Red Deer in Richmond Park
Huge parks in London
"London? A city? That doesn't really sound like your kind of place..." was a common response we received when sharing our fall break destination. The surprise was even bigger when we mentioned our plan for deer photography in the heart of London. "Deer in London?!" exclaimed someone who had travelled to London countless times. Clearly, parks like Richmond Park don't top the list of must-see attractions for many tourists.
Yet, it was precisely to Richmond Park that we directed our fall break adventure. We hoped to capture some captivating moments during the red deer rut, even as the season approached its end. Richmond Park, London's second-largest park, sprawling across almost 10 km2, is home to approximately 630 red and fallow deer, as well as an array of wildlife such as woodpeckers, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, beetles, and more. Its ancient, towering trees stand as testament to its history as a royal deer park since the 17th century. The park is ideal for various outdoor activities like cycling, fishing, running, and horse riding, with designated paths for most activities. However, exploring the park on foot allows access to areas untouched by paths – an ideal situation for photographing red deer from a respectful distance.
Finding and photographing Red Deer
Entering the park through one of its numerous gates on the first afternoon of our London escapade, we were greeted by the distant yet distinct stag bellows. A promising start, we exchanged thankful glances, reassured that some male red deer were still ardently vying for the attention of their female counterparts. Despite gloomy weather forecasts, our trip was promising to be a success.
Our first encounter with a stag, surrounded by its harem of hinds, was soon followed by the arrival of a rival stag. Undeterred, the dominant stag asserted its authority, driving off the intruder with resounding bellows. The backdrop of trees, adorned in their splendid fall colors, provided the perfect setting for some beautiful shots. This initial stroke of luck set the tone for many more to come. The splendid fall hues, the already brown ferns, expansive meadows, and other well-kept grassy areas all presented wonderful opportunities.
Immersing ourselves in this peaceful, natural environment, right in the heart of one of the world's major global cities, was a unique experience. The bellowing stags, curious squirrels, chattering parrots, and the presence of ancient trees painted a picture of London that transcended its urban reputation. Indeed, London proved to be a beautiful city and an ideal destination for nature photographers like us, or anyone seeking quality time surrounded by nature. Highly recommended!
Bellowing Red Deer
Getting close to the deer
Chasing the ladies
