In Disguise

Yesterday there were two mature stags here. Today five younger ones were in the same spot. One of the youngest was the yearling with two tiny antlers who I've been watching on and off for almost a year. He's something special. Despite the diminutive headgear he has a bigger build than some older beasts and a confident demeanour that suggests one day he will easily rule over an empire during the rut.

Each time we see him he draws attention, often with his imperious stare. But today it was his huge mane which for a minute had me wondering if we had a lion in the woods.

When he turned round his antlers dispelled the illusion.

A few minutes later he seemed determined to make up for his antler deficiency in a novel way.