Returning Their Gaze

I spotted a small herd of deer in a field on the way back from taking MrQ to the optician in Epping. I dropped him back at home, put my wellies and knee pads on, grabbed the camera and returned. 

They soon spotted me stalking through the undergrowth. I love how they made eye contact with me and I returned their gaze. Gazing on beautiful things acts on my soul said Michelangelo.

These fallow deer are not park deer, they're completely wild. I think nearly all of those pictured are does. The herd includes some of the melanistic (dark) ones descended from those brought to Britain from Norway by James I.