Red Deer Stags

Walking in the hills on Ardnamurchan Estate land near Meall an Tarmachain we disturbed a small group of about a dozen red deer stags.  At this time of year they are growing their new antlers, which are covered in velvet.

This individual stopped and watched us for a few moments before....

....setting off up the hill after his companions.

This stag has six 'points' or 'tines' on his antlers, three on either side, so he's at least two years old.

The last to move away were a stag with very small antlers, and another stag, behind and to the left, with a much better pair.  The stag at the front is young, with only two points, and in some places he's called a 'knobbler'.  The one beyond has at least four points on each side, including the 'brow' which sticks out forward from the top of his head, the 'bay' which is further up, and the tray which is higher still.