The deer herd feeding in the hay field.
Something caught my attention, while cruising around the North end of the log decks. Lots of animals were running in the hay field. The mill property has a couple hundred acres of hay fields and ponds on the North end of the log yard. Each afternoon a large herd of deer comes into the fields to graze. This morning, they were already in the field and running all over the place. This is odd behavior for the deer because they weren’t leaving. They usually wander randomly around the field feeding. If anyone gets too close they just leave the field for the cover of the nearby Valley Oaks. This time they were running helter skelter around the field, but not leaving. I was about a quarter mile away and could not discern what was going on. I pulled out my camera and zoomed in on the action. Then I saw the three coyotes. This is what happened next.
Enjoying the sunny morning, the deer placidly graze. They seem unconcerned about anything going on around them.
Moving in on the deer herd, this coyote was intent on having venison for breafast.
The coyotes non-chalantly move closer and closer to the herd.
The big buck spots the sneaky coyotes.
Two does and the big buck aren’t going to tolerate the coyotes stalking the herd.
This brave doe takes the lead in dealing with the interlopers.
The two does surround the lead coyote. The coyote was not expecting this.
The second coyote decides not to stick around. No loyalty amoung coyotes.
The coyote is having second thoughts and a venison meal.
Deciding it isn’t worth it the coyotes back off.
No venison today for this coyote.
Perhaps a nice field mouse would be good instead.
With the threat dealt with, the herd goes back to a leisurely breakfast.
THE FORESTER ARTIST 