Hind and Calf

Up early (again!).  It was again misty, but only in some areas so I knew where to go.  As I pulled up I could see the hind perfectly silhouetted in the mist, under a tree.  A perfect composition.  Frustratingly by the time I got out of the car and grabbed the camera she had moved and I couldn't see her.  I walked up the lane to a gate and still I couldn't see her so I climbed over and into the field.  

She was in a dip on the far side of the field and it was then I noticed the calf.  She was oblivious to my presence, foraging in the grass, head down, not a great image.  I walked closer, realising my trousers were getting soaked by the morning dew on the long grass.  Still not spotted.  I waited hoping that she would lift her head, but when she did it was to look at me.  I know in these circumstances it wouldn't be long before she moved off, though she did start walking towards me, probably to confirm that it was a human staring at her.

I chose this image as she moved off with the calf following behind, as it was the one moment when she was back lit by the sun in the receding mist.  I'm pretty certain the hinds have had 5 calves between them in the herd this year, not a bad return with a dwindling mature stag count.  It will be interesting to see what activity we get in the rut in the coming months.