Deer Range Diaries

Newly born Calf!

Yes you read it right, our first 2011 red deer calf has been born at the range. Both mum and calf are doing brilliantly. This is a very early arrival as the calves are not generally born until early June.

Which means our 3 native species in Galloway will be having, or about to be having, their calves too. Please bear this in mind if out exploring woods and hills and keep any dogs you may have with you close by. Being chased by dogs is highly stressful for any wild animal, especially if they are pregnant or with young.

I'll post some pictures of our new arrival when I can. In the first few days they are quite shy and hide in the grass a lot under the watchful eye of mum. But when they are a bit braver I'll see if I can get a photo!

Y

Roaring Stags at the Deer Range

The fight for alpha male is almost up at the Red Deer Range and it would appear that Cameron had a tough battle on his hands this year with a younger male called Angus.

At one point it looked like the 10 year old Cameron was going to lose all of his collected hinds to a stag half his age and fierce fighting took place between the stags for over a week. With some battles lasting 20 minutes at a time the all important fight for top slot really takes its toll on each of the stags.

The stags eat very little during this time as they are far more concerned and preoccupied with constantly rounding up their hinds making sure they don't wander off or worse still another stag doesn't lure them away!

Angus did well and showed he is a fit and strong young male. Cameron may have won the hinds this year but I think he has a real challenger to be wary of for next.

Here are some pictures taken yesterday of Cameron and some of his hinds.

Yogi

Go wild in Galloway!

We have some amazing opportunities to see some of Galloway's incredible wildlife.

The Red deer range is open now for the summer leading guided walks to see and meet Britain's largest land mammal, up close! Tours start at 10am Sunday - Thursdays and last roughly 1 1/2 hours. See Rannoch the alpha stag and meet the females along with their calves that were born in June. A truly memorable experience. £3.50 Adult £2.50 conc. under 16 £2.50 Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £10

Red kite minibus tours are also being led this year with the next due to go on the 8th August 10am - 3pm. FCS and RSPB staff will lead you around the Galloway red kite trail stopping at many points of interest to discover more about Galloway's red kite Reintroduction programme. Lunch at Clatteringshaws visitor centre is included. £30 Adult £15 Conc. To book you place call us on 01671 402 420.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Y