The stags are still hanging out in Braemar village, but this time I was prepared and had my camera and zoom lens. There are about a dozen handsome fellows. This was taken yesterday afternoon. However, I was not so amused yesterday evening, as I went out at 9pm to walk dad's dog and got the fright of my life as a massive stag was right at the gate as we walked out. It bolted as soon as it saw us and we quickly walked the other way. On walking further up the road, we encountered another two coming our way. At that stage we went home. I wasn't comfortable as they could have felt cornered as the road is so built up with snow on either side ... also there was nowhere for us to go if they had run at us! So, we got back to dad's rather rapidly. He was surprised to see us back so quickly, but said we'd done the right thing, as the stags can be unpredictable!
Awesome creature. And yes I am quite sure you were better keeping clear of the others.
They must be desperate for food when they are coming down to the towns and villages.
Where I stay in Aviemore, we get doe's and the young ones strolling around the estate and occasionally in the garden, but I don't recall seeing any so close to civilisation.
Meeting a stag while out for a with a dog would be very scary. This is a fantastic capture & such a lovely face there looking at you. Sadly tonight as we drive back with Connie in the dark we came across a couple of big cars, one was four wheel drive but a deer must have run out in the road & got hit. Both cars had stopped & I think they were trying to see if it was just stunned....we drive past but felt sad.
They must be desperate for food when they are coming down to the towns and villages.
@darylo Yes, Daryl.Haha.
Beautiful shot of this one though.