Sitka White Tail Deer, Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge, Alaska – Image 2608

Two Sitka black-tailed deer walk the tide line searching for food. Deer are mostly considered forest animals, but in the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge deer spend their time searching the tide lines for food while finding safety inside the forested islands dotting this tidal state game refuge. I got lucky on this shot. I was out in the refuge by first light just checking locations out and looking for a good fireweed image. All of the sudden, two deer come out of one forested islands close to me. I freeze. To my disbelief they walk right by me as if I was not even there and then keep going. I have almost never had such wild animals so unfazed by my presence. Nikon F4, Lens: 35-75f/2.8 Nikkor, settings unknown, Fuji Velvia 35mm slide film-Mark Kelley