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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22 comments:

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

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

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

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  3. 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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    1. My pleasure. Thanks for hosting, Michelle.

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  4. Beautiful capture.

    Regards and best wishes

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    1. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Blessings.

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

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  6. What a great capture, pure sweetness and joy.

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

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  7. Gorgeous capture of the velvet antlers and the pretty deer.

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

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

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    1. 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.

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  9. What a stunningly delightful shot. Wonderful!

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

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Thanks for taking the time to comment.