Intruders in the Woods

The rut last year coincided with some fine mornings and the deer were sometimes out in the open making them easier to see, but also easier for them to see us. The mornings this year have been dark and often wet and the animals have been in the woods. Although it's harder to find them and photograph them it can be possible to get closer with care.

Yet no shortage of noise from the chief male of the herd. And his voice sounds even more commanding close by in the trees than across the moor. One challenger had been rebuffed with excitable charges and  vocal threats and was biding his time for the moment. To him we were the intruders.

 Younger deer were looking bemused or alarmed while hinds stood by eating and grooming.

They were easier to see than the top stag who was hidden apart from his headgear.