Deer in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan

One of many Qu'Appelle Valley deer.
(Crop from 270 mm) © SB

We saw dozens of deer near Regina, Saskatchewan, yesterday — in the Qu'Appelle Valley east of Craven. First, one group of 11 White-tailed deer, then a handful more, and then larger herds.

The deer were feeding on grasses exposed by the receding snow, and from our distance, they looked well-fed and healthy... But camera lenses can be misleading, and this is said to have been an extremely harsh winter for wildlife.

These White-tailed deer were entertaining to watch — some appeared completely oblivious to us, as we stood on the road above. Others seemed mildly curious, while a few ran away, white tails flagging a warning.

Oddly, though, in running away from the fields, they ran up and across the incline towards us, as if safety meant their usual route through the wooded slopes of the valley sides — even if that meant crossing the road in front of a car. Our car.

I've noticed small flocks of roadside birds do the same: They see the car, swirl up to flee — and as they rise, they turn and fly towards the vehicle, often flying right at or beside it.

Two deer watch from the valley bottom. (Crop from 300mm)  © SB

Distant shot of a group of White-tailed Deer. (From the road, at 200mm)  © SB

What are these? White-tailed Deer (And no, we were not close to them...) 
Location: South side of the Qu'Appelle Valley, east of Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada.   

Photo date: April 2, 2013. 

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