Deer Watching

One of nature's great spectacles - the crowds of deer watchers who converge on Petworth Park in Sussex to witness the annual deer rut is drawing to a close.

In October (and for a period of about three weeks) the testosterone fueled male deer of the large fallow herd are busy sorting out the pecking order for the breeding which is to follow. Bucks, for that is what they are, (Stags are the males of Red Deer,) are busy bellowing, groaning and thrashing antlers with any other buck who cares to accept the challenge. And literally thousands of avid deer watchers beat a path to the ancient park to watch the antics.

Now it is early November and the groaning and bellowing is dying away and the worn out Bucks are spending more time resting - the green-booted deer watchers have left and peace is gradually returning to this quiet backwater of West Sussex.

We live just outside of the wall which surrounds Petworth Park - it runs for a total distance of 14 miles and is in need of constant upkeep. The noises start in October and echo for at least a couple of miles - it is an ancient sound this deep sonorous bellow which fades into a low groan. The clattering of deer antlers carries less far, but the battles are intense, very tiring and they can result in serious injuries to the bucks.

The does, so like the females of most species, seem to have an attitude of mild indifference to these goings-on of male showing-offerie (not sure that is a real word but it is apt). The successful and dominant bucks gather up their harems of does and do what comes naturally ensuring the genetic survival of their line.

... and peace and quiet returns.