Deer and apples

It’s another cold and windy day here in the Hollow. There was a dusting of dry snow overnight and a few flurries this morning. Now the sun keeps peeking out, and I expect to walk later.

The deer came early. I noticed one of the young bucks (born last year) in the meadow and then a doe and her late-season fawn who tried to run him off. (This doe and fawn come by many mornings and are not part of the main herd; they both usually run into the woods when I approach.) I threw a few apples down for them and before I even got back inside, four or five more deer showed up. I went to get more apples, and suddenly the whole herd was waiting! (Of course, I took down deer and corn for all 14 of them, but it was too cold to stop and take photos.)

apples About the apples—the apple growers here sell “deer” apples (also called “horse” apples). These apples are too small, too old, and/or too damaged for most people to buy. They are sold by the box or large bag for a bargain price. Once home, I pick out the rotten ones and use them first. (You know what they say about one bad apple!) I store them in the basement since I don’t have a root cellar.

At first (and before I started feeding corn), I would throw whole apples down into the meadow, but then I noticed that it was hard for the fawns to bite the apples and that the subordinate deer sometimes missed out. Now I quarter the apples and spread the pieces, often first feeding any deer who approach or are waiting for me. I sometimes toss the pieces close by to get the deer to approach. (I had one a few years ago that would eat from my hand.)

I sometimes see deer on my rambles. (I’m sure they see me more often.) They usually run, but sometimes they stop when they recognize me. I think they are wondering if I have brought apples.) Once in a while what I think is a deer is only a fallen tree! 🙂