This past Monday was a good day with a great evening. Could wildlife be a factor?
I found myself in the truck wandering around the countryside to see if there was anything to photograph. The shining sun had raised the temperature to a high of 12C (54F) and the air was calm. Near perfect conditions!
I never pay much attention to when the calendar says a season arrives because it’s usually wrong. By my determination, spring arrived this week. We still may get the snow forecasted for the weekend but a little snow is also part of a season of extremes.
Spring in the prairies brings Canada Geese back in force! It’s hard to get excited about photographing them most of the time. Familiarity certainly breeds contempt! However, I liked the goose playing king of the castle in an ice-free slough and it was kind enough to turn its head into the light.
The only thing outnumbering the geese were the deer. As the sun moved to the horizon casting golden light, the deer seemed to appear out of nowhere in the fields.
Suddenly, from about 2 kilometres away, two deer came racing at full speed toward the road I was driving on. They veered to avoid my truck giving me just enough time to stop, roll down the window and track the second one for a about a second. The power, speed and grace was something I had never witnessed and likely came from an animal that had been chased! I was thrilled to get a few shots in focus.
I drove on, still excited about the photo potential of the running deer, when I noticed a brown lump on the ice. I quickly photographed the beaver just as it slipped under the ice. Alas another butt shot but still cool to see. Speaking of cool, don’t they notice that the water is cold? I waited for a return visit but the sun dipped behind the horizon clouds. In a second the good light was gone.
I headed for home after a most enjoyable evening. Then I noticed a funny looking birds nest and slowed when I noticed it was really a motionless porcupine. I got out and walked all around the tree. I managed to find only one small opening in a tangle of branches for a photo.
Sometimes the joy of seeing animals and taking more documentary shots is a joy of its own. So I decided to share the joy of my evening wanderings while finding some typically Canadian prairie creatures.
Krahnpix 
To see all that in one day is truly awesome. It looks like a very enjoyable evening and a beaver butt is much better than no beaver at all!
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It really was a beautiful evening. With all the rain and snow since then (including today) it is another reminder to seize the good times and enjoy them for full value – butts and all.
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The running Deer mid flight is stunning capture Lyle.
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Thanks. It was one of those magical few seconds that is so much fun to capture.
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That running deer with tail up, tongue out, and ears back is a real stunner! Very nicely done.
Also gotta love Mr. Porcupine!
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Glad you liked them. Those two animals are really quite different!
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Great shots. What a great way to spend an evening! Love the shot of the porcupine.
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I think the porcupine was enjoying the evening as well. We both had fun.
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Great shots, Lyle! Love the determination of the deer, the arrogance of the goose, the calm of the porcupine, the flight of the beaver. Different in style and composition and tone, each one. I haven’t been out with my camera for SO long. This reminds me to get out there and enjoy my world!
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Fascinated by the qualities that you gave each animal – they each radiate a different feeling. It was fun to dust off the camera and actually find something to photograph.
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Something besides – snow? 😉
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Yes. And it’s nice not to have to worry about the camera warming up to quickly and causing condensation that could ruin it.
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I love the beaver and porcupine and yes, how does that beaver not die of cold?
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The variety in the size, shape and capacity of creatures is quite remarkable.
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The running deer and peak of light appear to have happened at the same time! Nice shot!
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I love it when it all comes together like that. The odds are quite small!
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The deer at break neck pace with its tongue hanging out, priceless.
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It was a special moment to capture. I was fortunate to be there.
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You were quick with the shutter finger!
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It’s fun to tell the story when it works out. The other times well …
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I love the shot of the deer with all of its legs off of the ground at the same time. Stationary shots are nice, but there is something really special (and extra hard) about action shots. I’m glad to see that you are finally starting to unfreeze.
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I was quite happy to get that deer shot – as much to remember the incredible scene as for the photo itself. Glad you liked it. Despite all the complaining around here, spring comes every year!
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That Canada Goose looks so beautiful!
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It’s funny how good light makes everyone look better!
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Beautiful images 🙂
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Thanks.
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I rarely see deer running. It’s usually more of a hop it seems. This one looks like it’s going flat out. All great shots, as usual! Thanks for taking us along.
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I have never seen deer running like these two – that was unbelievably fast! Glad you enjoyed coming along for the ride.
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I love the deer with the tongue out. He seems so happy flocking along.
We had bitter cold temps in Alaska the last few days, so cold I didn’t even think about photos. I can’t wait for spring!
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It was amazing to watch those two deer just flying across the field. It’s interesting to see the different dates when spring arrives on various blogs. I didn’t think you’d be an early one.
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I think spring is coming in. Supposed to be in the 40s all week. I’m excited.
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That’s a perfect evening, for sure. Wonder what was chasing those deer?
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I didn’t see anything but the expression on the deer’s face says it all.
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Love this post! The critters may not be extreme rarities, but they can still surprise us. (I’ve never seen a deer look quite like that one.) And it’s good to appreciate your neighbors.
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You’re certainly right about them surprising us – they have a surprising amount of personality. Your point is well taken. You definitely lead the way in showing how to appreciate the local wildlife.
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