Deer-stalking in the fresh snow

Much less cold last night, with a minimum of -5°C rather than -23°C, but with fresh snow. A light fall continued into the early afternoon. Fresh snow means walking is harder, not having any human footsteps to follow. But I can see animal tracks. Cats and dogs at first, but as I get further away from Jakubowizna pet paws are replaced in the snow by the prints of deer, hare and wild boar.

Carrying on northward towards Grobice, I catch numerous deer darting across the track, out of the wood and into the orchards. Maybe in total eight to ten individuals. Top: two young males, second from top, two older males.

I follow the herd west through the orchards, across another farm track and into the forest beyond. Turning south, between the fallen trees and brush, I can see a couple of individuals moving away from me... I continue stalking the herd, 70-300mm Nikkor zoom affixed...

The herd loops towards Jakubowizna, swinging back east at the end of the forest. I reestablish contact.

Below: two juvenile females cross the firebreak from plantation forest towards the wood on the other side. It's stopped snowing now.

Below: a juvenile male leaps follows on behind. 

I cross the road to follow the path dividing Machcin II from Gaj Żelechowski that heads to Chynów. I have caught hares in my lens a few times here, but today, no sign of them, other than paw prints. Below: more snow starts to fall. Roofs of houses in Gaj Żelechowski across the field.

Below: back home, it looks like the Micra won't be moving anytime soon. Long-range weather forecast shows a slight (+1°C to +2°C) thaw from tomorrow to Saturday before the snows and frosts return until the foreseeable future (18 Feb).

This time two years ago:
Am I a bore? Are you a bore? What is a bore?

This time three years ago:
Town and country in the snow

This time eight years ago:
"Forget about doing 10,000 paces a day!"
[Science now says the more the better.]

This time nine years ago:
Ukraine – fight or flight?

This time 11 years ago:
Room with a railway view

This time 14 years ago:
More than an Iluzjon

This time 15 years ago:
Oldschool photochallenge

This time 16 years ago:
Warsaw's wonderful nooks and crannies

This time 18 years ago:
Viaduct to the airport at ul. Poleczki almost ready