Imaginary Menagerie

My suburban estate, such that it is, occupies a little over an acre.

The property is home to a small city of squirrels, various birds, and a small family of deer. The deer are part of a larger herd that roams the area and numbers around 18. I’ve seen as many as 13 of them at once lounging just steps from my door.

Last May, I bought a 300mm telephoto lens for better photography of my nonpaying tenants.

Today I saw a yearling ambling across the yard. The camera was close and I was able to get a few new photos. Upon review, I noticed some lesions on his body.

After a little online research, it looks like his affliction isn’t serious.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Fibromatosis is a common skin disease of white-tailed deer in North America.

That diagnosis came as a relief.

I really enjoy watching these animals pass through my imaginary menagerie.

About the author: I am Stephen Kennedy, an experienced photographer with more than 2500 completed sessions in all 50 US states.