A Tiny Deer on the Path and Woodpeckers in the Trees Above
My Husband Rick and I had a lovely hike yesterday that was brimming with wonderful surprises. A sprinkling of glorious autumn leaves were dancing on the cool breeze traveling through the park. Cackling high in a Short Leaf Pine was a male Red-Bellied Woodpecker. Rapidly moving from Tree to Tree we could barely make out the striking red marking on the back of his head.
I stopped because a familiar odor filled the air, looking around I could not see the creator and we continued hiking. A few minutes later three Whitetail Deer bound across the trail so quickly I was unable get a clear photograph as they vanished into the Forest. In a park where they are protected it is strange that they always act as if it is hunting season. We often see Deer in groups of 3 and I wonder if this is normal Doe herd size.
We decided to hike around to the far size of North Mountain to try and catch up with the 3 Deer. Normally this strategy would be a wasted effort, but not yesterday. After hiking half an hour we reached the trail head of the Upper Dogwood Trail below the North Mountain overlook. Lovely bird song echoed from distant Trees as we moved along the trail. Suddenly both Rick and I stopped, staring at us in the distance was a tiny creature standing in the middle of the trail. I wasn’t sure who was looking back at us until I looked through my zoom lens. The tiniest Whitetail Doe either if us had ever seen stood still with its head cocked in curiosity. Hiding on bank to our left were the two other Does that made up the trio we had seen earlier. As soon as we took a few steps closer they all graceful bounded up and over the ridge out of our view. It was a beautiful moment in the cool autumn Forest.
Further along the trail another wonderful surprise, high above us a Woodpecker was foraging for a meal. A spectacular male Northern Flicker was performing acrobatic feats on a large gnarled limb. The first Flicker I would document in Hot Springs National Park. Now that I know where he is nesting I will drop by again in hopes of another viewing.
As we left the park a soft beeping sound in the distance leads us to a small male Downy Woodpecker hopping up a Tree. The cool weather and leafless Trees revealed a gorgeous array of Woodpeckers in the Forest. It was a perfect hike with my beloved husband Rick.
Much Love to ALL!
Lee
Filed under: Hot Springs National Park Tagged: Arkansas Birds, Arkansas Wildlife, Autumn Leaves, Deer, Doe, Hot Springs National Park, Male Downy Woodpecker, Male Red Bellied Woodpecker, Nature Blog, Nature Photography, Northern Flicker, Photo Blog, Photography, Photography Blog, Whitetail Deer, Wildlife Photography
Lee Hiller owner of Hike Our Planet is the most followed Nature Photographer on Twitter (@LeeHillerLondon) with over 25,000 followers. To find out why CLICK HERE.
Read more at Lee Hiller’s Hike Our Planet
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).