A very dear Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) brought his buddy to the yard and had a good browse this morning. This guy stayed for several hours and seemed as if he might be checking out the overgrown former horse arena as a potential bedding and/or birthing area for his family. As I stood totally still about twenty yards away, he decided to come closer to me. In turn, he stared at me, groomed his back and foreleg, crept nearer to me. I was surprised at how calm and fearless he appeared. I quietly said "hello" and then we continued eyeing one another. I experienced a profound sense of interrelationship, neighborliness, and mutual respect. I will definitely be keeping watch on the arena over coming days to see if a doe - and eventually a fawn or two - show up.

Canon SX70 HS

increased definition by one increment; decreased highlights by one increment;
trimmed the edges a bit