More Deer at Bradgate park - 1 November 2011

I make no excuses for going back to Bradgate park again, I was hoping to catch the last of the Rut. But Although we heard a few calls there was no fighting and we think the Rut is finished.

It didn't stop me finding some pictures though and this Fallow Deer Stag looked worn out, but later he got up and started feeding.

It was a long time before he raised his head so I could get a picture.

Another stag came close but there was no antagonism, so I guess that shows the rut is over.

The Reds were further into the park close to the bridge opposite Lady Jane Gray's house. This one was standing guard over his ladies and was unchallenged another indication that we won't get any more rut pictures this year.

These deer were grazing on the side of Lady Jane's House.

Bradgate park - the Rut - 24 October 2011

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 800, 235mm 

From immediately inside the park gates the deer were out in force, this young Fallow deer was keeping out of the way, the Rut can be a dangerous time for anyone getting in the way. Whereas the stag below was taking part - even if we was still a bit young to be successful.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm 

The Red deer stag below looks like a veteran of many Ruts and when I got his picture he was hiding under a tree, maybe stopped to catch his breath.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 800, 170mm 

This one looks like he's at his best, he's standing by a group of females and roaring out his challenge to anyone who thinks they might be hard enough.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 375mm 

Watermead Park - 6 August 2011

Watermead was a bit more lively yesterday, with a variety of wildlife showing itself.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

The orange tip females were first to show and there seemed to be a lot of them, strange though, no males that we saw.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1600 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Then this Red Admiral showed up and settled on a few places where I could get it's picture, nice to see a bit of colour after all the white wings of the orange tips.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A bee joined them and hovered for a second when my lens was pointing in her direction.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/5312 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

As I approached the hole in the wall hide I could see this Heron, but as I got closer I could see a Little Egret and when the Heron saw it, he took off.  After he left another Little Egret arrived and a few minutes later a third landed. It looks like they've decided to settle here.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm