The Stag

B and I went for a late afternoon walk around Woburn deer park today.
We thought we stood a reasonable chance of getting some photos as it is the rutting season. 
We managed to take some photos of a herd of deer from a distance, then when walking back towards the entrance we were amazed to find this male was standing (initially) right next to the ticket office, we started taking photos, then he just sat down and seemed quite happy to be near us (according to the staff this was unusual behaviour).  He was such a beautiful, elegant creature, we were both delighted and also felt very privileged! 

I love to mark the bustling deer by John Clare

I love to mark the bustling deer
Leap oer the walk as rousd from lare
& run till distance damps their fear
Then stopping turn them round to stare
Where wind shook boughs if suns are bright
To stretch their dancing shadows round
Oft wakes afresh their idle fright
& starts them swifter oer the ground.