Morning Discovery

This morning I decided to take Luna for a hike up the trail in the woods near our house rather than go for my morning run. My left hip, hamstring, and knee have been acting up since the marathon so I decided to take more time off from running in the mornings and planned to bike this week instead; morning walks with Luna in place of running.

Luna and I walked across the driveway and meandered along a path that followed a cut line before taking the trail that lead uphill to a ridge. As soon as we were on the trail, Luna started pulling ahead, her hunter instinct kicking in like it does every time she smells, hears, or see something remotely resembling live game, that or a terd which is her favorite feast next to dogfood.

As she lurched forward, nose to the ground, I held tight on the leash, thinking that a deer must have crossed the path not long ago. Suddenly, she stopped. Head down. I leaned forward to get a better look. I saw a light brown patch of fur but could not discern what I was seeing. I pulled Luna aside and finally comprehended. My heart did the little dance of delight that it always does at these moments.

The dun-colored fur, white spots, small snout, and black nose all confirmed that the small animal the size of an overweight kitty was indeed a newly born fawn. Fortunately, I knew that the fawn, although all alone, didn't need rescuing; it's mother had left it in a safe place while she foraged, filling her belly with fresh greens (probably the buds from our apple trees) before returning to feed her baby. The mother often leaves the fawn for hours at a time while she feeds. Most mothers hide their babies quite well and if they have more than one fawn, will hide them in separate places. The fawns, while waiting for the mother's return, lay with their heads and necks stretched flat, trying to stay hidden from predators, or curious dogs! I wondered if this doe gave birth for the first time and thus mistakenly hid her baby in a fairly exposed setting.

After less than a second of looking at the fawn, Luna and I turned around and headed back down the trail. I wanted to leave as soon as possible for fear that my scent would prevent the mother from returning. As I was walking away, I decided to stop and look back, taking in the innocent creature, before continuing on my way. Would I ever be fortunate enough to see this again?

After we were well away from the fawn, I kicked up my heels and ran to the house, calling Dave's name (he was putting the bike on the car for me). With child-like enthusiasm, I told him everything. I wanted to show him the fawn but didn't dare jeapordize its safety, so the best he got was my description.

Tonight I plan to hike up the path to see if the fawn is still in the trail; if so, I'll wait until morning to check again. After a couple days, it should begin to forage with its mother.