A Deer Encounter

Sometimes you get lucky to be at the right spot, at the right time, AND have all your photo equipment function properly. Such was the case in spotting this winter fur-sporting deer in Anamosa, Iowa's Wapsipinicon State Park. Our tan friend here was quite approachable, most likely because he/she encounters many park visitors throughout the year.

Deer made Iowa news this week when the DNR reported another confirmed case of chronic wasting disease was found in Allamakee County (NE Iowa.) Efforts by DNR and hunter alliances are seeking to manage the spread of CWD, which was first diagnosed in Iowa during 2013.

Electric Elk Watches Over Clinton, Iowa

Look up from the street level and discover a world of elevated art.

In this case, a bust of an elk (or deer) has been overlooking a downtown street in Clinton, Iowa for sometime. Its pretty ornate, detailed and grand in scale. But upon closer inspection there is something more.

At the tips of the antlers are remnants of light bulbs. Can you image what this guy looked like all lite up? I bet there are local postcards that would show the electrified stag back in the day. Keep looking up.

Smile, You Are Being Watched

No approach to wooded areas during recent weeks goes without a set of eyes looking at you. Deer seem to be all over the place as harvest disrupts protected retreats. In this case the large amounts of fallen oak leaves provide a camouflage background for the winter coat sporting deer population. The deer seem curious as to why they are being approached by a 42N photographer but wait only seconds before fleeing. That's okay, I got the photo.