Change of Coat

Nothing to do with new lines at M&S. We've noticed similar at this time of year before. One or more of the deer suddenly appears much darker than the others. The closer one is a young stag. Previously I've assumed that he's been rolling in mud (it's usually been male). That could be the case and there's evidence for it in black peaty parts of the wet valleys. But it's still an assumption and something of a puzzle until I get to see it happening. Most remain much the same as throughout the winter.

Of course the coats of these animals gradually change colour during the coming weeks until there's no trace left of the warm but dull winter garb and they handsomely justify their names.