The Rut begins

30th September, Thetford Forest.
What a beautiful morning.  The day dawned 2 degrees Celsius with a slight grass frost, it remained bright for much of the morning until cloud moved in by early afternoon.  High of 15 degrees Celsius.
I visited a large clearing within Thetford Forest to see or listen to rutting behaviour by Red Deer, it was too long before I heard the wonderful roar of a stag, however, it remained out of view throughout my visit, despite this at least 6 hinds appeared from woodland edge, but soon moved on when they sensed me.

Red Deer hinds in Thetford Forest 30th September.  A stag was roaring in the distance.

Also seen at first light was a lovely female Stonechat on the tops of long grasses and sedges, her orange/brown breast and underparts showing well as she was caught in the rising sun.
At least 6 Mistle Thrushes were present along with Chaffinches and 6+ Reed Buntings.

Other Observations.
Whilst in the garden early afternoon, a single Hobby passed over in a leisurely flight, and in a northerly heading.  A single House Martin passed over.
A late afternoon walk in Bodney produced a very good count of 137+ Skylarks, these birds passed over in a loose flock in a west heading, also, 4+ Linnets present and a Buzzard seen.