There is a bachelor herd of deer in the woods already, much early than their usual September gathering. Four or five males, whose antlers are still growing. Two of them have a missing antler on one side.
One, who’s in his third summer, lost his right antler at some point last year, his first summer of growing them. I thought for sure it would come back normally this year, but not so. There is a sort of stubby knob there on the right, a few inches tall – but nothing to match the monarchical points on his left side.
The other deer, in his second summer, has a small full antler on the right – but nothing on the left.
Perhaps a collision with a car? or getting stuck in a narrow space somewhere in the woods? I have seen deer battle, but that’s in the fall, not in full summer. And how awkward to be so unbalanced.
A mystery to think about, as I watch the goldfinches swarming about the feeder, and the humming birds playing with their own speed and agility.