The Rut.

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.

Bolderwood.

We went looking for deer in the New Forest today but were not very lucky only distant Fallow Deer. However, on a small pond, several dragonflies were buzzing overhead.

A female Stonechat.

Bee Hives are out in the Forest – As the Heather comes into flower Bee Hives are placed to take advantage of these nectar-rich flowers.

A lone Fallow Deer.

Back to the woods.

Back home after our campervan trip to Wales and a day in the New Forest. Looking in a wet area for some small creatures.

Water Skimmer.

Raft Spiders.

This one is hunting on a Milkmaid flower.

Distant Fallow Deer – young bucks.

Minotaur Beetle – Typhaeus Typhoeus {size of my thump nail}.

I have to get down low for these creatures.

Deer.

Back to the New Forest for a walk today but in rather damp conditions – several groups of Fallow Deer spotted and a single mature Roebuck with a good set of antlers in velvet.

I spend a lot of time considering natures camouflage – some of the Fallow Deer in the forest are very pale in colour as this young buck is – he was easily spotted at quite a distance the 3 other darker deer are well hidden. I would not have seen any deer if the pale buck was not there!

This group of hinds has a white member

Roebuck.

Never far away.

When I grow up – I will be like Dad. A young Fallow Deer buck and an adult. On most walks in the New Forest once you get away from people on mountain bikes and dog walkers – walk quietly through the enclosures and across the moorland of the National Park rarely do I not see some deer.