Fallow Deer

[RobinP]

Spotted this small group while out for a stroll today - they seem a lot more visible at this time of year, is it something to do with the rutting season?



Apologies for the long-distance photo, I couldn't get any closer without spooking them.

Robin

[Farplace]

Nice shot. That dark-coloured buck at the front looks impressive.

[Rob_D]

Nice shot Robin. Kelshall near Royston N Herts is good for Fallow Deer out in the open. There were 120+ on Tuesday including a white one which really stood out. I think you could see that with your naked eye more than a mile off.

[mbaldw]

Nice shot Robin. Deer do tend to be more apparent at this time of year. One reason (I think) is because the foliage dies back, making them easier to spot. Probably more importantly, however, is that now the rut has come to an end, the deer move away from their rutting/lekking grounds and concentrate on feeding (especially the prime stags which won't have fed much, if at all, during the rut) - as there is generally less food to be found in the woodlands during the winter, they tend to spend more time out grazing in fields (especially those containing winter crops).

Cheers,
Marc.

[healfdan]

I am not discounting what has already been said, but after all the rotten weather we have had, I would guess that the deer are just pleased to have the sun on their backs.