Yesterday morning when I looked out the back window early, there was an 8 point buck, big and husky, eating the peanuts and seeds I had left out for the birds, squirrels and whomever. He was right at home, strolling through the garden, nibbling a bit here and there. At this time of year, that’s fine with me.
This afternoon when I got home, that same buck was laying down in the ivy and eueonymus near the edge of the patio. That is very un-deerlike in late afternoon, though I will occasionally see a deer asleep in the edge of the woods in the very early morning.. So I watched for a while, at the same time noticing that there was no food out for the other friends who enjoy the woods. I figured something must be wrong, and finally tested that by explaining to him that I was bringing some peanuts out, and an apple, and going to lay them on the patio, about 15 feet from where he was.
He didn’t jump or startle, though he was looking intently at my every move. When I was back in the door, he got up and came over to the food. His back left leg definitely was not working well, but he did put some weight on it. That buck definitely likes peanuts, and swept them all up with that long tongue. Didn’t touch the apple, which is supposedly a deer’s favorite food. And then went back to his nest in the ivy.
I came out again with a bowl of water for him – Brian suggested I put Rescue Remedy in it, which seemed like a great idea! And moved the apple closer. I then filled the various feeders and sprinkled seed around as per my usual routine. He didn’t like it, but didn’t move – just kept those big, big eyes on me.
I left to go to my Irish language class, and when I got back, there was a light rain, and no sign of the buck. I used a big flashlight to look all along the edges of the woods. Perhaps he moved to get more shelter from the rain. I’ll be sending him Reiki tonight, and hope to see him in the morning.