While driving the roads around the wildlife refuge, we are always on the lookout for woodland mammals which venture out into the open to forage and move about.
“It is remarkable how many creatures live wild and free though secret in the woods.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Deer feeding on dropped corn in harvested cornfields shortly before sunset.
“When every day seems the same, it is because we have stopped noticing the good things that appear in our lives.” ~Paulo Coelho
The highlight of my time spent out in nature comes with the sudden and unplanned appearance of wildlife that I hadn’t expected to see. In nature, you never know what you’re going to catch a glimpse of from one moment to the next.
“Collect moments, not things. When all is said and done, beautiful moments are your true treasures.” ~April Peerless
Various shades of brown can be found in nature’s palette. These earthy hues provide a richness and warmth that can be soothing to the soul.
“Nature gives to every time and season unique beauty; from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it’s just a succession of changes so soft and comfortable that we hardly notice the progress.” ~ Charles Dickens
Driving along a country road near the levee, we encountered these deer standing motionless out in the back of a farm field. Undoubtedly, they were watching closely, ready to retreat back into the woods at the least unexpected noise or movement.
“Nature’s music is never over; her silences are pauses, not conclusions.” ~Mary Webb
Part of the fun of taking a nature walk is that you never know what you’re going to see. Encounters with nature, no matter how small, are blessings to be enjoyed and appreciated.
“Unexpected and pleasant surprises occur every day … We will notice if we look. We will see good sprinkled liberally over every day if we are open.” ~Steve Goodier
“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Because of the hot and humid weather, one of our favorite walking times is around dusk, when the temperature is cooling down. One of the benefits of walking at this time is that it is an active time for deer, which prefer to feed during low-light hours. Occasionally, we spot one that has come out of the woods to forage on corn, soybeans, and in this case, sunflowers.
“The real world, in my opinion, exists in the countryside, where Nature goes about her quiet business and brings us greatest pleasure.” ~Fennel Hudson
This deer was grazing in a soybean field near Big Sandy Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. She raised her head to watch as we drove by.
“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.” ~Lorraine Anderson
In the above photo, the deer was feeding out in the back of a soybean field in the middle of a hot afternoon. The photo below was taken at dusk — a cooler time when the light is low and deer are usually more active. We rounded the bend in a road and could see several grazing on vegetation off in the distance.
“Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it love.” ~Unknown
walking on a country road 