Fallow Deer - Tatton Park

I made a return trip to Tatton Park the other day. This time in search of the Fallow Deer. There were plenty around, but it appeared that the main part of the rut was now over for another year.
There were a couple of stags sat together in the long grass looking rather sullen and past the point of caring. While in the distance a larger male was happily strutting his stuff amongst his harem.
They were really quite difficult to see when they were sat in the long grass. Perfect camouflage.

A couple of Red Deer having a chill.

The Deer Rut

I spent a couple of glorious hours on Sunday afternoon in Tattton Park, Cheshire. It's only a few miles from my home but is somewhere that gets visited infrequently. I should really make more use of it. However, this year I have made it my aim to photograph the deer during the rut.
Right now the male stags are strutting around trying to look mean. The herd that I focused on had one particular beast that clearly fancies his chances this year of being top dog. He was bellowing and chasing other males off while schmoozing up to the females. I didn't manage to see any antler locking or fighting but maybe I'll be lucky enough in the coming weeks. Here are some pictures to whet the appetite.

More of a playful slap down here.

A healthy looking stag, but he was not looking to take charge.

This is your man. He was up for a fight with any other male and very loud. 

Not sure if everyone heard me, so I'll bellow again.

Bad hair day.

A very good looking stag. Could be a contender this year.

Macclesfield Forest

I've taken myself away to Macclesfield Forest a few times just recently. Such a peaceful place if you pick the right times of day. You can be left to yourself and nature for ages. The other night I ended up almost face to face with some red deer. That will serve me right for hiding myself away and waiting for things to come to me. They actually did. Always nice to see, but unusual to catch them out in the open.
I also managed to catch up with a family of Dippers. Two juveniles were out and about and looking quite healthy too.

Lovely Bluebells out in flower too.

Juvenile Dipper