Deer Safari Sneak Peek

October is just around the corner, which means it's almost time for the Deer Safaris to start again.  For those unfamiliar with them, this is where visitors get the chance to be driven out into the back of the reserve, normally off-limits at this time of year, in one of the Reserve's 4x4s.  It's an area of the reserve most aren't even aware of - there are no hides or walking trails out there - and was once upon a time part of a local farm.  The RSPB is slowly reverting it to acid grassland and heath to replace the mostly-lost Suffolk Sandlings habitat.  The mixture of grazing and browsing opportunities is perfect for the Red Deer, with the open areas of the old fields ideal to herd your ladies together and keep a watchful eye on them.

It doesn't take long to spot a stag with some hinds - the young stag on the left will get chased off as the Rut kicks off in earnest, he'll be no competition for the big boys

It's actually the ladies who call the shots, if they decide to move, the chaps have to follow

Some hinds are still suckling their youngsters, born March-July typically

This one must have been quite late - it's still spotty.  All together now, Ahhh!

Other deer are about - little Muntjac are the ones you're most likely to see

But you do need eyes everywhere, as drifting overhead you often get Buzzards

And Red Legged Partridges shelter in the long grasses

Stags past the "Knobber" stage (ie just little knobs for antlers) seem to like hanging out in the gorse bushes, like this 8-pointer (it counts as a point if you can get a wedding ring on it)

As the sun gets hotter after lunch, the deer retreat to the shade once more, where they blend in with the background remarkably easily for such large animals

What did I tell you about remembering to look up?  Buzzard's back

Finally, the view you inevitably get when watching the deer - them disappearing over the horizon after they get fed up of you!