MY BIG BACKYARD

I feed a variety of animals that pass through my backyard. Deer, skunks, raccoons, possums are among the few.
I have been able to establish a relationship with some of them.
For instance?when the deer come, I hold up an apple and say "apple, apple" they look and then I toss it to them. They know that when I say "apple" I have something for them! Over time, they have become more and more trusting of me.
They now only seem to be skittish when there is a fawn present.
Trying to photograph them has proven to be difficult to say the least. At times, when I hold up the camera to take a picture, I think that they think it's a gun! It frightens them at time, and they start to bolt!
The regulars have gotten used to me, and the newbies learn in time that there is nothing to be afraid of. They are such a joy!

Comments: 16

DIANE D. Jan 14, 2008, 5:20pm EST

HOW WONDERFUL THIS MUST BE! GREAT ARTICLE

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~*~Nina~*~ R. Jan 14, 2008, 6:18pm EST

Thanks Diane!

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Lisa M. Jan 14, 2008, 7:45pm EST

Excellent Photo Essay! Thanks for posting this to...

The Photographers Review

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Mary K. Jan 15, 2008, 1:13am EST

I am glad that you enjoy it but I love living in the city. Nature is not my thing. Thanks for sharing!

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Corina Carrasco Jan 15, 2008, 1:45am EST

I wish I lived some place where there were little critters I could feed. I often dream of living somewhere like this.

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~*~Nina~*~ R. Jan 15, 2008, 9:34am EST

Thank you all for your comments! I really have the best of both worlds. I am in the country, but I also am 30 mins away from one city, and 60 mins away from another! I lived in Southern California for over 25 years. Too much violence for me! I visit frequently, but I can always come back to the quiet of the country!

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necee t. Jan 15, 2008, 7:25pm EST

how nice that you are friends with these creatures... we have a family of squirrels who come to our door... nature provides us with such joys...
Blessings to you and yours...

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Cheryl B. Jan 15, 2008, 8:22pm EST

You are very lucky to have a backyard experience like that.

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~*~Nina~*~ R. Jan 15, 2008, 8:26pm EST

I am truly blessed to be able to be close to nature! It is so calming and serene!

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Aubrey :) Jan 16, 2008, 1:32pm EST

That is super amazing. How neat to have little friends like that.

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Sophie S. Jan 17, 2008, 6:04am EST

That is so cool, hope you get the photos eventually

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Wilma M. Jan 23, 2008, 12:11am EST

That is so neat. My brother has deer that come into his back yard. Last 4th of July we sat on his deck and threw them bits of watermelon.

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Wilma M. Jan 23, 2008, 12:12am EST

I don't think I want any visits from skunks, though!! When I was little we had a barn and occasionally my dad would find a skunk in there enjoying the cat food.

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