Each spring by the middle of June, Mule Deer fawns return to Casa Don Pedro to frolic amongst the sweet grasses growing along the Upper Avenues area of Salt Lake City. We suspect that they are born in the green-way that runs behind the homes dotting the hillside, but at any rate, they usually spend a couple of weeks nearby before moving into the Wasatch backcountry.
Most years, this one included, we are graced by twin fawns. They remain hidden most of the time, but occasionally bust out for an entertaining display of rambunctious energy.
The slope here is nearly 30 degrees, but these little guys bounce around with no trouble. The irises make a nice contrast element I think.
I set up two tripods to ensure that I would have a good shooting angle on the fawns. Of course when they finally emerged from the trees the kit was on the wrong tripod. I moved just in time to make a few images before they retreat back into the deeper foliage and their mother’s protection.
Images in the entry were recorded at 11:30 MDT on June 11, 2011 using the Nikon D3s and the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR lens. Exposure was 1/1250s and f/8.0, ISO 1000. The tripod sets were a Gitzo 5541 with the Wimberly WH-200 gimble head, and the Gitzo 5561SGT, also with the Wimberly 200.
Copyright 2011 Peter F. Flynn. No usage permitted without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
Tags: Casa Don Pedro, Fawns, Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus
Very good shots. How cute they are. The flowers really add to the scene as well. Plant more flowers now for next year!
Hi B,
Thanks for checking in. Yeah, although I didn’t plant the irises, they were in perfect bloom. I’m thinking something shorter and maybe red – gardenias? We didn’t see fawns for a week after these shots, then just briefly on Saturday.
Cheers,
P.