Curiosity and the Red Deer - April 2014

Bradgate Park looked great in the spring sunshine, but initially there wasn't much wildlife about. So I decided to take some pics of the buildings and ruins.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 100mm

I have been reliably informed that the picture above cannot be taken. But if you find the right place all three, as you can see are there. In the foreground is the ruin of Lady Jane Grey's family home. On the hill behind, with its arch clearly visible is Old John. It used to be thought of as a mill, but now the general opinion is that it was a folly.  On the ridge to the left is the war memorial.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

As I rode my mobility scooter up the side of the ruined house, this group of Red Deer became curious and wandered over to have a look at me.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 320mm

Some of them weren't shy about coming forward to have a look.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

While others decided to stay with the protection of the bushes.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 210mm

Then headed for the hills.

1/800 @ f6.3, iso 400, 210mm

All taken on Canon EOS 7D, EF 100 - 400mm L series Lens

Awaiting the Rut - 6 October 2013

Bradgate Park in Leicestershire has a really good policy of allowing people who are incapable of walking through the park, the opportunity to drive through the park for a couple of hours on a  Thursday and Saturday.

As I am waiting for an operation to replace my hip, we took advantage of this and spent both periods looking for any signs of the Rut which is due anytime now. Although there was sun shining, the shutter speeds seem quite low, that is because most were in shade.

There are signs that the Rut may have begun. The Fallow Deer Stag below was bedecked with weeds, which they do apparently to make themselves look more fearsome to their rivals.

1/64 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

1/40 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This one was having a good bellow to challenge all-comers.

1/80 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Another challenger collected some weeds to frighten him.

1/20 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I don't know if these two had worn themselves out or were waiting till everyone else had finished, but they didn't rise to the challenge

1/100 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

1/250 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This pair of young ones were making a half-hearted attempt at fighting, but I think they were too young to be serious.

1/64 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Others came along to see what all the shouting was about.

1/64 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

1/40 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

When this big Red strolled through the arena, things settled down again.

1/50 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

1/64 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

He decided to have a shout himself and followed up with a good antler rubbing on a tree.

1/80 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

1/20 @ 5.0, iso 800, 235mm

As we drove round, Maja spotted this Fallow deer in a shaded dell and with the help of flash I managed this pic.

1/64 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm - flash

At the back of the ruins of Lady Jane Grey's family home a Jackdaw took advantage of a group of Fallow deer for a perch.

1/1000 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

And a resident peacock watched all the goings on.

1/640 @ 5.0, iso 400, 200mm

1/640 @ 5.0, iso 400, 200mm

I will be laid up for a few weeks after my operation on Wednesday, so I won't be able to get out and take pictures. I may be able to post some that I took earlier and I shall spend most of my time trying to write another novel. I hope those of you that have tried them have enjoyed the read and will try others, there is a variety of subjects.

All taken on a 

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L series lens