Hunchun Photographer Captures Rare Photo: Roe Deer and Geese Appear Simultaneously at Jixing Wetland

On March 16th, a photographer from Hunchun captured a rare moment of wild geese and roe deer together at Jixing Wetland.

In a rice paddy at Jixing Wetland, wild roe deer freely forage, with a cute roe deer standing among the flock of geese, showcasing the harmonious and beautiful ecological landscape of Hunchun.

Have you ever heard of roe deer? Roe deer are adorable animals, somewhat similar to the familiar sika deer, but even more cute and endearing. Their charming appearance always attracts many people’s attention. Hunting, selling, or eating roe deer is illegal, as roe deer are a national level secondary protected animal.

Scientific name: *Capreolus pygargus*The body length of a roe deer is about 1.2 meters, and the weight is about 30 kilograms. It has a slender neck and large eyes and ears. It has no antlers; the hind limbs are slightly longer than the fore limbs, and the tail is short. Male roe deer have antlers, while female roe deer do not. Male antlers shed in winter and begin to grow again by the latest 3rd of March, reaching their full size by 6-7 months, which coincides with the mating season. Male roe deer use their antlers to scrape bark and leave secretions from the forehead gland as a mark of their territory. Roe deer usually live in pairs, and twins are common.

Roe deer are herbivores that live in small, hilly, sparsely wooded areas in Northeast China, Northwest China, North China, and Inner Mongolia. They are one of the common wild animals in Northeast China. Roe deer have significant economic value and are listed in China’s ‘National List of Wild Animals with Beneficial or Important Economic and Scientific Research Value’.

Wild geese, also known as ‘wild swans’, belong to the order Anseriformes, the family Anseridae, and are a general term for all species of geese. Common species in China include the White Crane, Gray Goose, Bean Goose, and White-necked Goose. Geese often form flocks of 6 individuals, or in multiples of 6, and these flocks are often family groups or aggregations of groups.

It is rare to see wild geese in the sky and roe deer on the ground together in a single shot.