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The Nature Report: Ranch Country Morning
Posted: 02.10.2010 at 11:31 AM
Richard Moore

Richard Moore hosts "The Nature Report" every Monday and Wednesday.

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The golden light of early morning bathes this remote ranch country oasis in a peaceful glow.  

With the days first light an ethereal mist hovers over the tranquil waters.
 
A pair of frisky young bucks spars along the waters edge, before moving on to explore the rest of the ponds perimeter.
 
Next, a turkey gobbler soars gracefully across the water to join his flock on the opposite bank where he stretches out his landing gear and makes a flawless running landing.   

As if the landing were not outstanding enough, the gaudy gobbler then commences to proudly strut.
 
Suddenly, a doe comes running across the pond, making graceful leaps as she clears the water. A young buck is in hot pursuit.

Within seconds several more bucks appear, and it is apparent this late season doe has a devoted contingent of love-crazed suitors.
 
A pied-billed grebe that has been leisurely floating nearby, decides all this commotion is too much and takes a precautionary dive.
 
Soon, a trio of bucks returns moving slowly and having apparently been out maneuvered by the elusive doe.
 
As the pond side action subsides, the biggest surprise of the morning materializes -- an impressive buck peering over the brush.

It's not known how long he has been there, but he eventually decides to move on.
 
Turns out he has a young doe in his company.

It's doubtful any of the pond side suitors will challenge this alpha male.
 

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