Thursday, May 17, 2018

Pregnant Doe


Although “homebrewed” camera traps built using digital point-and-shoot cameras and ready-made control boards have long been my preference I recently purchased a commercial unit because I’d seen some outstanding videos from cameras produced by one of the manufacturers.


Since we have a number of white-tailed deer frequenting the hill above the house, I put the commercial unit there to get a sampling of videos – both full color videos during the day and infrared videos at night. 


During May the deer are shedding their winter coats, bucks are beginning to grow antlers and the does are exhibiting the roundness of pregnancy. The pregnant doe is just starting to shed, her buck fawn from last year looks pretty scruffy, even malnourished, as he’s in the midst of shedding with tufts of old hair sticking out all over; new antlers, his first, are growing from the pedicles on his head.


Individual White-tailed deer shed in their own time at their own pace. However, pregnant does frequently replace their winter coat with their summer coat later than other deer as they devote resources to their developing fawn(s). The video was taken in mid-May, two to three weeks before most of the does in this area usually give birth.   

10 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

It seems to be a very good trail cam, Woody, and placed at just the right height and angle. I couldn't tell if the doe is pregnant, as you can, but it is obvious she is no longer mothering last year's fawn.
I enjoyed this footage very much. We get deer in the winter, when they come right into our front yard to eat the ornamental crabapples from our big old tree, but they don't come near the house unless necessary. My husband and our dog see them when they go on their long walks away from houses and other buildings.
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Woody Meristem said...

Yes, she's pregnant -- she has the rotundness of pregnancy and if you watch the video closely at about 23 seconds the fawn(s) can be seen moving.

betty-NZ said...

What a great image! You made the right choice of cameras, I think.

Lea said...

Great video! The young buck thinks he is all grown up, but he still has to mind his mama!
Have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, It is a great video. I like seeing the interaction between the female and young buck. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend.

Powell River Books said...

It is the season. - Margy

A Colorful World said...

Your pregnant doe looks a lot like mine! Mine is a mule deer, and yours a white tail. perhaps we'll be able to photograph some cute fawns soon.

Lady Fi said...

Wow - that's amazing.

Betty J. Crow said...

Enjoyable video. I enjoy watching deer. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Camera Trap Codger said...

Nice footage, Woody. The parent - offspring conflict is playing out, and Junior's in for a big surprise any day now.