Two whitetail does appeared among the lotus leaves at Reeve’s Slough one June morning. A spotted fawn stayed close as the adults fed and watched the area. The encounter soon became more than a simple feeding scene.
Whitetail Does and Fawn Moving Through Lotus Leaves
My friend Mia McPherson and I were at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Mia stepped onto the fishing pier and spotted the deer moving through the slough.
Both does browsed among the American lotus leaves. They stopped from time to time and raised their heads to check their surroundings.
The adults’ white rump markings stood out against the green vegetation. The fawn’s spotted coat helped it blend into the broken light and dense leaves.
The fawn brought constant movement to the scene. It darted between the does before moving beneath one of them to nurse. The second doe remained nearby among the lotus leaves.
The photos were made on June 6, 2023, at 7:40 a.m. The lotus-covered water gave the deer both cover and a strong natural setting.
Photographing the Deer at Reeve’s Slough
Mia’s view from the fishing pier helped us locate the deer within the thick lotus growth. I then watched for openings between the broad leaves.
The vegetation often hid legs, faces, or parts of the fawn. I tried to make each frame when the animals separated clearly from one another.
The early morning light added warmth to their coats. It also created strong contrast against the deep green leaves.
An 800mm focal length let me frame the deer across the slough while keeping plenty of habitat around them. I wanted the lotus leaves to remain part of the story.
Camera and exposure details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11
- Aperture: f/11
- Shutter speed: 1/1000 second
- ISO: 2000, Auto ISO
- Exposure compensation: +0.3 EV
- Focal length: 800mm
- Date and time: June 6, 2023, 7:40 a.m.
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
For another quiet family encounter near the water, see Whitetail Doe and Fawn Reflection in Water.
The alert does first caught my attention. The nursing fawn then added a close look at the bond between the animals.
Later, one doe lowered her head and groomed the fawn. The broad lotus leaves framed the pair and gave the final scene a quieter feeling.
Mia also photographed the encounter from her position across the slough. She shared her photo and account in White-tailed Deer Does And Fawn.
Beautiful!!!