It's that time of the year when things get noisy in Bushy Park with Red Deer stags emitting their deep, loud bellowing roars; proclaiming their fitness by responding to their rivals calls.
From the size of his rack and the number of tines I'm guessing this is one of the more mature stags in the herd and probably at least eight years old.
Nearby a
Grey Squirrel popped out of hiding to see what all the commotion was about!
Every now and again he trotted off to try and round up another wayward hind.
Checking to make sure that none of his ladies have wandered away. I counted about 20 hinds in this group, a couple still with their fawns in tow, so he will have his work cut out over the coming days as other stags try to poach some of his harem.
I have more images from this session to share in a forthcoming post but for now its time for him to take a rest. Wishing you a glorious wildlife watching weekend, wherever you are.
FAB.
Linking to Camera Critters and Saturday's Critters.
i can't imagine just bicycling or walking past these guys (and their gals) during rutting season!
ReplyDeleteTheresa it is relatively safe as they are quite used to humans wandering around and anyway their minds are on something else at this time.
DeleteWell, no wonder he's tired, Frank!!!! All that bellowing, chasing and watching would make my one tired. It is a little scary though to see people so close, don't you think?...:)JP
ReplyDeleteJP ... At one stage I was only 15 feet away from him, trying to hide by a tree, but I was totally ignored thank goodness. The heartbeat rose a little ..lol.
DeleteI appreciate these images. I have yet to witness any rutting but heard it is quite noisy. These are beautiful to look at and love that cute wee squirrel.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous shots! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow these are awesome. They look a lot like Elk but I'm gathering they are not Elk but a different, larger size Deer than what I've seen here.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular shots! Quite the handsome stag!
ReplyDeleteIncredible!!!.. Beautiful pics of these creatures. Near to the city.. Fine!!!.. ;-)))
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning shots and something I would like to see in person. He seems to be doing a good job. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteVery cool sight to see. The second shot is just awesome. And I love the shot with the ladies.. Wonderful series of photos and a great post. Thank you for linking up, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteHij is wel heel stour met zoveel dames om hem heen.
ReplyDeleteLoved your photos. The last one, napping, so cool
ReplyDeleteAmazing how this bull gathers up his ladies like that. It would be interesting to see the competition step and and challenge him. Pam
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome photography of the critters in the park ~ appear to be deer and that sweet little squirrel shot!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Gorgeous! How wonderful to have these deer come out in the open for you to enjoy. That male is so stunning!
ReplyDeleteHe's very handsome! He's going to be very busy with so many ladies to look after.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to watch these gorgeous creatures ! Great shots !
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Superb captures Frank. Just got back from Isle of Mull where the Red Deer are starting to rut though didn't get as close as this!
ReplyDeleteStunning images Frank. Just simply fantastic. If I I could get a few just like these I would have a ball. Carol
ReplyDelete