Being a sunny and warm day here Mike and I headed off to our local Tatton Park which is 15 mins. walk from our home; we were hoping to see the Red Deer with the magnificent male Stags and their harems. It wasn't until three hours into our four hour walk that we finally spotted one of the herds as we heard one of the males loudly bellow; he was in the distance along with other male Reds and all their ladies ! so..... even though our feet were begging for a rest ! we plodded onwards and upwards to get within zoom range of these magnificent animals, remembering to keep a safe distance away from the male Stags and their harem whilst the testosterone season is on full power lol
First a photo of the Knutsford entrance to Tatton Park
and the start of the parkland beyond and some of its 2000 acres
Tatton Mansion
strangely enough this was the first creature we saw !!! a Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillar - many thanks to Katy for the ID :)
walking along the main drive through the park we spotted fallow deer and sheep.
The next set of pics shows you an amusing sighting where the Jackdaws were perched on a fallow deer picking the insects off its coat and head !!
first pic shows two Jackdaws, one which had its feet perched on the nose of the deer !! You will need full frame for this set !
can't work out if the Fallow Deer is telling the Jackdaw to clear orrff or whether it is just enjoying the preening and cleaning experience lol
don't blame me for the next pic, I just didn't time the photo well lol
is this a Ewe ?? Nah ..... it's a "P" !!!
Finally, here we have the Red Deer ..........
a male stag who seemed to have lost out in the fight for a harem as he was on his own :(
and now for the victor...... bellowing his dominance
and this little cutie was just inquisitive !
a young buck by the looks of him, hopefully just chewing the cud and not snarling at me lol
the old man is next .......
attitude show next !!
the ladies ......
another fine Stag ....
Handsome beast !
oops, I've been spotted with the camera
charming !! sticking his tongue out now at me !!
there were a few unsuccessful frisky attempts to mate with a female .....
now all say Awwwww :) wonder what its wondering ??
the snooty lQQk ...........
this is the fence post I stood behind ........to be on the safe side !!!
and finally the beautiful autumnal colours
thanks for viewing folks :) hope to return to Tatton Park soon to get more pics
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks Nissan, just lucky this place is on the doorstep so might pop back again next week.
Wonderful pictures, Hazy. Love the jackdaws!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Lovely photos Hazy, thanks for sharing.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Great report, Hazel. It looks a stunning place and right on your doorstep too. They didn't have far to bring all the stuff for your water feature.
Great shots of the Red Deer but I wouldn't want to come between those magnificent stags and his lady friends especially at this time of year.
I'm amazed at how tolerant the Fallow Deer was to have a Jackdaw perched on its nose. Must help to reduce the irritation from flies I suppose.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Just had to say thank you, for such fabulous photographs, Hazy. As you show, the stags are such magnificent beasts. I do think the fallow deer was enjoying being deloused and well done on capturing such an unusual sight.
Evening Brenda, thank you for your kind comments, it was a warm sunny day so really conducive to nature spotting and seeing these Deer at their best with gleaming coats in the sunshine.
What a gorgeous park - and wonderful pictures of the deer :)
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Evening Aiki, thank you :) hope you're getting some time off work for good behaviour lol let me know if you are ever planning a trip North West, lots of places to show you !
What a great thread Hazy - I really enjoyed looking through all your lovely photos. Must be a great sight to see. I think we are all enjoying the jackdaws sitting on the deer - makes for interesting viewing.
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