Walking through the preserve here at Ovation is so relaxing and generally quite peaceful. I can hear the small animals scurrying around sometimes, and when I walk very early in the morning, I can view the owls and other nocturnal creatures getting sleepy and bedding down. I notice the wildflowers in bloom and I look forward to seeing the yellow daffodils every spring. I often follow the trails and enjoy listening for the sounds of nature and seeing the beauty that is everywhere I look.
I walk freely anywhere in the preserve. I even end up near Marvin Road sometimes, and my mother taught me that I have to be watchful for those vehicles that travel along that road. But wherever I go, I am admired, whether I am near the road or deep in the woods. I know I am admired because people stop and stare, and I often hear the clicks of their cameras. Sometimes I pose for them, but if they get too close, I head farther down the trail and out of sight. I do remember people I’ve met before in a general way – I remember if they are on my “safe” list or if they are on my “stay away from” list.
Yes, I am aware how many admire me. And I do have many positive traits. For example, I have a gentle nature, my hearing is exceptional, I have good eyesight and superb night vision, my excellent sense of smell helps protect me, I can sprint up to 30 MPH and can leap 10 feet high or 30 feet horizontally. My favorite foods include acorns, blackberries, huckleberries, alfalfa, corn, clover, and especially apples – apples taste like candy to me. As many of you know, I sometimes eat grasses, leaves, and flowers too. My lifespan is dependent on my species and many other factors. In this state, I may live in the wild anywhere from 8 to 10 years typically.
I get along well with my admirers as long as they don’t get too close. I teach my children to always be aware of what is around them, even when they are just eating lunch or playing with each other. I have two fine looking children – a male and a female – their names are Buck and Grace. When my children were quite small, I had to walk slowly in order for them to keep up with me. They have often accompanied me when I wander the woods looking for food. Now my son is growing up so fast – his antlers are noticeable already. Grace is still fairly young, although she has lost most of the spots on her coat.
As long as my human neighbors and my family all get along, we can continue to live in harmony and share this beautiful area we all call home.
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