Tuesday 14 May 2013

Wildlife Abounds!


 Up at 6 this morning, I trolled down to Barnsdale Wood by the shores of Rutland Water, arriving at 6.30 to catch the early morning light. I heard the barking of a Muntjac straight away, then within a few minutes heard some cracking of twigs and realised I was being watched by a small herd of Fallow Deer, above.  
 
About a hundred yards further on, I heard more movement and spotted a Muntjac Deer scampering away, the large, white tuft on his rump flashing as he bounded off.

A few minutes later I stopped, scanned around looking for a good composition for a painting, then spotted a face looking at me...it's dead centre, above.  Yes, it's a Fox!  He had spied me before I him.  I moved two steps towards him and he about turned and was off up the hill, giving me a flashing glimpse of his rufus back.  I've cropped the photo to give a better look, below:
Then, on getting back to the studio, I fed the birds, had some breakfast, then watched a very healthy-looking Hedgehog come out of the undergrowth on to the lawn before scuttling back into his daytime hideout.  So, what did you see before 7 this morning?

7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful start of the day! I am not a morning person, for some reason my body has a hard time getting active before 7, but an experience like yours surely makes the extra effort worth it. :)
    Thanks for sharing

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    1. Thanks Robie - definitely worth the effort getting up for!

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  2. Just a couple of dog walkers and a cat! Sadly, no wildlife in the suburbs :-(

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  3. ....although, I did have a badger visit my garden the other night. He comes from the allotments a few houses away from mine. He got stuck in my garden and was busy digging his way out and waking me up with the noise....I will leave his escape route open so he can come and go as he likes.

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    1. Ooh, nice spot Bev - hope he isn't one of those who are going to be culled soon....

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  4. lovely photos Peter, and great experience for you eh? All the best.
    Vic.

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    1. Thanks Vic, yes it was a great start to the day!

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