Deer Rut

This is a picture of deer fighting during the ‘rut’ that takes place in the autumn. In this time, the stags try to keep control of their harems while the young bucks try to infiltrate. There is often a bit of aggro between males. These two had been fighting right next to the car park and then appeared to strike peace. They both wandered into the lake to get a drink and while in there, it all started again.

Kit: Canon EOS 1Dx EF 200-400 @ f/5.6 – 1/400sec @ 325mm ISO1600

More of my photos can be seen at FLICKR.

Bushy Park Deer Rut

This is a picture of a young Red Deer taken in Bushy Park, West London. October and November see a period called the ‘rut’ during which time the males vie for females to add to their harem of hinds and also to defend or enhance their status. Most of the time this is carried out by posturing and barking at other deer with the occasional charge to ward off the young pretenders. Sometimes it will escalate into a fight during which the deer will literally ‘lock horns’ in an attempt to down the opposition.

Clearly it is not wise to get to close to the deer during this period as they are prone to stop fighting each other and turn on the onlookers as several people can attest. 300mm will get you plenty of full frame action shots. Get there for first light and try to catch the condensation on their breath backlit by the sun.

Kit: Canon EOS 1Div EF 500mm f/4 @ 1/500s ISO 1250

More of my photos can be seen at FLICKR.