Deer Emerges From The Undergrowth With A Crown Of Bracken And Leaves

Magnificent beast even tried a camouflage look and even a beehive in attempts to attract a female. That's quite a head-dress, deer. He is one of the mightiest of creatures - and apparently also one of the most regal. Incredible pictures show stag crowning himself with Bracken as rutting season gets underway in Richmond Park.

I was watching another deer when I heard a loud bellow and turned around to see this fellow thrashing about in the bracken with his antlers. 'The stags do it to strengthen their neck muscles - it's like training for fighting off their competitors. 'It also serves to impress females, and there was a harem of around eight around him so it seemed to be working.' The deer then threw his head back and roared, another classic way to assert power but also to attract a mate.