Stags in a row

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Another weekend without any photography. So instead here is a shot from a couple of weeks back

This shot of three stags in a row worked better in my head than it did in practice. I thought that the two out of focus stags in the background would make for an interesting effect. As it is I think they are slightly distracting. Wondering now if I should have gone for a wider depth of field. Or picked out the middle one. Thoughts anyone?

Wordless Wednesday: Fallow Deer

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New forest deer

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This Friday I made my way down to the New Forest in search of Dartford warblers. I didn't find any. Actually it was a pretty good birding day, with lots to see including bramblings, black caps, field fares, red wings, a sparrowhawk and a buzzard amongst other things. Photography-wise it was a bit of a wash out though. Generally grey and dull with intermittent rain.

The only decent shot of the day was this chance encounter with a young stag near Rufus Stone. I think it is a fallow deer?

Muntjac

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On Friday I headed along to Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire in the hope of getting some shots of some winter visitors. I did see a handful of Teal, but they were a long way from the hide and spent the entire morning asleep. As for redwing or fieldfares, they were not in evidence.

However, as I navigated the muddy path along the north-west of the reserve, the sun broke through briefly and I though "all I need now is something to photograph". Almost as I thought it I looked up and there was a single muntjac deer watching me alertly by the path. It stood stock still whilst I shot off five photographs, and then it disappeared in the undergrowth.

Muntjac

I tried, discretely, to follow it - but it was long gone. I did find a well trodden deer track however, with hundreds of tiny foot prints - so I'm guessing they must be regular visitors there

Rosie the red-necked red deer

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It hardly seems possible that Christmas is nearly upon us again, although the last few days of snow and frost have helped make things feel a little more festive. I don't have any photos of reindeer, but I rather like this shot of a red deer taken in Bushy Park last week (as I was taking a break from Christmas shopping!).

Doe

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and blessed 2010!

Wildlife Photography Blog

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A couple of months back I mentioned (Kestrels in the Park) I'd been spending too much time in front of the computer on a new project. Yesterday I realised I'd not announced that it was ready! So here we go.

The new site, the Wildlife Photography Blog Aggregator, already has a good number of wildlife photographers on board. If you enjoy wildlife photography check it out and it may introduce you to some excellent photographers you've seen. If you're a wildlife photography blogger, do consider joining the site. We'd love to have you aboard!

Of course I'm still spending too much time in front of the computer - but that's another story. In the meantime here is another shot from yesterday's walk in the park.

Bellowing Stag

Return to the Rut

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Today I'd arranged to meet a friend to take photos of the rut. The weather forecast was for solid overcast so we'd elected not to make too early a start. Of course the forecast was 100% wrong and it was a stunning morning. Then as I packed my bag I realised that I'd lent someone my 70-200mm lens, which meant I had no choice but to use the 400mm. Whilst this is a nice lens for the rut because it allows you to keep your distance, I generally prefer the flexibility of the 70-200mm with a teleconverter when photographing deer.

Their were a lot more stags out than the last time, but most of the action was deep in the long bracken. The smell of deer was very strong. By the sound of their antlers we located one pair locked in an extended duel. It was not really possible to get a good angle for photos - and when they broke off they emerged dangerously close to us - one leaping eight or more feet into the air to clear the bracken. It was an 'interesting' moment.

Exhausted Stag

This was probably the best shot of the day. I'm not sure if this stag emerged the victor. He was very tired. I love the crown of bracken, and the steam of his panting. Shortly after this we lost the light for the morning.

Autumnal Deer

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Having had beautiful light all week I've been itching to get out and take some photos. Yesterday I made it into Bushy Park and immediately spotted a group of red deer feeding in the fallen leaves near the entrance. I approached them quietly via wide dogleg so as get the best angle whilst not frightening them into the shade.

Sunlit Doe

I managed about ten shots - of which this is the best - before a young girl cycled directly towards the group to take a photo with a camera-phone. This forced them under the trees and out of the light. I don't want to be a grumpy old man about this kind of thing - she had as much right to be there as me - but it is very frustrating when you've put in the effort to get a decent position without startling the animals and someone else blunders in and scares them off.

After this a thin layer of cloud came in and took the edge off the light, which was a shame. I was hoping to see some action between the stags - but they all seemed to be resting. Perhaps I'm a little early for the rut this year.

Bellowing Stag

Wordless Wednesday: Stag

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On urban wildlife

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On Friday evening I went for a walk along the River Crane. It's my nearest local green space and - despite high levels of vandalism and fly-tipping - is home to significant variety of urban wildlife. As it was getting dark I heard furtive movements in the undergrowth. For a moment I wondered if it was a dog or urban fox. However, suddenly in the twilight a muntjac stag appeared. Spotting me he froze for a second on the path before running off to hide. I'm not sure who was more surprised. Despite being told that muntjac had been seen in Crane Park I'd never really believed it. Now of course, knowing they're practically on my doorstep, I am wondering if it would be possible to get a photo.

Muntjac are very shy. I've only seen them on a handful of occasions and I've never managed a clean shot. The only pictures I have were taken a couple of years ago at The Lodge in Bedfordshire. This particular muntjac was the boldest I've met, but even so it opted for concealment, staying for the most part in the densest undergrowth...

Muntjac Deer