A Morning with the Deer – Moments I’ll Never Forget
Introduction
There are some moments in nature that stay with you forever. For me, one of those moments came when I found myself face to face with a herd of deer deep in the woodland. What started as a quiet evening hoping to see a doe and her fawn turned into one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of my life.
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The First Encounter
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to spot a doe with her young fawn. It was early evening, the light was fading, and the deer kept their distance. Photographing them was tricky, but I didn’t mind – just watching them was magical.
I returned to the area several times but never saw them again. Perhaps the doe had moved her fawn to a safer place, or maybe I was simply visiting at the wrong time. Either way, it left me wanting more.
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Patience Rewarded
Determined, I decided to try again, this time early in the morning. I found a good spot tucked into the hedge at the edge of the wood, camera set up and ready. Deer are incredibly sharp animals – with their keen hearing and powerful sense of smell, they’re not easy to get close to.
After an hour of waiting, the silence broke. A deer stepped out of the hedge just twenty feet to my right. My heart raced. I dared not move – even the sound of my breath felt too loud. Then, two more deer appeared, followed by three more, and then another three. In front of me stood nine deer – the largest number I had ever seen in this location.
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A Magical Moment
I watched in awe as the group cautiously moved into the field. The young began to chase each other, playing freely while a young buck stood watch, checking the surroundings.
Slowly, unbelievably, they began heading in my direction. My hands shook, my heart pounded. Every time I pressed the shutter, their ears twitched, but I was well hidden in dark clothes against the hedge.
Then the fawn came within three feet of me – so close I couldn’t even photograph it. I froze, hardly daring to breathe. It was one of those moments you know will never leave you.
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Another Morning Surprise
I returned to the area on several evenings and mornings, hoping for a glimpse of the group again. One morning, as the first light broke, I spotted two young deer making their way through the grass.
While I waited in cover, a stoat appeared from the trees, darting past me within touching distance. No chance for a photo, but another incredible moment of wild Britain at its best.
When the deer finally came close enough, I noticed one was a young buck just a couple of months old, with the tiniest antler stumps on his head. They stayed long enough for a few photos before disappearing back into the woods, leaving me grinning like a child.
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Reflections in the Quiet
Not every trip results in photographs. More often than not, it’s about waiting, listening, and soaking in the silence. But when moments like this happen – when wild animals come so close, calm and unafraid – it makes every hour of patience worthwhile.
It’s not just about photography. It’s about connection, peace, and the reminder that nature has its own rhythm. Moments like these are priceless, and I’ll treasure them forever.
