The end of the year always signifies the annual rut, when many species of deer compete for females. Bradgate Park is one area of Leicestershire where we can reliably expect to see this spectacular, with males roaring to proclaim dominance over their hareem and often indulging in fierce battles with their rivals in the early mornings. Red Deer stags are at their most handsome at this time of year; their coats are shining and their antlers are fully grown. Even in an enclosed park, Red Deer can be extremely dangerous so it is essential to avoid getting too close, particularly during the first 3 hours of daylight and just before dusk when their rutting activity is at its peak. You will often see smaller males loitering around the hareem, waiting for a chance to mate with the hinds when the dominant stag is tired or inattentive.
Bradgate also contains large numbers of Fallow Deer, although these are often less apparent when hiding in the bracken. The bucks are much smaller than Red Deer stags and have palmate antlers (shaped like the palm of a hand) rather than the branched antlers of most deer. They are, however, undeniably handsome. As with Red Deer, their rut takes place during October and November and is characterised by the deep belching sound made by the bucks. If the groaning sound is not enough to confirm their dominance, they will indulge in vigorous fighting with other males.
For most of the year the two species of deer seem to live in harmony, but during the rut Red Deer stags seem to take offence at incursions by Fallow bucks into their territory. When this happens there is only one winner; one bellow and a short charge will usually see the Fallow buck making off at high speed. It is not often that we get the opportunity to witness the behaviour of large wild mammals in this country so if you get the chance to visit Bradgate during the rut it is well worth the effort. Although they are not really wild animals their behaviour is largely unchanged by them living enclosed within the park.
As The Journal moves onto its on-line home, it is my intention to keep publishing these nature notes. I will take advantage of the more immediate publication schedule to try to make each article relate more closely to the time of year and the weather, rather than trying to anticipate how things will look one month in advance. I hope to see you all in our new home.
The end of the year always signifies the annual rut, when many species of deer compete for females. Bradgate Park is one area of Leicestershire where we can reliably expect to see this spectacular, with males roaring to proclaim dominance over their hareem and often indulging in fierce battles with their rivals in the early mornings. Red Deer stags are at their most handsome at this time of year; their coats are shining and their antlers are fully grown. Even in an enclosed park, Red Deer can be extremely dangerous so it is essential to avoid getting too close, particularly during the first 3 hours of daylight and just before dusk when their rutting activity is at its peak. You will often see smaller males loitering around the hareem, waiting for a chance to mate with the hinds when the dominant stag is tired or inattentive.
Bradgate also contains large numbers of Fallow Deer, although these are often less apparent when hiding in the bracken. The bucks are much smaller than Red Deer stags and have palmate antlers (shaped like the palm of a hand) rather than the branched antlers of most deer. They are, however, undeniably handsome. As with Red Deer, their rut takes place during October and November and is characterised by the deep belching sound made by the bucks. If the groaning sound is not enough to confirm their dominance, they will indulge in vigorous fighting with other males.
For most of the year the two species of deer seem to live in harmony, but during the rut Red Deer stags seem to take offence at incursions by Fallow bucks into their territory. When this happens there is only one winner; one bellow and a short charge will usually see the Fallow buck making off at high speed. It is not often that we get the opportunity to witness the behaviour of large wild mammals in this country so if you get the chance to visit Bradgate during the rut it is well worth the effort. Although they are not really wild animals their behaviour is largely unchanged by them living enclosed within the park.
As The Journal moves onto its on-line home, it is my intention to keep publishing these nature notes. I will take advantage of the more immediate publication schedule to try to make each article relate more closely to the time of year and the weather, rather than trying to anticipate how things will look one month in advance. I hope to see you all in our new home.