I know a picture is worth a thousand words, but I just don’t have one.
But I do have a story to tell.
Tonight as I was closing up outside, I heard rustling on the other side of the fence where Kallie and I placed more Malabar spinach vines for the deer. So, I snuck in to peer out the window, and there was … not Emmy, but a young buck with pretty antlers munching on my spinach. He turned and cocked his head in my direction – saw me, and ran off. I had my camera in my hand, but it would have never worked … it would have been a photo into the dark, far away and through the window…talk about a challenge.
But, it was so nice to see him there, having a late dinner and a drink from the water bowl, knowing that these animals are desperate for moisture and food since we are down 13 inches below our normal rainfall (and our normal rainfall isn’t much to begin with).
I’ll change my tune when he tears stuff up later in the week, but tonight, I’m soft-hearted and touched.
Just don’t plant roses.
deer in this part of the world love them above all.
I’m a softie like you, Diana, and what a lovely sight to see. I’m glad Kallie got to experience it with you; she’ll grow up appreciating wildlife with great stories for friends. Maybe you should just plant that spinach out there next year for them to enjoy! It grows so fast, that perhaps it can keep up with the deer feasting.
Anaonymous – yes, I’ve learned that the hard way! Roses are only going inside the fence now!
Robin – in fact, Emmy and Lulu joined the buck about 10 minutes later and they were all 3 out there at Diana’s buffet!
I hear you! I would be feeding them too. The drought that has hit our cities (Nashville, too) is hard on wildlife. Let’s hope the rains arrive, soon.
Gail
Gail – yes, rains would definitely be preferable to feeding the deer — then they could eat what they are supposed to eat in the wild!
Ain’t nachure grand? You painted a pretty picture with your words.
Lisa – It sure is. Thanks. And I can be such a softy sometimes, even with insects — and then there is the side of me that wants to seek and destroy the flour weevils that invaded my pantry. I want them to DIE! But I really liked the praying mantis on my garage door this morning! I know, I’m schizo!
I’m like you. I have been putting out my plants for them. I have one deer that comes around and looks at me asking for something to eat. So I go into the garden and pick some chard leaves and put them over the fence. I haven’t been putting water out because we have a creek nearby that flows all the time. They stripped all the leaves from the amaranth I threw over the wall.
Lancashire Rose – Emmy and Lulu came to eat again tonight. Makes me feel good. And it does keep them away from my plants. There isn’t a drop of water around here, so I am diligent about giving them and the birds and bunnies a fresh source of water.