Sunday, June 14, 2026

Twin Deer Fawns Were Born in My Yard Last Week!



The adorable twin mule deer fawns seen in this photo in my backyard were born last week on June 8th, 2026!


Google made this collage a bit out of sequence order...

My husband and I had gone out for breakfast to celebrate our June birthdays, and when we arrived home, we looked out the window to see if there were any deer in our yard, as we wanted to do some gardening. We saw a Mule Deer doe lying in the shade under a pine tree in our side yard. It was a hot day with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. When we saw two hoves, we realized she was in labor and about to give birth!
 
The gestation period for a Mule Deer's pregnancy is around 200 days, and many in our neighborhood were also seeing fawns being born. This was the second time we witnessed fawns being born in our backyard in the thirteen years we have lived here--see the first time in this blog post



Female deer that are giving birth for the first time, often called yearlings, typically have only a single fawn. Mature does, however, frequently produce twins. I could see this deer was still in labor with the second twin when a curious buck showed up in our yard! If you look closely, you can see that his new antlers were beginning to grow in.


A doe licks the newborn fawn and eats every part of the products of birth to remove their scent and protect the fawn from predators. The buck came close to see what she was doing, and she had to get up and chase him away three times before he left for good!


It was nice to watch how caring the Momma doe was to her fawn.



A short YouTube video of the first fawn twin taking its first steps on wobbly legs.



The doe retreated under the pine tree again to give birth to the second fawn.


It began to thunder, and we had a brief rain shower, so she stayed under the tree during the storm.


When the sun returned, the firstborn twin curled up to take a nap...


...while the doe cleaned the second-born twin and bonded with it.



Momma Doe also looked ready to take a nap! 

They all remained in our backyard until the next morning, when they left. 
Important: a doe will leave her fawns for long periods of time to protect them from predators, as fawns' fur does not have a discernible scent. She will return for short periods to allow them to feed. If you ever come across a fawn that is alone when hiking, leave it be!


It was the end of a beautiful day!

I know these fawns will be back in my yard from time to time this summer, and it will be fun watching them grow!


 



20 comments:

Cat said...

They are adorable, what a special event in your garden!

Carol On The Lake said...

Wow! I'm impressed by your access to experiencing the birth of the fawns. It looks amazing!! #MMBC

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

OMG, how wonderful! We see deer often here in Texas, but not in our yard, like we enjoyed in Montana. Have a wonderful week ahead! Visiting from #MMBC

Kim Carberry said...

Oh wow! How exciting and a wonderful thing to witness. They are beautiful creatures.

eileeninmd said...

What a cool experience to see the fawns born. They are so darn sweet and so cute. I love all your deer photos. Gorgeous sunset.
Take care, Happy Monday! Have a great week!

Linda W. said...

What a wonderful thing to experience, right in your own backyard. Those fawns are adorable!

Marcia said...

Never had the pleasure of hosting a pregnant doe. We have seen fawns untended. They looked like they're dead but when we returned to check on them they were gone.

Hena Tayeb said...

Aww that is the sweetest.

ROAD GYPSIES - VAL & HOLLAND said...

How exciting! And what a stand-up father deer, to stick around & care for his new family - wow: I didn't know deer did that. You learn something new, every Day 😃

Thanks for sharing& have a funtastic week!

EricaSta said...

Yes, I believe that was a wonderful day, viewing the birth. Such lovely scenes! Thank you very much for sharing at MosaicMonday

Greetings by Heidrun ❤️

Barbara Rogers said...

What a wonderful event and you captured it just right with camera! Thanks so much for sharing it with me.

handmade by amalia said...

Almost too precious. Such a dear deer experience.
Amalia
xo

Sandee said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. So beautiful. All of them and especially the newborn.

Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.

Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. ♥

Jeanie said...

It's like nature school in your yard! Those fawn twins are adorable. Mama Deer must feel very safe, raising her family in your space. I love that! Seeing her give birth -- I can't imagine the miracle of that. And then your fantastic video of the baby getting up for the first time. I am in awe!

ellen b. said...

Wow. How wonderful to have this happen on your property. Fawns are the cutest!

Barbara said...

WOWOW! This is so interesting. I read parts of your post to my husband. He told me that when he lived out from town in Virginia, one time he saw a doe with THREE fawns!

Joanne said...

Oh my goodness! Look how tiny they are; I don't think I have ever seen them when they are quite that young.

Esme Slabbert said...

It must have been an amazing experience to witness. WOW
Thanks for sharing at HIH 641. If not already, please share with SSPS https://esmesalon.com/seniorsalonpitstop/ Mon through Saturday

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

It's always amazing to me how fast fawns learn to walk after they are born. I guess they have to in the wild.

Tom said...

...this year I've seen more fawns than ever before. Happy Birthdays!