Mule Deer doe standing next to an alpine creek, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahMule Deer doe standing next to an alpine creek – Nikon D500, f14, 1/400, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Even though I am primarily a bird photographer I won’t pass up the opportunity to photograph mammals when they come into my view like this Mule Deer doe did. I had been photographing Uinta Ground Squirrel babies when I saw this doe come into my view below me near a fast running creek. I moved my Jeep forward a bit so my friend Steve could see her too and we both focused on taking images of the deer.

Shedding Mule Deer doe mid stride, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahShedding Mule Deer doe mid stride – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The Mule Deer doe hasn’t quite finished shedding her winter coat but she looked beautiful standing next to the creek in the soft but bright morning light. Both Steve and myself hoped that the doe would cross the creek. She didn’t, at least not while we were focused on her.

The setting was beautiful though due in part to the spring grasses and the alpine creek behind the doe. The pops of yellow in the image are native Mountain Goldenbanner blossoms which has just now started to bloom.

Creekside Mule Deer doe, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahCreekside Mule Deer doe – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Because of this Mule Deer doe and the other birds and animals we saw I had a wonderful time showing my dear friend Steve from Arkansas a part of Utah he hadn’t seen before. The company was great, the sun was shining and the birds were singing their hearts out. It was a grand way to share a morning high in the Wasatch Mountains.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Mule Deer photos plus facts and information about this species.