After the perfect weather and the clear beauty of the mountains we were ready for some wildlife.
We were seeing a deer here and there but nothing outstanding until we came across a flower strewn field with a single Doe giving birth to a fawn!
We arrived as the fawn was being born and she was lying down... as soon as he popped out she stood up and started the tedious job of cleaning up all the blood and fluids from him and from the ground.
Bear are numerous and drawn to the smell of blood.
We watched for about fifteen minutes as she labored over her job
He was trying his best to stand up, but she kept knocking him over with all the licking going on
When she was finally satisfied with his cleanliness she laid down to feed him
Shenandoah National Park tags their deer and some still have radio collars to track CWD.
(Chronic Wasting Disease) although none has been reported in the park. That is why she has the
81 tag in her ear.
He nursed for awhile and she continued to lick him clean
In some of the photographs I removed the tag. I find it distracts from the picture.
We watched in awe for about an hour. What a miracle to witness this birth.
We couldn't have chosen a more beautiful meadow for her to bring her little one into the world.
We were rejoicing over our being in the right place at the right time.
To God be the Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath done
