Back in Tatton Park for some fresh air, I soon became aware that rutting season was well under way. The stag of the herd was on look out. There were quite a few herds in the park, and I was quite happy to keep my distance, unlike some of the other visitors, who seemed to have a death wish.
Having watched a bit of Attenborough on telly recently, I deduced that the stags’ impressive antlers are there for the sole purpose of keeping large harems to themselves. Greedy. No wonder the first stag I saw looked knackered.
Later on, I passed another herd, being closely monitored by their stag. There seemed to be another herd close by, without a stag. Soon enough, I worked out that it was a splinter group. I knew this because the stag made a dash for it, and we were on his route. I suggested that our stragglers caught up, pronto, or risk some unplanned piercings.
On the way back to the car, this deer nonchalantly passed us in the opposite direction. I thought they were more timid than this. I half expected it to say “Evening!” as it went past.
What does Stages do?
Are they over the herds one stag at a time