Welcome to the lower Himalayas, where the elusive Barking Deer, or Muntjac, roam freely. Hearing their distinctive calls is common, but actually seeing these shy and solitary creatures is a rare and special experience. Today, I'll take you through one such encounter I had in Sattal, Uttarakhand.
To increase my chances of spotting these deer, I carefully camouflaged myself among the rocks, hidden away from the openness of the landscape. The midday sun blazed overhead, making it an ideal time for the deer to seek water. And so, I waited, hoping to catch a glimpse.
After a while, my patience was rewarded. A Barking Deer emerged from the shadows, driven by the need for a sip of water. It ventured closer, unaware of my presence, as I remained perfectly still. The stream, though narrow and hidden, was a lifeline for the deer in the glaring sun.
Then, something remarkable happened. A young offspring, more adventurous than its elders, tiptoed towards the water. It was captivating to watch this delicate creature move with such caution yet such determination. They drank greedily, quenching their thirst, the cool water a relief from the heat.
Suddenly, a disturbance from afar made the young deer glance in my direction. I froze, becoming a statue, hoping not to be detected. But it wasn't me that alarmed the deer-it was the sound of some folks chatting loudly nearby.
Alarmed, the young deer shot off like a bullet towards the shrubbery upland, followed closely by another deer that had been nearby. They dashed towards the safety of the forest, their instinctive flight a testament to their constant vigilance.
Reaching the edge of the forest, they slowed their wild run and began to forage for food, reassured by the cover of the trees and dried shrubbery. The loud chatter faded, replaced by an eerie silence broken only by the calls of different birds.
I stood my ground, enduring the now unbearable heat of the sun. After a prolonged hush, a faint rustle caught my ears. It began to grow louder, descending from the mountainside. My heart raced with anticipation.
Suddenly, another Barking Deer appeared, making its cautious way towards the water hole. It moved with deliberate steps, constantly scanning the area for danger. It came closer, stopping near a burnt log quite close to where I was hidden.
Then, another group of hikers passed by, chatting loudly. The deer scampered away into the forest thicket, staying motionless until the commotion ceased. It was a tense moment, illustrating the delicate balance these creatures maintain with their environment.
Once the hikers moved on, the deer, driven by its thirst, carefully made its way back to the water body. Its need for water was greater than its fear of being out in the open. It stood there, finally quenching its thirst, completely unaware of my presence just a few feet away.
I managed to capture some decent footage of this fleeting moment. Watching the deer in such close proximity was a profound experience, a reminder of the fragile coexistence between wildlife and humans.
As the video comes to an end, I reflect on the delicate beauty of these encounters. In the lower Himalayas, these moments with the elusive Barking Deer are treasures, showcasing the intricate dance of nature and the need for respect and patience in observing it.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, and share it with others who appreciate the wonders of wildlife. Until next time, keep exploring and respecting nature's beauty.
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