A Deer Story...

Aileen and Prancer survive the 2025-26 season.

That’s Aileen on the left, and Prancer on the right. Note his tiny horns. This year Aileen expanded her napping areas to: near the woodpile, near the hydrangea, near the glider, under the pine trees, and under the hemlocks. This fall, when Jim raked leaves, he banked up quite a big pile by the oregano. Guess what? Aileen was napping on them a few days later.

Her injured left front leg has held up remarkably well for 11+ years. When walking, she bears weight on the bent joint with her hoof tucked under.

We really enjoy seeing her and are relatively sure she enjoys seeing us too. (Often at twilight, we actually catch her peeking in the windows). 😄

Prancer Update 7/26/26

Prancer acheived maturity and was “cut out of the herd”. He seemed genuinely perplexed about Aileen hitting him with her front legs, and chasing him away. For awhile, he continued to try and stay with her, but finally, he gave up.

He was alone a lot. However, about a month ago he was spotted with a new friend! (Another young buck).

Aileen Update7/26/26

Had a nice visit from Aileen this evening. She has a small fawn, and is typically traveling with a doe who has twins. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Aileen (due to all of the flies).

About a week ago, she had numerous open wounds all over her back and legs. The flies were relentless. Today, happily, many of those wounds have closed up. There is about a 50% reduction in flies.

Her right eye is infected, swollen, and partially shut. I am hoping others in her pack will help her clean it so she can retain her vision, and be more comfortable.

Aileen’s fawn, Maybelline, sometimes “bleats” like a baby sheep when they are separated.

Aileen is a great mom. This is at least her 11th baby (that we know of).