Oh, Deer!
We’ve been trying to figure out what’s been chewing on our plants and bushes. Today I had an “a-ha!” moment when I saw these two fawns munching around our son’s pumpkin patch in the backyard.
I ran to shoo them away from Jacob’s prized plants. Instead of running back into the woods behind our house, however, they darted into the front yard. Uh-oh. They were running toward the street.
Come back, fawns! Don’t go in the street!
I called to them, pointing toward the backyard. I was trying to direct them back to safety, but they just sort of stared at me. Almost like they didn’t understand English. You can see in this photo that they were perfectly happy to wander around by the street, ignoring my warnings.
Just then their mama ran out. When she saw me standing nearby, she stopped and gave me a look. Don’t mess with my babies!
Don’t worry, Mama Deer. I’m only trying to help. We have so many deer killed by cars around here every year. She made a low noise and the fawns fell right in line behind her, following her back into the woods.
There they go!
Whew. I was relieved. I didn’t want those fawns on my conscience! They never would’ve run out there if I hadn’t shooed them away from the plants in the first place.
I came back inside and Dave was standing at the window with a funny look on his face. “Did I see you TALKING to those DEER?”
Um, yeah, maybe. What of it?
“Did you think they could actually understand you?” he asks, like he’s concerned for my mental health.
Um, I dunno. Do you think any of the neighbors saw?
He thinks they did. He seems to think we may have to move to another neighborhood now.
In other local wildlife news (I know you’re all just riveted), my son Jake rescued this big toad from the basement window well earlier in the week that the kids wanted me to show you:
We also have a rogue mole or two tearing up our lawn. I’ve decided a trip to the zoo really isn’t necessary this summer since we have plenty of animals for the kids to look at right here in the yard. What more could they ask for?
Next up: I’ll be recapping tonight’s episode of “Design Star.” Who do you think will be going home this time?
July 13th, 2008 at 10:02 am
The deer whisperer…I LOVE it. You’ve got an adorable little guy there, also. Wildlife at the hooked on household. Yeeehaw!
July 13th, 2008 at 10:14 am
That’s too funny! I would have done the same thing, talk to the deer. I talk to my dog while I’m walking her, like she’s a person walking beside me. Every once in a while I get caught by a neighbor who gives me a look as if they’re glad I live at the other end of the neighbothood.
July 13th, 2008 at 10:31 am
That is too funny! My sister and grandmother both live on 5 acres with a bunch of woods in the backyard. Seeing deer is an everyday occerance over there. I remember being little and being excited if I ever saw a deer. Now, my two little nieces are just like, “oh yeah, another deer, big deal.”
July 13th, 2008 at 11:12 am
You were so lucky to get such great pictures. I have two deer that live behind this big hedge in my yard, but I can never get pictures of them because of all the undergrowth. I live in a wildlife habitat! You’re the Deer Whisperer now.You and Jeff.
July 13th, 2008 at 11:41 am
How funny - and to think you had time to grab the camera before they got away!! Too cute! Love the 50’s kitchen post…..but then again, you probably would figure that!!
Have a great day!
Karla & Karrie
July 13th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I’m still laughing!!!! Surely the neighbors understand.
We used to get deer when we lived in Washington state. Once I saved a fawn that was caught in a fence. I called the local fire department to see if someone could help (if they weren’t busy) and about 3 fire trucks and an ambulance showed up. They covered the fawn so their scent didn’t get on it and cut the fence so it could get out.
I haven’t thought of that story in years.
Brandee
July 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
love the deer! i’m glad they’re ok.
your son is super cute!
you should send me that original file and let me photoshop it up a bit.
i don’t love the toad, though.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Great pics, Julia! We have some in our area too, but I don’t usually see them out in the street. I’m so glad their mama came back & made them go back to the woods. Loved your recap!
I’ll have to catch up with Design Star when I return later this week! It should be drama filled.
Rhoda
July 13th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
That’s a hoot! Great wildlife shots from suburbia!
July 13th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Love the deer- and the toad!
July 13th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Pieces Irish Spring soap placed in panty hose & tied on trees or near plants will repel deer.
July 13th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for the reminder about Design Star. I forgot about it. I’m all mixed up on my days, since we got home. I have no idea what day it is, in other words!
Great photos of the deer!
Have a wonderful week, Julia. I’m celebrating my 200th post, with a giveaway.
Pat
July 13th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
We have deer too and I”ve heard placing hair clippings about the plants will deter them? Worth a try to save your son’s prized pumpkins! I enjoyed catching up here, love the homes, I’d save that old house if I could! And that pink kitchen is adorable! I love your blog but don’t get Bravo, darn! lol
July 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Hi Julia! I just stumbled across your blog and I really love it. I think we are kindred souls (writers, lovers of houses and all things home decor.) I will be visiting you often,I am sure.I live in Los Angeles and haven’t seen any deer around here, but every once in a while a huge skunk visits us. I don’t try to talk to him though.
I’m so glad to have discovered your blog!
July 13th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Sue–I never heard of that trick. Now I’ve just got to find someone willing to let me cut their hair… Any takers?
Tara–welcome! I’m always happy to meet another kindred spirit. -Julia
July 13th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Oh, what awesome pictures of the deer. They are beautiful!
I don’t blame you for talking them out of the road - I do it with squirrels all the time.
Somebody has to look out for the little fellas!
July 13th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Oh, I would have done the same thing! I’d tell a ladybug to get out of the way — I’d yell at a deer in front of anyone! Good for you, Whacked-Out Deer-Talking Girl.
Your son is such a cutie!
July 13th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
OH MY - that is crazy! In the middle of the day? Wow, what a treat to see!
July 13th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Wow those are awesome pictures! That’s amazing, I’ve never seen that before.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Wow… we only have snails… those I don’t feel bad about ridding our home of… but those are too cute! I would have to let them eat away… nah… I don’t want anything eating my plants… Maybe I would have to make them salads and place bowls for them… that probably wouldn’t work either… good thing I don’t have to worry about it!
July 14th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Aww..they are so cute. And who cares if you talked to a deer?
I probably would’ve.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
How awesome is that? I love seeing nature in my own backyard. We have a large family of rabbits that seems quite taken with our patch of clover in the backyard. Your pictures remind of that scene from Funny Farm when they are trying to create the perfect Norman Rockwell type scene while trying to sell their house to the city folks who came to look and they call out “Cue the deer”. Perfect!
July 14th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
They are soooooooooooo cute!!!
xo,
Kim
July 15th, 2008 at 2:56 am
For an Australian this picture ands story is so foreign. Not only the deer but here in Australia all those houses in your street would be seperated by side and front fences.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Jen–I love Funny Farm! I wish I had thought of that reference when I was writing this post. I would’ve called it “Cue the Deer!” -J
July 15th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Hi Julia
I would’ve talked to them too… is that wrong?? LOL
rue
July 17th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Oh deer! Glad everyone was okay. I just love that picture of your son with the toad. A classic capture of boyhood!