Dear Heart, Deer Friend
BY DON DOUCETTE
WHITETAIL DEER
For three mornings now, we have been in company with a new neighbor.
A large deer appearing of elder status. It seems to feel secure in our lower fallow garden by the Ten Mile River in Attleboro – there is a bend in the river and a modest patch of woods and brambles providing cover.
We feel the deer has found a warm protected pocket on the riverbank where it possibly beds and today is enjoying even more, the warmth of winter sunshine.
The deer has been browsing on Japanese yew and we are concerned about that situation as the yew plant is listed as toxic, roots, wood and all. The deer is nipping other varieties plant buds, as well.
Sure would like to have a roofed covered platform with a good dry green vetch hay bale readily available.
Yesterday morning, our friendly deer crossed between neighboring houses and then bolted across Phillips Street into an upper nearby oak forest. Might it be winter browsing on acorns?
It’s amazing how these animals blend into small pockets of nature surrounded with an urban cluster of housing. This deer is perfectly camouflaged against a mass of oak leaf litter with its gently flagging tail providing an occasional focal point for identity.
We have lived on this property since the early 1970s and have observed a few deer, but this is the most exciting encounter to date.
Due to its apparent age and slow movement, we feel this may be the last winter for our new friend. We provide only quiet dignity as this deer carries on with its free ranging life as we supportively observe.
Thankfully to this point, a winter free of deep snow with warmer temperatures – all our best hopes and concern for our “dear” friend and new neighbor.
Don Doucette
“Ten Mile River Rambles”