On November 27th, I had a memorable morning at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I have been watching a pair of Whitetail Fawns in this area for several weeks, and seeing them grow has been a highlight of my recent visits. One of the twins has a small notch in its left ear, which helps me tell them apart. I always enjoy seeing them, but this morning felt different from the start.
Morning Light on Twin Whitetail Fawns
The sunrise cast a warm golden glow across the frosty grass and the brush along the road. The air was crisp, and the soft light brought out the winter coloring in the fawns’ coats. I usually photograph these two from a distance or from inside my truck. This time, the conditions lined up perfectly. The twins were close to the road and standing in great light, which gave me a rare chance to get a series of close images.
Watching Twin Whitetail Fawns Without Their Mother
As I watched them, I noticed that their mother was not with them. I kept looking around, expecting her to step out of the brush. She usually stays nearby, and her absence made me uneasy. I hoped she was off with a buck rather than in danger. Even while taking photos, a part of my mind stayed focused on the missing doe. The fawns did not seem stressed, which gave me a little comfort, but I still watched the tree line for any sign of her.
Close-Up Photos of Twin Whitetail Fawns
The fawns slowly moved toward my truck as they browsed along the edge of the road. This gave me the chance to capture several close portraits that showed their curiosity and the frost on their winter coats. The morning light made their features stand out in a way I usually only see at a distance. Moments like this do not come often, and I tried to make the most of it while still keeping an eye out for the doe.
A Quiet End to the Encounter
After a few minutes, the twins turned and walked back into the brush toward the area where I often see them feeding. I waited for a little while to see if their mother would appear, but she never did. Eventually, I drove on with a memory card full of images and a mix of excitement and lingering concern. Watching these fawns over the past several weeks has been a privilege, and this close encounter on November 27th added another special moment to their story.
(Note: The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge does allow deer hunting during authorized seasons.)
Image Information: (First Image)
- Date: 11/27/23
- Time: 08:23 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 4000
- Aperture: 7.1
- Shutter: 1/500
- Exp. Comp.: +0.3
- Lens (mm): 500