A Little Bonus whilst with the Swans To-day.

[Johnem]

I thought some might like this. The dogs are trained to stay still and not to chase wildlife, so when I saw them staring intently at something, I looked round and this young Red Deer stag, handsome young man with just two small antlers, probably just in his third season, had quietly walked down to get a drink. He was only approx 10 metres/30 feet away and just stared for a short while and then carried on.

[Annie31]

What a beautiful sight! There's something timeless seeing a deer like that in its own natural setting, a reminder of what has always been and hopefully always will!

[Johnem in reply to Annie31]

Indeed and they can be so very quiet too.

[sassy59]

What a handsome chap and lovely to see. Xxxxx

[Lyd12]

Lovely shot - do wish we could enlarge the great photos on here.

[Johnem in reply to Lyd12]

Thanks, but I think that he was posing.

[Izb1 in reply to Lyd12]

Hi lyd12, you can enlarge by tapping on the photo then use your finger and thumb to open up the screen. Hope this helps x

[Lyd12 in reply to Izb1]

Thanks for that, another of life's mysteries solved. I hadn't tried hard enough!

[Izb1 in reply to Lyd12]

Ha! I know just what you mean, think I have been left behind re certain things on the computer, even uploading a photo to site is impossible, my grandson has given up on me, thankfully they dont live near me otherwise think he would have me certified ha!

[knitter]

An amazing sight, thanks for sharing, and also thanks to the well trained dogs that didn't chase or frighten the stag.... just pointed.

[Hidden]

Lovely sight to see and praise to your well behaved dogs. Majt

[Shirleyj]

Great picture, it's lovely catching sight of wild animals. He is a very handsome stag x 😊

[Hidden]

Did you train your dogs Johnem? I think its so impressive to have trained them to such a high standard. I had a spaniel ages ago who would do the basics sit stand roll over etc but the sight of a rabbit in the field would have her off like a rocket after it, once she even overtook the rabbit lol . I'm amazed the deer didn't run when he heard /saw you and the dogs. You must be very quiet. Thankyou for the lovely photo.

[Johnem in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I've had dogs constantly for 40 yrs and it isn't too difficult as the newer learn from the older to a fair extent. I am a firm believer that it is the owners that need training more than the dogs.

[Hidden in reply to Johnem]

I think you are right there Johnem...in both ways. 😀 I think it's an admiral quality to be able to teach a dog to such a standard . I like to watch sheepdog trials and can see there how the younger dog learns from the older.

[Putsywillow1]

Thank you for today’s chapter with your wildlife - I hope we can depend on you for this as a regular! I live in the US & for us on the east end of Long Island of New York we have many, many deer. There are many complaints as they eat our flowers & shrubbery but I’ve resolved that by using fake flowers in the urns & pots. Sometimes there have been as many as 7 on the lawn at one time - the whole family & friends. They’re wonderful to watch! Awaiting the next chapter. Hope you’re enjoying the weekend & be well.

[Johnem]

Thanks, hope your weekend has gone well.

[Dubba61]

lovely! and so close too! reminds me of the time my Daughter and i went on a Coach tour of Scotland. We saw the big North Sea Seals, some Osprey, a Kingfisher, but, disappointingly, no deer. Just coming back through the Borders and we finally spotted a huge Stag. In someones Cottage Garden. Happily munching vegetables.

[Johnem in reply to Dubba61]

Lovely. ☺️