My last post about the deer at Tatton Park ended with an image of quite a large herd.
One stag had a harem of over 40 hinds... he was strutting around roaring and trying to mate while all the time keeping his eye on the competition... there were still a few bachelors looking for females of their own.
One stag had a harem of over 40 hinds... he was strutting around roaring and trying to mate while all the time keeping his eye on the competition... there were still a few bachelors looking for females of their own.
He was a big beast and those antlers looked like they could do a fair bit of damage.
The hinds were just getting on with feeding while he strutted around... looking for a receptive mate.
The herd were gathered on top of a small rise... giving the stag an advantage over his rivals.
From my vantage point I could see this young stag trotting towards the big fellows patch.
In no time at all the big fella was charging downhill towards the intruder... my only regret is that I didn't have my camcorder to hand as the speed of the charge doesn't show in my images.
I was using my 70-300mm lens on the camera which for once allowed me to capture the chase because of the distances involved.
The charging stag is on the left... while the intruder (playing it cool) is about to get the shock off his life.
The moment he saw the charging stag he was off... with absolutely no intention of putting up a fight.
If you enlarge the image by clicking on it you will also see a crow taking flight.
With a loud roar the skirmish was over... and I had witnessed some of the rut behaviour this year.
The victor slowly sauntered back up the hill passing me by with hardly a glance.
Pausing occasionally to check on the vanquished...
...and letting out a roar to let them know he was watching... wonderful to see.
23 comments:
Andrew, I've been to Woburn Abbey deer park a couple of times to see this year's rutting in progress. It's a great spectacle and a scary experience to witness the strength and aggression that the stags display at this time of year.
You've captured some excellent images...[;o)
Ditto what Trevor said. It is an amazing thing to witness.
Great set of shots.
His antlers are just amazing!
he is a gorgeous stag. :)
Wonderful thing to have noticed that, well done Andrew.
Wow those Stags look pretty powerful, great pictures from Findlay
His majesty...
you certainly captured the moment Drew, wonderful to see
Great series, Andrew. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
What a great sight to see,the deer in the forest where i live are so jumpy,you would be lucky to see one.
Great photo's
peter
Lovely series of pictures!
Great shots, I can almost hear him.
Well, Andrew...You are going to get another laugh tonight. Neither Buddy nor I has heard the term "hinds" about the stags. Bud is wondering if that is a British or European term. That gentleman is most impressive. I think I would have left the scene, too, if I had seen him coming towards me. genie
Magnificent photos, must have been quite something to see the charge.
Thank you for this adventure and your effort very much. Rarely wild life over here. Please have a good new week ahead.
loved going through the shots
Unas fotos preciosas. Saludos.
Andrew, this is a wonderful series of photos.
Great job.
Wonderful series of images :)
What a splendid post! You certainly were in the right place at the right time. A pity you could not catch them in a video, that final roar would have been quite something to hear.
Fantastic! Great spotting and shots too.
What a wonderful sight to capture, Andrew! Your shots are wonderful.
What wonderful captures...I would be in seventh heaven if I had taken these.
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