New Forest Deer

Keith Talbot · #1 (**permalink**) 23-10-2009, 09:45 PM

In my last post about the New Forest Deer i mentioned i was hoping to see some Sika rutting this year,well unfortunatley i didnt

, the overall numbers of Sika in the New Forest isnt high so my chances were always going to be slim,i heard plenty of bellowing and whistling which in itself is amazing to listen to, i did get some good pics while trying,

As it became obvious my luck wasnt in with the Sika i turned my attentions to the Fallow with better results

, i was lucky enough to see 2 Fallow ruts and although ive had the pleasure in previous years it still gets the heart beating faster! Unfortunatley a high percentage of the rutting in the New Forest takes place in the woods which makes it difficult to photograph

i did manage one that just about shows what was going on (but,if anything i was too close!

)

I also managed some other pics,

Also at this time of year there are plenty of casualties of war,the first has a nasty wound to his neck and the second seem to have lost an eye!

Its been a fun filled month

(theres still a small chance of some more but most of it has died down now) which i highly recommend you try and experience if you havent already,just the sound of the bellowing is an experience not to be missed!

mbaldw · #2 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 11:18 AM

Cracking shots as always Keith! Well done.

Cheers,
Marc.

pressld2 · #3 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 01:22 PM

Some wonderful photos there Keith and I totally agree with you about the experience - magical. I remember last year when it was too foggy to see the fallows but we could hear the bellowing and the antlers crashing, muffled by the fog. It was extremely atmospheric. Looks like you've had better weather this year!

And you've really captured the essence of autumn in a lot of those pics too.

I saw a red stag in Richmond Park that had lost an eye too. Just goes to show that they're not mucking about in these fights!

Dave P.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 05:32 PM

Wow, gorgeous shots Keith..

Keith Talbot · #5 (**permalink**) 24-10-2009, 08:15 PM

Thanks everyone

Dave,all the Fallow pics were taken in the same woods we were all stood in last year,i still havent seen a morning as foggy as that one

monkey · #6 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 12:14 PM

Good photos Keith well done and I agree we have had so many beautiful days this year with the morning mist disappearing when the sun comes up and making beautiful photos and last years 'WAB deer meet' was so unusual with the thick fog but we still had a good laugh and heard alot!!

Saw fallow rutting again this year but no red deer action so do not know if there was any?

Linda

pressld2 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkey

last years 'WAB deer meet' was so unusual with the thick fog but we still had a good laugh and heard alot!!

We certainly did Linda, and it was a wonderful experience in spite of the poor visibility.

I saw your picture on Autumnwatch Unsprung Keith. Got singled out by Chris Packham too, even if he did mistakenly ID it as a roe deer! Nice one!

Dave P.

Keith Talbot · #8 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkey

Saw fallow rutting again this year but no red deer action so do not know if there was any?

Linda

Friends have reported Red rutting but i never saw any,i left them alone this year,they're having a hard time of it at the moment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pressld2

I saw your picture on Autumnwatch Unsprung Keith. Got singled out by Chris Packham too, even if he did mistakenly ID it as a roe deer! Nice one!

Dave P.

Thanks Dave

What does he know anyway

topaz · #9 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 01:39 PM

Hi hope you dont mind the comment but i must agree with you the Red Deer are not in the same place as year after year they have had to many people disturbing them this year now they dont know if they will return. Such a shame you dont have to chase them to take a photo just be really quiet. Some of the old deer have been shot by private land owners this year so they are struggling a bit

Keith Talbot · #10 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 06:52 PM

Welcome to wab topaz

Theres been many reports again this year of the Reds being chased from pillar to post,unfortunatly all us photographers get tarred with the same brush which is another reason ive stayed away from them,i will do all my Red Photography about January time,the Stags look just as magnificent (and less hasseled!)