Today I woke up to a sound my ears have grown unaccustomed to; the sound of trees rustling in the wind. It is one of my favourite sounds in the world; infinitely better than the honking taxis, droning garbage trucks and thumping pneumatic drills that welcome each new day in the heart of New York City. I was staying with a friend in upstate New York this weekend, in the sleepy little hamlet of Croton-on-Hudson, and it was a blissful escape from the furore of the metropolis. I stumbled out of bed and made myself a steaming hot cup of fresh coffee. It was raining, but there was a cafe-style umbrella over the table and chairs in the back garden, so I sat outside under the umbrella, savouring the earthy coffee, listening to the pitter patter of the rain and breathing in the sweet scented air. As I sat there, I realised I was being watched.
I very slowly reached for my camera, and took just these two shots, before putting my camera away and slowly sipping my coffee in the most magnificent company I could ever ask for, watching and being watched.
Love this, Ailsa!! Communing with nature…
I was, catbird, I was talking to the animals. I felt like Dr Doolittle.
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That second shot is amazing. Beautifully done! Have fun away from the Apple! http://www.purehappytravel.com
Thanks Annie, I will. How is Alaska treating you?
I’m back in the homeland — but the Yukon was amazing. Thanks!
Really, truly beautiful, Ailsa!
BTW, I love Croton being described as “upstate” (it’s within a day’s kayaking from NYC, for one thing
)
Ha ha, can you tell I’m not from around here, Vlad?
I always think of upstate in the same way I think of uptown, it’s north of where you are, it’s up-something 
Yes, such a beautiful creature, I always feel terribly lucky when wild animals grace me with their presence, and even luckier when they feel comfortable enough to hang around.
A brilliant way to start the day! And fabulous photos, besides!
Thanks, Robin, I wish the start of every day could be as perfect as today.
Don’t we all!
Magnificent indeed! Brilliant shots!
Thanks Madhu, I feel very lucky to have shared my morning with such a beauty.
What a blessing! Its those unexpected moements that suddenly bring us closer to nature and God. And you had the camera to hand!!!! I now keep a small digital one wth me all the time as I’ve missed so many good shots!
I usually keep a camera close by at all times for the exact same reason, Anna
Wow! That is one exciting day. It started with a relaxing coffee to a adventurous encounter with the deer. Great post!
I couldn’t get over how big the deer was, I’ve seen much smaller deer before but this one was the size of a pony.
How wonderful
I know, the perfect start to my day
Lucky you to have the opportunity; and great shot as well!
Thanks Martin, I felt very lucky to have had such a wonderful chance encounter. And to have had my camera with me at the time.
How beautiful. What a fabulous way to start the day. Coffee outdoors and Bambi. I would have been beside myself. Luck you
I highly recommend coffee and Bambi as the best way ever to start the day
How lucky are you!! I’m always on the lookout for deer while wandering the woods, and here you are having coffee with them. I’m hating you just a little bit right now
Yours truly,
SJTR
LOL, SJTR, I love that you’re hating me (just a little bit). Next time you’re wandering in the woods not seeing deer, think of me sipping coffee with my four-footed friend.
That’s right, rub it in!
That little bit is getting a little bit bigger
These are exquisite shots – what a lovely moment! We live in the woods, and I love my porch and deck for this reason – although our deer usually tear off at the slightest movement – great capture!
Thanks, I was so happy my little four-footed friend decided to hang out with me for a bit. Such a beautiful animal, I could get lost in those eyes.
Takes your breath away!
It certainly did that to me
Great one ailsapm, you should be working with wildlife, they seem to trust you, or maybe you just happen to meet the showoffs!
…or maybe I bring out the inner showoff in the wildlife I meet
So cool!
I thought so too
WOW —- that is awesome. I love these shots. The eyes and the eayes on these dear lil guys is precious. So lucky – so cool.
It was such a delightful surprise to see those lovely eyes staring out of the forest at me.
WOW – forest … it’s like I’m reading a fairytale. Soooo … lucky.
I felt like I was in one! My friend’s house is surrounded by forest, it was just the most beautiful setting.
that’s ears – I should go night -night … LOL
I guessed ears
Don’t you just hate the moment when you’ve hit send and then see a typo?
YUP …!!!
We had a similar experience last summer 2011 in Zeeland (Netherlands).
It’s great to realise we’re all part of this beautiful nature in a way like that isn’t it?
Such an adorable two pictures you share here… I love the gaze in their eyes… It’s so desarming is it not?
For now, I still didn’t found the translation of my poem as I got derived by this beauty, but I continue looking for it Ailsa =)
I agree, Dauw, there is something quite magical about a shared moment with another animal, it fills me with awe and wonder. I see you found my translation of your poem and I’m very happy you published it on your blog. Really lovely poem.
Great post! What a thrill to capture the moment in a peaceful morning!
Thanks Amy, yes, it was a really wonderful moment
Wonderful!