Fallow deer bucks typically cast their antlers annually, usually between April and May. The regrowth of new antlers follows this process. They are initially covered in soft, velvety skin. This skin is later rubbed off, leaving a hardened antler by August or September.
I watched 4 bucks in the New Forest this morning. Three had cast their antlers. The one still with his antlers had taken the alpha role and was dominant in this small group.
Making another trip into the New Forest this morning, looking for Sika Deer. Sika deer are not native to the UK but have escaped from parks and collections nationwide. In the 1900s, King Edward VII gifted Lord Montague of Beaulieu a pair of Sika Deer. Some of their progeny escaped and now populate the New Forest in the Beaulieu area,
A successful walk with 2 groups of deer spotted. Sika are generally inquisitive in their behavior towards humans. They react quickly on the first suspicion of danger by fleeing. The animals today were very inquisitive of us. Seeing us as no threat, they were happy watching us. This allowed some close photographs to be taken.
Sika tails are shorter than Fallow Deer tails, and their rumps are normally all white. Male Fallow deer have broad, flattened antlers, while Sika antlers are pointed, like the Red Deer.
Another deer stalk in the New Forest looking for some handsome Fallow Bucks. A few shots of the best lookers.
A few big Fallow bucks gave me the eye. They seemed to be without any obvious care in the world. Then they wandered off deep into the forest. It is always a treat to see these animals at close quarters and have eye contact with them.
This was my last visit before Christmas to our local nature reserve, Titchfield Haven. A couple of hours’ break there today, but the reserve is closed on Christmas Day.
Common Buzzard on his observation spot.
Lapwing landing.
Teal a pretty small duck.
Roe doe.
Mute Swan.
Seeing one of the white Fallow Deer in the New Forest this morning was nice.
An early start for a walk in the New Forest.
There are lots of young Fallow Deer about. The deer were introduced by the Normans. The deer have been in the UK so long that they are considered naturalised.
Family groups and youngsters Fallow Deer in the New Forest.
This was another trip into the New Forest to look for Fallow Deer and see if we could watch the rut. Although no confrontations were seen between adult male Bucks, one dominant male was calling, and I think the competition from others were not a match for him and they made no challenge to his status and just kept their distance.
A short film best viewed with sound on.
Continued Reflections from my World. 