I had embarked on a hike early in the morning, my destination being the rutting grounds of the Red Deer. The day was sombre, the sky overcast with the promise of rain, but my spirits were high, anticipation fueling my stride.
As I trekked through the fields and sprawling woods, an imposing figure emerged from the veil of trees. It was a Red Deer Stag, a titan of the land, its antlers sprawling like a crown of the wild. I found myself at a safe distance, allowing me to admire the creature in its full, stunning glory without causing any disturbance.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as we locked eyes. The stag, an embodiment of raw strength and dignity, and I, a humble observer, privileged to witness this beautiful spectacle of nature. It was my first encounter with such a grand beast, one that I had only seen in images and documentaries before.
How I got the photography:
On the day I had my Nikon Z50 with me which had my Sigma 150-600 Contempary attached.
At around 500mm I just about got the Red Stag Deer sitting well in frame.
I decided I wanted to get down low so the tall grass in front of me would add a nice foreground element.
Unlike for small birds I more commonly photograph, I didn’t need a fast shutter speed and was happy to be around 1/500s. This is still quite fast but it’s important to match the focal length so stop shake.
My lens is sharpest at F8 and I wanted to make sure I got enough detail and depth of field.
Interesting Facts:
- The Red Deer is the largest land mammal in the UK. They are known for their impressive antlers, which are shed and regrown annually.
- The Red Deer rut, or breeding season, takes place in the autumn. During this period, stags will bellow and clash antlers to assert dominance and attract hinds (female deer).
- Despite their large size, Red Deer are excellent swimmers and are known to swim between islands or across lochs.
- They are primarily grazers, feeding on a variety of grasses, heather, shrubs, and trees.
Habitat:
Red Deer are native to the British Isles and can be found across the UK, but they’re most common in Scotland, particularly in the Scottish Highlands. They live in a variety of habitats, from the remote mountainous regions to lowland pastures.
