Supervised Play

Serendipity prevails here. If you set out to look for something in a wilder and more natural setting it's pretty likely you won't see it; but there's also a good chance you'll see something else as interesting. This morning was something of an exception. I found what I was hoping to see, and other things too. A bit of autumn mist and an early start to look for the deer having seen little of them on recent walks. Would there be any signs that we are not that far from the seasonal rut?



Well the large stag was well placed to look down onto the land where he (if it was he) ruled last October. And that's where the hinds were with their young. They were still very protective. A slight movement from us and a loud bark from the largest hind sent them all scattering.

Later the sun came through to reveal them more relaxed in a part only a few yards from the deep cover of bracken and woods.




This is an ideal place for some well supervised play. And when they are unaware of your presence deer can be playful. The setting is perfect with September morning sun warming their backs and an easy escape route behind them.



But the large stag, when he comes to make a move, may not have things all his own way. There was movement in the thick bracken to the north where an antler was briefly seen. Other pleasures were to be had too. The times before and after the 7.30 to 8.00 a.m. traffic were peaceful and birds fluttered. Not the swallows moving south west as yesterday but others.