In the animal world, late spring is all about raising kids and perpetuating the species. Parents (one or both) are driven to feed, guide, teach and protect their offspring, regardless of the conditions or the associated risks. The large number of animals, naive-te of the young and constant activity of the adults opens a window of opportunity for viewing wildlife that is unprecedented in the annual cycle. That said, sightings can still be extremely challenging when dense vegetation and the need to minimize human disturbance are factored into the equation.

One of several Tree Swallows that dive-bombed me when I got too close to a nest box full of youngsters
I’ve captured a sample of this exciting season, sometimes by design, more often by accident, and will share the joy!

Canada Geese, mother and goslings, on a small stream

Young Cottontail Rabbit

Great Crested Flycatcher with a bug for the kids to fight over; she fed her young dragonflies, moths and caterpillars while I watched

Immature Red Squirrel (i of 2)


Wild Turkey hen loudly and aggressively defending a brood too young to run or fly (1 of 2)

Hen turkey feigning injury and circling at a distant of about 25 meters, attempting to draw me away from her brood (which I didn’t pursue in the dense vegetation)

White-tailed Deer fawn, about a week old, instinctively laying low and motionless, for better or worse; I was 2 meters away

Most does are bred in November and give birth in late May and early June; this fawn may be 2-3 weeks old and reaching an age where running to avoid a threat is possible

Despite the size difference, these fawns are probably twins
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.