The Rut at Bedfords Park

I work at Bedfords Park near Romford, where there's a captive herd of Red Deer, and this time of year sees the rut taking place. Last year, as Peter Elgar found out, was a bit of a disappointment as far as action went, but this year looks as though it's going to be better.

Plenty of noise, and tangling of antlers. These were shot as the sun went down, and they're quite severe crops from the 50-200, so not ideal. I'll take my 300mm f/2.8 and convertors tomorrow and hope for similar weather...



The dominant stag, who sticks close to the 'girls'.



One of his rivals.



A couple of the younger stags giving it some.

Not the best pics, but hopefully I'll get some better ones over the next week or so. These were with the K10D and 50-200mm, at f/8 and around 1/60s.

Dan

Nice shoots. Please post more. I love animal shots!


We have a similar park just north of Copenhagen. We are planning to go there next weekend or so.

We have been there several times this spring - but that was before my k10d arrived

Can't wait to see the result of the K10D - I just hope for some good light

Nice shots Dan number 1 for me. He looks like he was warning you off. Did you have your eye on one of his lady friends

I was going to order a 50-200 in the next couple of days, Mainly due to the reasonable price and my limited budget at the moment. I see what you are saying with the heavy crop. Do you recommend this lens or should i wait and get something a bit more up market. I would use it when walking the trails and general wildlife pics.

Lovely photos. I really like the first one, and look forward to more!

Here in the Netherlands they organise special outings in the Veluwe National park for photographing the wild red deer rutting- you go with a warden who knows where they are likely to be. Trouble is there are so many people snapping away it is no fun any more. Plus you get a touch of lens envy as every one produces their massive white tooters. I haven't been but a friend went, but said never again. He was of the opinion that most went just to show off their gear anyway.

He's not an Australian, Clarky.

G

Oh deer (sic)