No Christmas Tree Is Safe

No Christmas Tree Is Safe, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is obviously the main reason that Father Christmas keeps his deer on the roof while he delivers the presents.
The needles must have tasted good to the Sika because he was doing this for the best part of an hour.

Peace & Quiet

Peace & Quiet, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The weather was less than favourable today and so I headed inland. The local Sika deer are always willing to pose but the real bonus is being able to get up close and personal. Leaving the well trodden paths and settling into the bracken means, if you are patient and maybe a little lucky, you can really enjoy being with these beautiful animals.

We May Need More Light

We May Need More Light, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This mornings wander along the cliffs didn't go quite as planned. After a promising start, the rain closed in and although the clouds looked pretty spectacular, taking photographs wasn't easy.

Catching The Red Eye

Catching The Red Eye, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I have always wondered what it must be like to wander the countryside and have dangerous animals for company. You know, bears or wolves, something like that.
I'm not sure how I would get on, but after getting beaten up by a Canada Goose today, maybe I should just stick to Moorhens.

Wildfowl Trust?

Wildfowl Trust?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The Canada Goose is quite an impressive bird but to many it is an unwanted pest. I have always quite liked them though and besides, they are easy to photograph.
Just don't turn your back on them whilst trying to shoot other, less grumpy, birds. This one gave me a sharp peck on the back of the neck.
Wildfowl trust?....Nope, not any more!

Small Faces

Small Faces, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As the Sun went down on what turned out to be a lovely blue sky day there was just enough time to sit and watch. This young Sika seemed happy to stay and enjoy the last of the warmth with me.

Eight Points

Eight Points, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Fully tooled up with a fine set of 8 point antlers, the Sika wasn't in the mood to hang about. He quickly guided his family through the bracken and disappeared into the trees. Usually, they are more than willing to pose and I can't help feeling a little guilty when I make them run.