On the second Sunday in October, approximately 20 members went to the Phoenix Park for the annual deer rut.
The meet-up time was 9 am, but as with other years, people generally arrived when they wanted. There had been the tantalising prospect of a morning mist, so many arrived early in the hope of photographing beautiful stags with a backdrop of trees and surrounded by mist.
Unfortunately, the mist didn’t materialise, but the stags and deer more than made up for it.
During the rutting season, dominant stags can be seen posturing, locking antlers, and bellowing to establish their territory and attract hinds. A long lens is essential for maintaining a respectful distance while capturing the intensity of their behaviour. Patience, silence, and observation are key; waiting quietly allows natural interactions to unfold. The combination of wild spectacle and peaceful surroundings makes the Phoenix Park rut a rewarding challenge for all photographers.
With cameras on burst, the shot count rose quickly, and it was eventually agreed that it was time to adjourn to the nearby Phoenix Park Café for coffee and scones.
Some images (click on an image to open in full-screen mode) from the outing can be seen below:
