Mule Deer doe with spiderwebs and a spider on her face – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This time of the year the sagebrushes, rabbitbrushes, greasewoods, grasses and virtually anything that stands still are being draped with spiderwebs from the orbweavers on the island. There is even an annual SpiderFest on the island so that people can come out and learn about these harmless spiders. This year the SpiderFest is August 5th from 10 am to 4 pm and from what I have heard people always have a good time.
Two days ago I went to an area near the marina on Antelope Island to photograph a few spiders because the bird activity was slow and I knew there would be spiders to photograph. I had only taken images of a few spiders when I heard a noises not far from me and a doe Mule Deer stood up the sound of the cameras clicking away may have disturbed her while she rested.
I can’t resist photographing birds or wildlife up close so I swung my lens around and focused on the face of the Mule Deer and laughed out loud because she was covered in spiderwebs. From ear to ear, down her muzzle and to her chin she had spiderwebs clinging to her fur, bits of plant materials and off to the left side of her muzzle there was a big spider hanging there too. She even had webs strung across her eyelashes.
After leaving the doe and while reviewing my images on my camera LCD I laughed all over again. I suspect I will laugh out loud every time I see these photos.
I did pay a price for the photos of the deer and the spiders I photographed two days ago though when a deer fly bit my right hand on the soft skin between my thumb and forefinger, I react badly to deer fly bites and this bite has not been any different. My right hand is swollen, painful and itches like crazy. The swelling will go down in a couple of days but right now it hurts and I feel it each time I move my fingers.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mule Deer photos plus facts and information about this species.
Saw the picture of the mule deer a few days ago, but I was having problems getting my email. The little guy looked so cute! Like he stuck his nose where it didn’t belong. I understand your laugh. Sorry you got bit. Benadryl will stop the itching anytime you have an itch. Be well!
What a crazy, cool catch Mia!
This image is really wonderful. But, the situation of deer is very uncomfortable.
Amusing image! Thanks for the link (which has Saturday Aug. 5) I like spiders and think these big spiders are beautiful.
I agree – “Spiderfest, what a concept!”
I am endlessly fascinated by spiders, but would not like a face full of them and their web.
It is a wonderful photo though. I feel for you on the bite front. I blow up massively when/if rather a lot of things bite m.
So sorry about the bite. I react badly to any insect bite, some of my bites get plate size. My doctor recommended taking Benadryl as soon as I can and gave me a prescription for a Triamcinolon cream that I keep with me in my backpack. I apply it as soon as I get the bite. Both have reduced my reaction. I sucks being so tasty!
I don’t think my thesaurus is big enough to adequately express the WOW factor here. Nasty spiders for sure, but what a great, great, pic! Thanks Mia.
That poor doe! A face full of spider webs can’t be much fun…especially on the eye lashes. I remember riding through the woods and getting my face covered by webs…not pleasant! My horse got them, too…not easy to get rid of….
I hate it when I have to do Karma time for my behavior. HOWEVER, that bite seems a little excessive for just laughing at that comical image. I mean, come on! It IS funny! What’s up with that? It must be a cumulative thing 🙂
Maybe the problem is that the whole thing wasn’t that funny for the spider(s)? LOL!
I really love watching spiders do their thing. As long as they maintain my personal space, we’re good.
Hello Laura
Hope all is well with you . And your fur babes and your feathered ones. Especially Mariah. Be well and try to stay coo.
Hello Laura
Hope all is well with you . And your fur babes and your feathered ones. Especially Mariah. Be well and try to stay coo. Not a repeat.
Mostly well…just mostly exhausted trying to get my stuff all organized while working with Jack, Skye and Mariah, having fun with the neighbor’s horses and trying to keep this place somewhere near clean. I SWEAR I’ve got an acre or so of sand in the house every day. But organizing is the bigger deal.
Oh and just got Internet service back. There are challenges to living here! Internet service is not good at all. Sigh.
Oh my goodness. Incredible image!
Spiderfest. So glad to hear that goes on in your part of the world…Spiderfest, what a concept!
I would have thought that having something draped across her nose the Mule Deer would have rubbed her face on grass to get rid of the webs of the Orb Spider.