Fallow or Sika Deer?

[Geoff F]

Just inland from the South Devon Coast Path, 04/06/10. On the edge of scrubby ground/grazing sheep.



I have asked my local 'experts' but there appears to be some confusion amongst them; with identifications of both Fallow and Sika Deer with an age between 2 and 4 years.

So what is the truth?

ps. This was a rather friendly creature. I was looking for Damselflies near a small stream in a narrow valley when I turned a corner and saw this chap about 20 yards away sheltering from the sun under some Blackthorn Trees. I was partially behind a dead bush while he casually watched me taking his photo.

After a while, I slowly walked across the stream and pretended to be interested in looking for other wildlife when he slowly walked into the open and started eating grass. Which he was still doing when I left.

[Jason Claxton]

I'd say that it was a Sika Deer, Geoff.

Cheers Jason

[Geoff F]

Thanks Jason, that was my first thought; Sika in it's summer colours. And the local person who suggested that does have hands on experience with deer.

[salukiwhippet]

Japanese sika - black velvet's the giveaway there.

James

[Geoff F]

Thanks for that extra information.

The odd deer has been seen swimming across the nearby estuary and a friend had to use his boat to guide one to safety when it was caught by the tide and was accidentally swimming out to sea.

But this is the first one that I have seen here.