February Visitors

In November 2024, I posted a blog "Acorns Keep Falling on my Head".  Not mentioned in that blog was that all those raked acorns were dumped behind our backyard fence - piles and piles of them.

Fast forward to February 1st, a Saturday, and I went to let Charlotte out at 5am to do her business.  I always scan the backyard with a flashlight checking for skunks, possums, rabbits, and wild predators.  This morning the flashlight's beam fell on a trio of deer eating from those piles of acorns .  The light caught the deer's attention but was not enough of a concern to make them leave.  I decided I would allow them to eat.  Checking back a half hour later, the deer were still enjoying their breakfast.  Charlotte had waited long enough, I went on the back deck to shoo the deer away.  Nope, they still weren't concerned.  I did finally get them to leave after a few "Hey Ya's".

Later that week, letting Chartlotte out at 3am showed they had returned.  Four of them this time.  Unfortunately for them, I could not allow them a leisure dining experience as previous.  I tried the "Hey Ya's" again from the deck but to no avail.  I let Charlotte out which caught their attention and caused them to scatter.  

This morning, shining the flashlight at 3am showed the number of deer visiting had increased to five.  Charlotte's release scattered them.  They were not to be deterred though.  When I left for work, they had returned and were still there when Tammy went to let Charlotte out at 5am.

We will have to see if our February visitors extend their stays to March.  

Addendum:  This afternoon (February 19) came home to find a deer bedding in the leaves behind our backyard fence.  I had to scare it off so Charlotte could do her business.  Later on, the deer came back with three others to dine on the acorns.  Since it was light out, I captured a photo and video.

Addendum Addendum:  The next morning when it was time to let Charlotte out, the deer were still bedding down.  Charlotte didn't notice them at first but when she did see them walked over to the gate scaring off all but one deer.  Charlotte stood their watching the deer as the deer stood his ground behind the fence with an occasional hoof pound to the ground.  After a few minutes, the deer wondered off only to reappear before I left for work.  Tammy let Charlotte out before she left for work a little later with Charlotte revisiting the deer who was alert to her presence but a bit more accepting.  Charlotte left the deer this time because of the promise of a treat.  The deer have not been seen since.