Once hunted to the point where the only place you would see them was the remote areas of Scotland or the Deer Parks of rich country Estates. The Red Deer is the largest of our native mammals with no natural predictors. This, combined with strict hunting legislation, is the reason Red Deer are becoming more prevalent in the wild. During October and early November the male Deer compete for the attentions of and the right to breed with the females. These dramatic, fierce battles, called the Rut, often result in injury and sometimes even death of the animals. The sounds of crashing antlers and the bellow of the stags is incredible. Please watch these fights from afar, as the situation is dangerous, and the stags are especially aggressive. You can find more information on the Red Deer here
The appropriately name Little Owl is a species of Owl that can be seen around the Peak District National Park. Often seen in daylight, hunting in twilight, the Little Owl is a delight to photograph. Full of personality, make head bobbing movements when alarmed. You will often see them on the Peak Districts many drystone walls, or nestled in the corner of an old barn.
The Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is such a characterful bird. Sad faced, playful, often mobbed by gulls, this bird is a brilliant study. Spending most of the year out in the oceans the Puffin is best seen during the early summer months when they come to our coastline to breed. Often seen with a mouthful of Sandeels, scurrying for its burrow to avoid the gulls snatching the food. Puffins can live for 40 years or more. They lose their distinctive summer colours during the winter months, becoming near black in colour. For more information about the Puffin please visit the RSPB or the National Trust.
