Tatton Park

We recently visited Tatton Park in Cheshire to see the deer rutt. What a fantastic day it turn out to be. We've been to the rutt before, but usually towards the end of October, so we decided to visit earlier in the month. There was a lot more activity.

Dominant Stag deciding if I'm a threat!

 We watched this stag jump over a fence and chase three hinds back into his harem. One of the younger hinds wasn't sure about jumping the fence, but he harried her for five minutes until she did! He kept stopping and looking directly at me, even though I was a distance away. Elaine decided we were too close and disappeared up the field and climbed over a fence.

Magnificent Red Deer Stag

 This other stag had been chased away from the herd, and was looking for any stray hinds to start his own herd.

Beautiful Roe Deer doe

 Tatton Park also has a large herd of Fallow deer. One of the great things about the park is the freedom to wander all over the area, encountering deer in many places.

Fantastic markings of this Fallow Deer stag

We came across this stag resting, slightly away from the main herd. 

Two mature Stags biding their time

 There were several Red Deer stags around the park, but never too far from the others. Their bellowing could be heard all over the park.

On our way out of the park we saw a dozen Mute Swans on the main lake. I've never seen them surface feeding like this.