playing...

...hind and sika hide and seek.

After another night of heavy rain, we were treated to a really pleasant day of long sunny periods so, as soon as we were free this afternoon, we drove over to Arne RSPB reserve in hope of some interesting wader or other waterfowl images. As with the last few days, there are plenty of birds there but they are all far too far away. For the moment, at least.

For those who don't know, the heaths and forests around Poole harbour are home to a very large and well established population of Sika Deer, Cervus nippon and there are some days, like today, when you positively trip over them.

During summer, they grow a thinner coat that is brown and spotted like a fallow deer, but I prefer them in winter when they sport their heavier darker colours. During the rut, the males' calls are about the most spine-tingling sound you are likely to hear in a British forest.

This hind was hiding amongst the pine trees waiting to see if I had spotted her. After taking her portrait, I pretended that I hadn't and left her to her business.

I suspect this will not be the last of my blips to feature one or more of these beautiful creatures this winter...