Bushy Park Deer Diary

Warm Rutt

2009-12-16T13:53:00.001-08:00

Warm Rutt
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Its December and Winter has really arived, a cold crisp morning the shill was bitter, and these two fellas are keeping warm by a bit of gentle play

Shadows in the dark

2009-12-16T13:52:00.003-08:00

Shadows in the dark
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Out of the mist on teh cold winter morning came this Buck, slighty murky, almost ghost like.

A Winter Strole

2009-12-16T13:52:00.001-08:00

A Winter Strole
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

This fine buck seems almost oblivious to the cold as it makes its way through the frosted bracken.

Frosty Deer

2009-12-16T13:51:00.001-08:00

Frosty Deer
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Nothing escapes Jack Frost .. not even this poor dear.

Stags of old

2009-10-15T02:54:00.001-07:00

Stags of old
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

I was walking along through the park looking for Tin-Tin and Herbert to see if the inevitable had happened yet and they had rutted. Then i stumbled across this old fella, from a distance he looks a awful lot like Herbert, but on closer inspection he’s not .. However they may share the same parentage.

Herbert and Tin Tin are currently sharing the does amongst them. They both occupy the same land separated only by a river. There are around 7 stags all in the area, none of them real challengers to either however who knows. Both Tin-Tin and Herbert are looking very tired at the moment. Herbert still has control of his herd... the remaining 9 or so he has, but he’s looking very tired.

Anything could happen over the next 2 weeks, although its likely that things will settle down and rut will come to a close with Herbert still being king of the herd!

A Moments reflection

2009-10-14T04:14:00.001-07:00

A Moments reflection
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

The park was very busy; all of the stags have migrated to one place in the park and are in the process of trying to eat. Some of them look so tired and warn that it’s a wonder that their still alive, a couple have their fur falling out and its pretty grim, but let’s not forget that stags hardly eat during the rutting season, too busy herding and protecting their girls from the others.

Taking over territory

2009-10-14T04:13:00.003-07:00

Taking over territory
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

All of the stags have moved into the same area and the noise is quite awesome, if your in the park go west at the waterfall (the one under construction in the middle) and follow the river path that leads toward Hampton village... you won’t miss them there’s around 7-9 stags all calling for mates there.

It’s not all about the boys

2009-10-14T04:13:00.001-07:00

It’s not all about the boys
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

1 or 3 But let’s not forget the girls, i get the feeling that their getting a little cheeses off with the attention now. Some of them just want to have a wander and explore, others just want to say hello to a younger stag .. but Herbert won’t have any of it!!

More tomorrow on the status of the bushy part stags!!

A delayed reaction

2009-10-12T01:46:00.001-07:00

A delayed reaction
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

This weekend due to family birthdays (happy birthday Barry) I’ve been unable to get to the park and see what happening, hopefully I will be able to this evening and tomorrow will be able to give you a I’ll update on the goings on in the park.

Tin Tin looking Proud

2009-10-09T03:20:00.003-07:00

Tin Tin looking Proud
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

(1 of 5) My entrance to the park always leads be my Tin Tins patch, and actually he’s built up quite a Harem over the last week, it does make me wonder if he’s been in a rut with Herbert for some of these girls as most of them Were Herbert’s this time last week. And sure enough I found him looking very proud of himself and posing for the camera

having a paddle

2009-10-09T03:20:00.001-07:00

having a paddle
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

(2 of 5) He has 9 doe’s that I could see and all of them look like they’re enjoying all the attention that been given them. There merrily being herded up and escorted everywhere, and most of this Harem doesn’t seem to want to wander too far.

Tin Tin guarding his girls

2009-10-09T03:19:00.005-07:00

Tin Tin guarding his girls
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

(3 of 5) That doesn’t mean Tin Tin isn’t protective though, he’s dancing in circles, around them making sure he’s got them all.

Herbert and his only girl

2009-10-09T03:19:00.003-07:00

Herbert and his only girl
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

(4 of 5) I wandered on then found something strange, I was fully expecting to see Herbert and his girls in their normal spot. But all of his does were scattered all over. In addition to this there was males everywhere, stags were just wandering amongst them without challenge... I have to say I was very worried. I’ve grown quite fond of Herbert and as much as I know these things happen in nature I didn’t want him to have been hurt (damn human side) so I persevered – I wondered deep into the bracken, and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw him on his own with a doe. But only one, and he was a way away from the rest of the herd, looking quite forlorn and restless. A close inspection of his antlers shows that he has a antler point missing so I’m assuming he’s been in a rut recently and its hit his confidence. But at least he lived to tell another day without any other nasty wounds to speak of.

Boys are playing

2009-10-09T03:19:00.001-07:00

Boys are playing
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

(5 of 5) I moved on cautious not to distress him, and stumbled across a strange sight, two young stags having a small rut.. And when I say small I mean just rubbing antlers.. not really rutting. Its seems like strange behaviour to me considering that they may well get killed even in playing.. but I suppose they have to learn somewhere.

Herbert Patrolling his herd

2009-10-07T02:59:00.001-07:00

Herbert Patrolling his herd
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

07062009 1 of 6 – Wow what a night in bushy park it has been. We’ve had stand off’s we’ve had theft, and ultimately we’ve had loss, it’s been action packed.

We arrived at the centre of the action with it all happening, Herbert was looking after his dramatically reduced herd (I would say has lost about 13 or so to other stags in the area) he was looking a little forlorn and was surrounded by 5 ... thats right 5 stags all considerably smaller but no less determined to steal members of his herd for their own, so he was patrolling up and down .. making sure he knew where they all were

Trouble incoming

2009-10-07T02:46:00.001-07:00

Trouble incoming
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

07062009 2 of 6 Then before he knew it, another stag was on the scene rounding up some of Herbert’s Harem, he only got a little way in before....

Herbert sees off the first

2009-10-07T02:45:00.003-07:00

Herbert sees off the first
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

07062009 3 of 6 Herbert came bounding through the bracken at him to chaise him off .. believe me its like they all know they would lose in a fight, but they try anyway .. Herbert’s and impressive stag, and the others are clearly younger.. but with youth comes daring and that is where this evening it got very interesting.

Barney herds up the Hareem

2009-10-07T02:45:00.001-07:00

Barney herds up teh Hareem
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

07062009 4 of 6 Barney a new stag on the block decided to take advantage of Herbert’s distraction and round up as many of Herbert’s herd as he could. Now he’s no way big enough to take Herbert on in a rut .. so he’s resorting to stealing ... but before he could settle down for the night with his new lay friends and chomp on some grass, the thief suffered a theft!

Tin Tin comes in for some action

2009-10-07T02:44:00.003-07:00

Tin Tin comes in for some action
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

07062009 5 of 6 Tin Tin, Now this stag is more mature than the rest, and i haven’t seen in a while. But no sooner had barney separated the does from the herd was Tin Tin there seeing him off and causing him to flee distracting Herbert who was now in chase who followed Barney... until he ran well into the bracken out of Herbert’s range, by that time Tin Tin had separated the Does and was driving them to his own herd. (which now .. is co-incidentally about 13 strong .. who would have guessed it .. Tin Tin .. really.. a harem without a Rut)

Ill get you Barney

2009-10-07T02:44:00.001-07:00

Ill get you Barney
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

07062009 6 of 6 Best part for Tin Tin is that Herbert seems to be blaming Barney for the theft!!

The last of the conkers

2009-10-06T01:54:00.001-07:00

The last of the conkers
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Well here is another photo from the past, this was taken in september ..

why ... well the weather is why, i know i know i should be more hardy, but please, its not me im thinking of .. its my camera .. the thought of frying it coz its gotten all wet and unuse able is just too much for me .. thats my excluse and im sticking to it, but its been decided for me that regardles .. wht ever happens tonight... im going to see how my deer are .. hope their ok.. and i wonder if Herbert is still in chage .. i cant wait to go and have a nosy

A happy place

2009-10-05T00:42:00.001-07:00

A happy place
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Well I’m afraid it’s been a bit of a disastrous weekend, and for one reason and about another 10 we haven’t managed to get out, I will however be going out tonight to see how things are progressing in Bushy Park. In the meantime, I thought I would show you an adorable picture of a young doe, enjoying the last of the heat from summer.

Herbert and the ladies

2009-10-05T00:41:00.001-07:00

Herbert and the ladies
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Another from last week (apologies) .. here’s Herbert, nizzerling and member of the Harem when he was doing his rounds.

Hertbert AKA Barry White

2009-10-02T02:13:00.001-07:00

Hertbert AKA Barry White
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

He’s a Mr lover-lover for sure, smooching the ladies as he patrols. Last night he was in a very macho wandering around, going up to his girls and saying hi, his the king of his hill and he’s just making sure his people are happy.

Two Peas in a Pod

2009-10-02T02:12:00.001-07:00

Two Peas in a Pod
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

These sisters seem to go everywhere together and only feel safe in each other’s company, very sweet. I too this capture just as the sun was fading behind them, on the first night of October

A Cry To The Heather

2009-10-01T01:46:00.001-07:00

A Cry To The Heather
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Here is Tin Tin feeling a little but adventurous and wandering into Herbert’s patch. They spotted each other after about 10 minutes and began a staring competition. I was getting exited / worried thinking i might experience my first Rut when Tin Tin, chickened out, and frankly i don’t blame him Herbert is an amazing stag and i would think twice

Herbert and the girls

2009-10-01T01:45:00.003-07:00

Herbert and the girls
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

After his encounter and near rut with Tin Tin Herbert wandered back, barking as he went to his girls looking a little disgruntled that the cheeky young Tin Tin had got so close to his girls. The funny thing is as i was watching him walk round the entire herd, it was like he was counting heads, to make sure he hadn’t lost a Doe in the process.

Sundown On the Park

2009-10-01T01:45:00.001-07:00

Sundown On the Park
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Here is a wide angle of the herd, as the sun falls into evening.

wonderful!

Beauty in the park

2009-09-29T12:39:00.001-07:00

Beauty in the park
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Words cannot discribe what it was like to be there with the deer in such a setting

Herbert

2009-09-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Herbert
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

It was stunning evening and i was feeling brave and i would need to be its the rutting season .. this is as close as i dare get to him at the moment, hes making the most almighty noises.

The Sticky Challenge

2009-09-29T01:33:00.001-07:00

The Sticky Challenge
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

AHH Herbert is a tinker.. here he is fooling around with stick .. well branch .. well .. felled tree as if it is confetti. I followed him for a while but he wouldn’t give up and in the end carried it around like a security blanket. UG UG my stick!

Basking in the morning Sun

2009-09-28T02:26:00.001-07:00

Basking in the morning Sun
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Its not all about big herds and macho Staggs with a hareem of ladies. This young stag has a mate all of his own. and their wandering around like a newly married couple. Absolutly adorable

A happy pair

2009-09-28T02:25:00.003-07:00

A happy pair
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Its not all about big herds and macho Staggs with a hareem of ladies. This young stag has a mate all of his own. and their wandering around like a newly married couple. Absolutly adorable

Have you all left me?

2009-09-28T02:25:00.001-07:00

Have you all left me?
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

A wandering young Stag wondering where his herd has gone.

Solo deer stagg in rutting season

2009-09-27T07:10:00.001-07:00

Solo deer stagg in rutting season
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Isn’t he fantastic, unfortunately this lone Stag is wandering around all alone, he’s a little young to be able to take on the big stags like Herbert, but he’s too old to be part of the herd. o he spends his time .. well eating mainly .. making beds and looking generally spooked when he looks up and sees the paparazzi taking photographs.

Proud Deer Stagg

2009-09-27T04:55:00.003-07:00

Proud Deer Stagg
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

27.09.2009 Well its Herbert again .. I know, I know.. again!! but he’s just so photogenic. He was actually in a playful mood when I took this photo, picking up branches with his antlers and tossing them around an generally playing for it was worth. He’s a hell o a Character.. well worth the extra walk to see him.

Hertbert making himself known

2009-09-27T04:55:00.001-07:00

Hertbert making himself known
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

27.09.2009 When it comes to Alpha Stags Herbert is king of them all at the moment and he’s the first to tell you. He’s making all kinds of back off she’s mine noises defending his doe’s as he marches around.

You an see in the back ground on the of the younger males looking in awe .. and who can blame him .. Herbert is a mighty beast.

Hearing the call

2009-09-26T02:18:00.003-07:00

Hearing the call
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

25.09.2009 Last night was a fantastic September night in Bushy Park (I’m writing this in the morning due to wanting to stay out as late as possible). The park is both incredibly beautiful and scarily noisy at the moment. The Staggs are wandering around trying for a mate and rutting to prove their place, it’s a fantastic time to watch, and capture. I take most of my photography in the evening due to my work commitments but even then there’s normally enough light in the September sun to make the most of these wonderful creatures.

This is one of the younger stag who’s still allowed in one of the herds. The alpha males are getting very protective of their girls at the moment, its the mating season so who can blame them! Many of the younger stags are keeping their heads down or on permanent guard, hoping that the Alpha doesn’t decide to take a disliking to them.

This Deer is responding the call of the Alpha Stagg, a scary noise that’s like a little nudge to say .. hey I’m in charge round here!! And don’t forget it (human or deer ;-)

Keeping your head down

2009-09-26T02:18:00.001-07:00

Keeping your head down
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

25.09.2009 There is nothing quite like lounging in the sun. And that’s exactly what this Stag decided to do! This is the Stagg I commonly and affectionately refer to as Tin Tin. He’s a lone soul. And unfortunately I get the feeling that due to his size and a couple of scratches down his side that I think he may have had a run in with Herbert, who now has a harem to protect. Poor Tin Tin.. let’s hope he doesn’t keep a low profile for too much longer.

Standing Tall

2009-09-24T02:33:00.001-07:00

Standing Tall
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

24.09.2009 Isn’t he magnificent, and believe me when i say a photo can’t do him justice. This is Deer Stag I call Tin Tin (he would probably hate that name) due to the red tuft of fur he has just below his antlers. Tin Tin has recently been in a fight and this picture was taken the day before .. lets hope he’s ok in this testosterone packed season.

Herbert Lounging Around

2009-09-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

Herbert Lounging Around
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

21.09.2009 Well I was late .. that’s the truth, there I said it... i rushed out after work last night later than normal, and was walking with my head held low when i stumbled across Herbert (my name for him and his naughty ways) ... I was so close i couldn’t believe it and was actually a little scared.. he’s a big beast but he let me take a few shots before i got the feeling i was overstaying my welcome

Close up of Herbert

2009-09-23T07:02:00.001-07:00

IMG_0081
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

21.09.2009 Another of Herbert ... isn’t he fantastic!!

Who could resist

2009-09-22T01:24:00.001-07:00

Who could resist
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

21.09.2009 Who could resist him, here we stumbled across the main Stag of one of my groups of deer, this fellow is the proud husband of a large harem, toward the middle of Bush Park. He was in a particularly fruity mood today, and had his heart set on romance.

Chaise me, Chaise me!!

2009-09-22T01:23:00.001-07:00

Chaise me, Chaise me!!
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

21.09.2009 Well I told you... feeling fruity our stag decided that a game of kiss chaise was in order where the doe’s wanted it or not!! , he set about causing no end of commotion.

How to make a bed Deer style

2009-09-20T08:03:00.003-07:00

How to make a bed Deer style
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

20.09.2009: Firstly find a nice piece of grass, preferably under a tree and in the shade of the days sun. This isn’t just any old grass; this is 2ft long grass! High enough to make you difficult to spot, short enough for you to spot anything coming. Once you found the said grass, make sure your happy with it, you’re going to be sitting here watching the world go round for quite a while

Next use what you were given, cut yourself out a bed, use those antlers that you were given and get right in there tear that grass up and prepare.. Make sure your happy ... and yes .. if you can have a bit of fun to go along with it.

And Relax (p2)

2009-09-20T08:03:00.001-07:00

And Relax (p2)
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

20.09.2009: Now the hard work is done, the bed is made, you can now reap the rewards and sit back, in your comfy bed and relax, watch the word go by and dig in for a hard days tree and conker management.

Hanging Out with the Lads

2009-09-19T10:19:00.005-07:00

Hanging Out with the Lads
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

19.09.2009 : I found them at last, it took me most of the morning but I found them!! Why was it so hard I hear you ask? Well work, in their wisdom, required me to travel.. So travel I did and when I return, and start this new blog, i get up nice and early having spent a week away .. And the deer I had been following for over 3 weeks have decided to move, charming!!

But I found them, i must admit this Saturday morning is panning out to be a nice one, the sun is bright and the grass is dry and everyone seems happy about it.. Except the deer! They all in the shade, It seems they have read and taken note of the pharmaceutical skin cancer campaign flyers and being unable to go the outlet they have opted for the next best thing, some long grass and a shady tree. Very wise!

Aint no fly’s on me!

2009-09-19T10:19:00.003-07:00

Aint no fly’s on me!
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

19.09.2009 : Its a sad fact that where there are deer, there are inevitably loads .. and loads, and loads of fly’s. But I believe the deer are of a Zen disposition. They choose to ignore, maybe flap a little but ultimately ignore their buzzing companions.

Errm You could have told me!!

2009-09-19T10:19:00.001-07:00

Errm You could have told me!!
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

19.09.2009 : haha ... it was so funny this young deer wandered a little from the herd and i could see it getting closer and closer to the young horsey people. Then it just looked up and bolted ... managed to get this jut before it made a bid for freedom.

Run, wild and free

2009-09-19T10:18:00.001-07:00

Run, wild and free
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

19.09.2009 : Actually a little scarily he was running right at me at one point, got my hear going at bit. But camera and me lived through it.. Notice what order I put that in ;-)

Welcome to the all new Deer Diary

2009-09-18T07:27:00.001-07:00

Rain Deer
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Hello and welcome to the Bushy Park Deer Diary. Its September and Autumn is upon us, the deer in Bushy Park are getting broody and Staggs a little more aggressive. Over the next weeks and months I will be following one herd of deer in Bushy Park to try and document their lives. Bushy Park is a London park just across the road from Hampton Court Palace.

It’s a beautiful place, and for just under 500 years the deer have been managed in Bushy park to make it a natural retreat not far from the city, and for nearly the same amount of time red deer have found themselves wandering around and being unusually close to their 2 legged counterparts.

There currently are around 320 deer in Bushy Park, split up into a number of herds. I will be following just one of them as young make their way to adulthood and the year moves forward to treat them to a full round of seasons.

I hope you will enjoy it as much as me. My Facination started with these Busy Park deer when i went out and got a camera and started taking some shots, ive only been at it a short while but im utterly hooked.

The below posts are just to bring you up to speed on what the herd have been up to since i started on the 1st of September 2009, we'll take a look at the how the deer progress and begining tommorow, i'll attempt to do a day by day account of their activities.

Calling for a mate

2009-09-18T06:59:00.001-07:00

Calling for a mate
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

Its September an the Deer in Bushy Park are in their mating season. This male is lounging in the sun coming to terms with thre realities of life and procreation. Unfortunatly the Royal parks are kull'ing deer at the moment to restrict population, lets hope this old male isnt in their sights.

Deer Calf

2009-09-18T06:57:00.003-07:00

Deer Calf
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

A Deer Claf following its herd learning the rules of conker hunting and eating... which apear ... if your there first its yours... could be more rules but then im only familia with the human version

Sniffing out conkers

2009-09-18T06:55:00.001-07:00

Sniffing out conkers
Originally uploaded by mark.gascoine

think the deer are getting used to me now, ive sent the last 3 weeks following the same herd at the asme times of day and every time i go they seem to feel more comfortable by my presence, this brave young chap was literally 6ft away .. so close that i even considered changing from a zoom to a standard lens .. very privalidged.