Sunday 14 October 2012

Autumn stags in Jægersborg Dyrehave

Days are getting shorter and cooler - time to step into the woods to enjoy the majestic red deers roaring throughout the forest. Since the late 1600 the danish kings used the vast area of Jægersborg Dyrehave (just north of Copenhagen) as hunting grounds for themselves and their royal pals. More than 400 years selective breeding has ensured that you may come across some of the largest and strongest red deer and fallow deers you´ll ever see.



The size of the rutting males attracts hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts from all over Europe, carrying 600mm tele lenses and photo equipment I can only dream of. Some of these guys dragging their heavy bags and tripods never make it all the way to the real "biggus" due to their heavy gear. I found it quite nice and easy to carry the relatively small Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 L on my bike together with a Manfrotto mm294a4 monopod. What a great way to cover huge distances and enjoying the ride all along!



Although not a super tele the lightweight kit with the 70-200mm still allows you to get pretty close to your subject without scarying them away. It´s all about being light on foot - and a whole lot of patience...



Even though sun sets at 6 p.m. there´s still a couple of hours to enjoy the autumn lightshow..