The sika rut is in full swing. It is well worth coming to the RSPB reserve at Arne to have a look especially in the farm fields.
There is often one dominant stag in each of the fields surrounded by a number of hinds and immature males.
The antlers on the Japanese sika are similar to red deer but with fewer branches. Their coat is reddish brown to yellowish brown with a dark dorsal stripe with spots.
The unmistakable clue that it is a sika deer is the white gland on the deer's back leg. Although there is a good chance of seeing stags battling with each other the most extraordinary thing about the rut is the sound of roaring stags.
It is a really eerie noise that sounds like a squeaky door and if you haven't heard it before you may wonder what on earth it could be coming from.
The stags use the call as a challenge to other males in the vicinity and to demonstrate their dominance.
Based on information supplied by Caroline Hughes.
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