Follow the Leader

Without a doubt, when I watch wildlife all it takes is one of a group to go into “Alert” mode and the entire assembly is gone. Such was the case with two gatherings of whitetails. Both observations appeared to be adult does with young of the year. When Momma took off, so did the youngsters.

In the second case of deer, one allowed me to record a few images before the alarm was sounded. After fear set in, I saw what I often see - the white tail flashing at me.

Sometimes I wonder if a group of critters has a leader and if they do, is the leader qualified to lead. In this case I am wondering about trumpeter swans that are in the area even though water is beginning to freeze. I am guessing since they are spending their evenings/overnights on the remaining open water and their days feeding in fields, their survival needs are being met. So, why lead the family south? These three swans are part of a larger group I have seen several times near the short-eared owl area. (For those wondering, short-eared owls were seen today, but all at a considerable distance away under low light conditions.)