An encounter with deer
Wednesday, March 03, 2021
Wasn’t the weekend glorious? We timed our time out to great
effect with regard the weather although to be honest I’m sure it was
practically perfect all day. Whilst out enjoying the blissful peace, enchanting
views and soaking up the warmth of the sun there were a few interesting
wildlife encounters. This one deserves a post of it’s own as it felt
particularly special (and I took so many pictures).
The walk we took followed many generous tracks which skirted fields and passed woodland. The whole landscape is just fascinating so I’m constantly aware that there might be things of interest to see. I spotted a deer, or two at the field’s edge by a tree. Gratified by my choice of lens for the day (my zoom lens) I hastily set about zooming in for a few pictures. As we rounded the bend a little further and passed another couple of walkers, who it seemed were oblivious to the wildlife, it became apparent there were a few more.
After a brief amount of indecision, they started to head
straight out across the field, parallel to our path but at quite a distance,
say 100m or there abouts. It transpired a tractor was heading up their track so
I’m sure they were fussing about us having cut off their natural strategic exit
route.
One by one they started out into the field. Until there were
several. And another, And another, nother, nother, nother then they just kept
coming! Having my focus set on snapping away, and having to withdraw the zoom
further and further out to accommodate such a long line of deer, I wasn’t in
any position to count on my fingers how many deer there were. After two tries C
volunteered there were at least 16 but possibly 18. I haven’t seen so many like
this in years, or possibly ever.
After choosing to head straight into the field, they were
then unsure of the best course of action. Presumably shelter is the safe option
but it looked like quite a way away so a bit of standing to think was called
for. At long last someone called it and they all made a run for the trees and
bird cover.
What a fantastic encounter. It was so lucky I was able to
take some reasonably close shots of these animals which are often shy. We think
they are fallow deer and perhaps are the females who form a herd.
I’m aware how hypocritical it must sound to be rejoicing in
the presence of such a lot of deer out on farmland while the farmer is probably
having the same bother with them that I face in our garden with the muntjac. I
took flattering pictures of both regardless so I suppose that’s an equality of
sorts.
Take care,
Sophie
2 comments