Edge of the Woods - White-tailed Deer

When the great white pines of North America were cut down and the land cleared, the stumps were pulled out to the edge of the fields and used as the first fences. In this fence some cedar rails have been added. A fence like this one on the edge of a typical farm wood lot gives good shelter for wildlife.

Deer are usually alert but in seclusion during the day. This one is seen gazing out over the open field where danger might threaten from the nearby farm or from the snowmobile whose track is just visible. The snow has drifted behind the fence making curving shapes which create abstract forms in the shadows.