Need....
Over the years, Hans and I have travelled to many countries to see nature and wildlife. But close to home, practically around the corner from where I live, Holland harbors a treasure of wildlife and nature that I had never been to. The National Park “De Hoge Veluwe”. How silly is that....
Last Sunday I persuaded Hans to come with me. September is rutting season for the huge red deer in the Park. My hopes weren’t high, since the newspapers had mentioned that the Park was overcrowded with people who wanted to witness the rather noisy and impressive mating ritual of the Deer. Says something about us Dutch probably :-)
Off we went and we arrived at the gate first thing in the morning. After immediately spotting 2 red deer, my enthusiasm grew. The more disappointed I was when after those 2 we saw none more. Indeed it was very busy in the park. From a guy who visited the park often I learned that I should come back in the hours just before sunset. I did together with my parents and Joyce (Jaydot), my sister-in-law. We arrived at 5.30 PM. We got in line with the huuuuge Canons and Nikons and waited. Hmmm, nothing much happened. After an hour or so my dad mentioned his rather hollow stomach and Jaydot practically drooled from lack of wine :-). Reluctantly I packed in the camera and walked to the car. And then it happened….
A huge male galloped on to the open space just outside the forest, chasing his harem of about 12 females and their young onto the meadow. I think I must have set up tripod and camera in record time! We stayed for another hour, watching the male trotting around, bellowing and trying his luck with the females (not that he got any…). It was awesome!!
Yesterday I went back alone. The deer were even closer then. It was marvelous and I think I became instantly hooked on the Park. I will be there a lot in the future!
I'm off now to see them again but will be back later this evening.
Need....
Over the years, Hans and I have travelled to many countries to see nature and wildlife. But close to home, practically around the corner from where I live, Holland harbors a treasure of wildlife and nature that I had never been to. The National Park “De Hoge Veluwe”. How silly is that....
Last Sunday I persuaded Hans to come with me. September is rutting season for the huge red deer in the Park. My hopes weren’t high, since the newspapers had mentioned that the Park was overcrowded with people who wanted to witness the rather noisy and impressive mating ritual of the Deer. Says something about us Dutch probably :-)
Off we went and we arrived at the gate first thing in the morning. After immediately spotting 2 red deer, my enthusiasm grew. The more disappointed I was when after those 2 we saw none more. Indeed it was very busy in the park. From a guy who visited the park often I learned that I should come back in the hours just before sunset. I did together with my parents and Joyce (Jaydot), my sister-in-law. We arrived at 5.30 PM. We got in line with the huuuuge Canons and Nikons and waited. Hmmm, nothing much happened. After an hour or so my dad mentioned his rather hollow stomach and Jaydot practically drooled from lack of wine :-). Reluctantly I packed in the camera and walked to the car. And then it happened….
A huge male galloped on to the open space just outside the forest, chasing his harem of about 12 females and their young onto the meadow. I think I must have set up tripod and camera in record time! We stayed for another hour, watching the male trotting around, bellowing and trying his luck with the females (not that he got any…). It was awesome!!
Yesterday I went back alone. The deer were even closer then. It was marvelous and I think I became instantly hooked on the Park. I will be there a lot in the future!
I'm off now to see them again but will be back later this evening.