A very good friend of mine frequently sends me photos of her wildlife encounters at work. She lives in Alaska and works for US Fish and Wildlife so you can just imagine! I was thinking about all the incredible animals she meets along the way. And yes, at times, I am a little envious.
Bull Moose
Yesterday I had my own wildlife experience that was just as exciting, well at least for me! I was driving into Westmoreland State Park, as I rounded a bend in the road I spied a tiny, small fawn on the side of the road standing there just looking at me. I stopped the car and she did not move. I whispered to her softly, held out my left hand while trying to get my camera out of my bag with my right had. It was no small feat, I had several zippers and closures to get through. Amazingly, she moved closer to me very slow but steady. It was love at first sight for me, those dark "doe eyes' and long lashes pulled at my heartstrings. I got within about a foot of her, another car passed by and she backed up and turned around. Still she did not run. I was finally able to get my camera out but I didn't get a great picture of her. As you can see, it's just her backside as she was walking away.
White Tail Deer Fawn slowly walking away
She moved to the tall grass and began munching on something she thought was good! A saw another movement to my left. There was mom with two of her siblings that still had their spots but were a little larger. Then all of a sudden they bound into the trees and were gone.
Fawn not worried about me watching as she finds something tasty to eat!
It is my understanding that a white tail deer can have up to three fawns in a litter but that was the first time I have ever seen them all together.
Westmoreland State Park faces the Potomac River, the park is six miles northwest of Montross and just off Route 3.
- From Fredericksburg (I-95), take Rt. 3 east, go about 40 miles to the park's entrance, turning left onto Rt. 347.
- From Tappahannock, take U.S. 360 East to Warsaw. Turn left onto Rt. 3 west at the third stop light. Stay on this road until about six miles past Montross. Turn right into the park's entrance on Rt. 347.
- From Richmond, take U.S. 360 East, then follow Tappahannock directions.
- From Tidewater, take 17 north to Tappahannock. At the second light, past Lowrey's Restaurant, turn right onto 360 east, then follow Tappahannock directions.
Drive Time: Northern Virginia and Washington D. C., two hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, five and a half hours.
The park offers camping and cabin stays. You will need a reservation. 1800-933-PARK
Have a wildlife encounter of your own, visit a beautiful Virginia State Park!