A True Survivor

This buck first appeared at the feeding area last winter but it was heartbreaking to see him struggle through the snow because he has either a broken leg or dislocated shoulder of his front leg.   He flops his front leg out when he walks and cannot put much pressure on it but he seems to have adapted to this injury.  He also seems to have deformed antlers and I'm not sure if it is a genetic or nutritional issue (although he looks healthy).   It is a testament to his strength and determination that he has survived. 

From the University of Missouri: 

Antler deformations can also be caused by leg injuries, which often result from deer-vehicle accidents. Front leg injuries coincide with antler deformation on the same side as the injury — a front left leg injury will affect the left antler. Rear leg injuries coincide with antler deformation on the opposite side — a rear left leg injury will affect the right antler. Depending on the severity, injuries to the leg may result in deformations to the antler in consecutive years or the deer may make a full recovery. The biological mechanism controlling this relationship between leg injuries and antler deformations is not fully understood but is thought to be associated with reallocating nutrients toward healing the leg injury, instead of antler growth.

Pie and her twins

Our other resident deer, Pie, brought her twins today.

Pie's Twins

Proud Mama - Pie

Pie and one of the twins

Appleseed

We have named Cider's new fawn "Appleseed", in honor of her beloved grandmother who was named "Apple" (the matriarch of the herd who died in 2012).

Cider's New Fawn

Finally....we have been waiting 2 months for Cider to bring her new fawn to the property.   She was born the end of May.   

 

Baby Turkeys

A small group of baby turkeys came walking down the driveway about 6:30am today.  They came around to the backyard for some cracked corn.

Spotted Turtle

While whipping the grass along the back fence this afternoon, I saw this Spotted Turtle.

This particular turtle first came to the property in 2005 and was seen again in 2006 and 2009.  A picture of the turtle's plastron (bottom shell) was taken each time she was on the property and compared.  The unique markings were identical, indicating that this is the same turtle coming to lay her eggs.  

Spotted Turtles are approximately 5 inches in length. Sexual maturity is reached at 8-10 years and most individuals live for at least 25 years.  Some members of this species can reach 50 years of age.

Assuming the turtle on the property was 8 years old in 2005, she may be 16 years or older now.

You can also see the 2009 photos of this turtle on this blog located under the June entries.

We have named her "Polka-Dot Lily" -- we hope to see you for many more years to come!!

Snapping Turtle

We have never had a snapping turtle on the property.  I saw this guy during a rain storm near the driveway.  

Snappers will travel extensively overland to reach new habitat or to lay eggs.   This species mates from April through November, with their peak laying season in June and July. The female can hold sperm for several seasons, using it as necessary. Females travel over land to find sandy soil in which to lay their eggs, often some distance from the water. After digging a hole, the female typically deposits 25 to 80 eggs each year, guiding them into the nest with her hind feet and covering them with sand for incubation and protection. Incubation time is temperature-dependent, ranging from 9 to 18 weeks. In cooler climates, hatchlings overwinter in the nest.