to have seen it..and actually get some clear shots!! So nice. ;-)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Helen: What neat birds and a special capture of the fawn, great shots for certain.

Stacey Olson said...

Helen... wishing you a wonderful weekend! Beautiful pic as always. So glad to see the baby..saw our first antelope fawn being born last night, but was on a time crunch for a childs concert and could not stop.. next time..
Thanks for sharing

Roses and Lilacs said...

I really enjoyed all your photos, the birds and Bambi.

Never seen a Canada warbler either and haven't seen a scarlet tanger since I lived in the south.
Marnie

Chris said...

Excellent post. Wow you saw so many things. I love the Canada warbler a lot but all these birds pictures are beautiful. And we can see the beautiful light and sun you got!!! The fawn series is gorgeous!

Shelley said...

My computer had an error when I tried to comment - so I apologize if I'm commenting a 2nd time! Love your fawn - very magical photos!!

NCmountainwoman said...

What a wonderful post on so many levels! (Not the least of which is the wonderful song tracking through my head.)

I loved all the photographs, but none so much as the little fawn. Far from being in the worst spot, you were right on in showing how well the doe hides her little one. Just lovely.

We're planning to drive the BRP toward your end. You can be sure we will plan to spend a lot of time in SNP. You are a great ambassador for them.

DeniseinVA said...

Oh my, these are the most incredible photos Helen, I loved them all but of course the little fawn was beyond adorable. Gregg and I are heading up there next weekend.

John Theberge said...

Nice series of photos, the only thing missing is Thumper.

Eve said...

you said it SO SWEET!!

Mary said...

Adorable fawn! How special to get to see that.

Unknown said...

Beautiful series. I loved the images of the butterflies against the dark background, the catbird and the cute young deers.

Peggy said...

How lucky to witness such a young fawn with it's mother! Fantastic photos and great story!

abb said...

At first I didn't notice mama deer in your first photo! What a wonderful experience for you. And to heck with your pics' ~quality~. As far as I'm concerned, they're wonderful!

Jackie said...

What a wonderful series of photos you got of the doe and her brand new fawn. Beautiful.

jalynn01 said...

Splendid! Beautiful! And the fawn! awwwwww so cute... Loved all of it.

2sweetnsaxy said...

Awwww! I love this series of shot from the butterfly all the way down to Bambi. What a cutie Bambi is!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful images of the doe and fawn Helen.

Vickie said...

Gorgeous. What a wonderful moment to happen upon. I understand about not breathing. I hold my breath instantly, not wanting movement to disturb.

DeniseinVA said...

Fantastic series of photos Helen. The fawn is beyond adorable.

Carol said...

Wonderful pictures of the fawn. Not many of us get to see them that small. The catbird spends it's winters with us, that is a nice photo.

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

2sweetnsaxy said...

Such great shots and the ones of the baby are just wonderful! I would love to see something like that for myself one day. Great post!