Thursday 2 June 2011

Hindmost


The biggest difference this year has been the number of hinds seen on the moor and around. Sometimes it's been a large party and other times twos and threes. Obviously they've come from somewhere and it's not just a sudden increase in the whole regional population.
My suspicion is that as they move around more of the deer from surrounding areas are discovering that Blacka satisfies three main requirements: more lush and varied vegetation, greater cover and their need for bodily warmth. This is borne out by observation of the places where they've been seen lying down. Blacka is well set up for absorbing the early rays of the sun from the east and a bright start to the day with a brisk cooling wind reveals them to be occupying the best sun traps.
Four mature hinds observed in the last two days may be new to Blacka. Unlike the regulars they are all of an age and have a different way of reacting to disturbance. Three distinct groups were present this morning some in the open and some in the woods.

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