These photos were taken recently in Bushy Park, Middlesex.
The stags' antlers are now coming to full size, but still retain the velvet covering, which will be discarded soon. This velvet, like the antlers, is a prized ingredient in Chinese medicine...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velvet_antler
The deer are eating well and growing in bulk to prepare for the annual rut in the autumn, when the winners will pass on their genes to new generations.
 |
| Cooling off in a wallow hole |
 |
| Relaxing in the grass |
 |
| Where's my other antler? |
 |
| How many points? How many stags? |
 |
| Relaxing, chewing the cud |
Like cows, deer have highly-tuned digestive systems which cope well with grass and vegetation like leaves. It does not cope well with carbohydrates, so people feeding them picnic sandwiches are putting them at severe risk. I've even seen the deer eat the plastic bag around the sandwiches. Please DON'T!
 |
| Relaxed deer |
 |
| 20 points! |
 |
| Will be impressive, and dangerous, in a few months time! |
 |
| "Look at YOU!" |
b
 |
| Antlers a few months ago. |
 |
| Deformed antlers |
All these deer can be seen regularly during Nordic Walks that take place in Bushy Park. Research has shown that exercising outdoors is beneficial for the mood as well as the body. Seeing wild animals at close quarters is always a thrill.
If you want to try Nordic Walking in Bushy Park, do call or email me to arrange a taster session, or to join one of our regular group sessions.
Peter
07703-404-931
No comments:
Post a Comment