My New Deer Friend

A couple of weeks ago, I took a walk in nature near Princeton
and saw a redtail hawk soaring over the lake.
So, I walked across a bridge to get to the other side of the lake,
where the bird had perched high in a spruce tree.
But, by the time I crossed the bridge, the hawk was airborne again.
I did get a photo of the bird soaring from a great distance and eventually
found him perched in another tree. However, I was never able to get close enough
to get great photos.

Nonetheless, along the way to that second tree, I discovered a "doe, a deer, a female deer" resting on the ground below some shrubbery. It was a hot day and she was
peacefully cozy in the shade. Although I don't believe I ever met her before, she was very patient with me, allowing me to get within 20 feet of her without her exhibiting any fear. I figured the high heat & humidity that day probably contributed to her lethargy.

Thus, I took a couple of shots with the camera and thanked her with a whisper and walked uphill
to where the hawk was perched. The bird did not allow me to get close and flew.
Thus, I proceeded to explore and heard some other unfamiliar bird call.
I never found that bird. However, I ended somewhat behind where the doe was.
As I walked through an opening, I saw the doe standing up looking at me.
She was initially much more aware on my presence, than I was of her.
But, she stood there facing me and not running away.
So, I whispered; "sorry. sorry. My bad." and I walked backwards through the opening
and circled below to my right to look out on the lake.

Almost immediately, the doe walked towards me and walked into the edge of a little
wooded area that had a lot of ivy and other growth. I just stood there taking pictures
and she kept walking closer to me. At one point she was less than 10 feet from me.
Eventually, I whispered a thank you again and walked away.

Here's some of the pictures from that encounter that day.
Perhaps you'll enjoy them.