A visit to Richmond and Bushy parks at any season is most pleasurable.

But, for sheer excitement, autumn ushers in the rutting season for both red and fallow deer.

On an October afternoon with a little chill in the air, I stand on the fringe of what I find is the main annual mating arena in Richmond Park.

Even before reaching the area I can hear the loud far-reaching belching bellows of red stags and the softer coughing burps of fallow bucks (pictured).

The stags, having rounded up their harems, rigorously defend their conquests and charge at any would be aspiring male hoping to nip in and claim a prize.

Mingling with the red deer are larger herds of fallow deer. They seem to be in a rather agitated state with much chasing, challenging and seemingly, to us anyway, pointless frantic manoeuvring.

There are other curious vocalisations consisting of repetitive single syllable short high-pitched bleats, sounding like "dont-dont-dont" uttered by scores of fallow juveniles prancing about, this year's four month old fawns still keeping in close touch with the does.

A few animals rest, in some cases with jackdaws perched on their backs picking off ticks and flies.

Of all deer present, there is one especially noble red stag with many 'tines' or points on his magnificent antlers but he walks alone and seemingly harem-less.

Perhaps despite his appearance he is past his prime and no match for younger virile stags.

 



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