Out of Step

With sap rising and birds singing all around the stags are out of step with the spirit of the seasons. They are at their lowest ebb in March. Antler drop and moulting are round the corner if not already started. So we’re as likely to come across them simply standing, partly hidden, on the edge of the woods. Yet the contrast in the trees above could not have been greater as the resident birds welcomed the early morning sun led by mistle thrush and robin.

Something of the morning-after about them: Just walk quietly and don’t tread on any twigs

– and pass the pills.