Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Meditation in Velvet

Taken July 2011 in Rocky Mountain National Park

Deer lose their antlers and must grow a new set every year (same with elk). A velvet covering (as you see on this buck's antlers) protects the antlers until they have fully developed. At that point the velvet sheds. Protein and minerals are needed for antler growth, in contrast to horns -- such as found on bighorn sheep -- which are made of keratin (like our fingernails) and only require protein for optimal growth. Horns are not shed; new growth is added on to the old. 



Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.



Great is Thy faithfulness! 
Great is Thy faithfulness! 
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Thomas Obadiah Chisolm, Composer (1866-1960) 


Blessings,


Nancy



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Posted by Nancy at 6:51 AM Labels: , , , , ,

22 comments:

  1. CharadeMarch 21, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    What a fantastic shot! And I do miss those clumps of sage brush - at least their colors.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TexWisGirlMarch 21, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    a gorgeous photo! those bits of flowers just add so much to the already beautiful scene!

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    Replies
    1. NancyMarch 24, 2012 at 6:22 AM

      The wildflowers are beautiful here. Just wish they'd hurry up and arrive!

      Delete
  3. Rambling WoodsMarch 21, 2012 at 8:58 AM

    Interesting information as I have deer coming into the yard..It looks so beautifull and peaceful there..perfect for Nature Notes...Thank you...Michelle

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    Replies
    1. NancyMarch 24, 2012 at 6:23 AM

      My pleasure. Thanks for hosting, Michelle.

      Delete
  4. Tatjana ParkachevaMarch 21, 2012 at 10:07 AM

    Beautiful capture.

    Regards and best wishes

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    Replies
    1. NancyMarch 24, 2012 at 6:23 AM

      Thanks for visiting and commenting. Blessings.

      Delete
  5. BarbMarch 21, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Nancy - everything in this landscape looks velvety. A wonderful capture of a pretty area.

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  6. jewaiciousMarch 21, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    What a great capture, pure sweetness and joy.

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    Replies
    1. NancyMarch 24, 2012 at 6:26 AM

      Good description. That's what I think, too. Thanks for visiting and commenting. God bless.

      Delete
  7. eileeninmdMarch 21, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Gorgeous capture of the velvet antlers and the pretty deer.

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    Replies
    1. NancyMarch 24, 2012 at 6:26 AM

      Thanks Eileen. Hope you're having fun this weekend.

      Delete
  8. DianneMarch 21, 2012 at 5:23 PM

    oh my!
    what a beautiful photo
    I've never seen the velvet stage, this is fantastic

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    Replies
    1. NancyMarch 24, 2012 at 6:27 AM

      I had never seen deer or elk in velvet until I moved to the Rockies. I think it's fascinating. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

      Delete
  9. LindaMarch 21, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    Absolutely delightful.

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  10. LadyFiMarch 22, 2012 at 5:45 AM

    What a stunningly delightful shot. Wonderful!

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  11. PatMarch 25, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    Beautiful capture!

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  12. A Colorful WorldMarch 26, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    He is absolutely gorgeous! The vegetation surrounding him goes with the softness of his velvet antlers. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

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