Fallow Buck.

Just before the end of 2012 during a wander around a local park I located a fairly large herd of the resident Fallow Deer. Adopting my usual stealthy approach I managed to get quite close to one of the older bucks. For this species the males become adult at eight years and provided the antler development is reasonably good, the 'palm' should be about five inches in width. I therefore estimated that this beast may well qualify for the term 'Great Buck'.

He was always alert to my presence but wasn't fazed by the clicking camera.

Whichever way he turned he kept a beady eye on the 'watcher'. I have a few more images of some other members of this herd which I'll share another time.    FAB.

Patchwalk at E.C.Pond.

A late morning visit today to Epsom Common under a blue sky at long last but that didn't make the birding any easier at it was extremely quiet. Very little activity in the woodland around the car park apart from Robin, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon  and a single Long-tailed Tit.

As I climbed the steps up to the main pond I just caught sight of a perched Kingfisher before it flew away into the willows surrounding the pond. This species is definitely a rarity for this location as I am unaware of any banks suitable for nesting. When I returned home I checked my records and my last sighting here was 23 February 2010 which confirms my feeling that they probably only pass through during the winter.

 Grey Heron

Scanning the pond I only found Moorhen (3), Grey Heron (2), Cormorant (2) and surprisingly no Mallards. While photographing the Cormorant a Common Buzzard floated over the woodland. The only other species seen or heard were Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Black-headed Gull and  Great-spotted Woodpecker.   

Cormorant

This individual was over a 100 yards away so I've cropped the image. The tree stumps are usually well above the water line so it shows how much rain we have had recently. Well not a particularly fruitful hour or so but it was good to be outside without the fear of getting soaking wet.  FAB.

Linking to Camera Critters and I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'.