Tuesday 16 November 2010

Who's in Charge?

During the rut stags can go for long periods without feeding. Their focus is on defending their property, the group of hinds over whom they have established rights. I've seen no challenges recently to the Baron's authority and several times wondered if he and his hinds have separated. The last two mornings they have been back together, though it's been noticeable that he is feeding as if he's not eaten a decent square meal for many weeks, head down and caring little about what else might be happening. In fact it's the senior hind who takes the lead when she identifies a potential threat. This morning she was distinctly stroppy while he barely registered an interest.

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