FALLOW DEER RUTTING EXCURSION
As autumn rolls in, you can hear mysterious roars coming from the dunes and out of the forest.. The deer rutting season has started. The stags (male deer) leave their herds and head off alone in search of fertile females. Once found, they compete for their attention by roaring. Their sound is like a cross between a lion’s roar and a bull’s bellow. The stags are impressive to watch. Testosterone is coursing through their bodies which often leads to fierce and spectacular mating battles. The fight starts vocally, and if this is not enough to ward off a competitor, it can lead to quite impressive fights between the stags. The outcome of the battle will decide who is top stag and will mate with as many females as possible.
Rutting activity is most intense at daybreak or twilight when the deer are most active, though some activity occurs throughout the day. Come and join Johannes, our nature guide, this October and experience the sight and sound of fallow deer rutting. An experience you will never forget and certainly one to add to the bucket list. Book soon, these tours are popular.
• WATERLEIDING DUINEN
The Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen is a beautiful dune area that provides drinking water for Amsterdam. It is only a 30 minute drive west of the city. It contains the largest population of fallow deer in The Netherlands. They are not shy so we’ll definitely see some of them. The dunes are also home to the cormorant, buzzard, fox, rabbit and many other animals.
• WHAT IS INCLUDED
Guided walk in the Waterleiding Duinen by Johannes, a nature guide. In case of emergency you can reach him at: 06 28111 632.
• WHAT TO BRING
Rain jacket, camera, something to eat/ drink, layers of clothing. We’ll have a break in the middle to eat something (food is not included).
• WHERE DO WE MEET
In front of the entrance gate of the Waterleidingduinen “Zandvoortselaan” in Zandvoort (Zandvoortselaan 130, 2042 XC Zandvoort). You can take bus 80 bus stop Waterleiding/Nieuw Unicum. This is also where we end our excursion. You’ll have to pay a small entrance fee to enter the Waterleiding duinen: €1,50 per person (not included).
Please visit https://9292.nl for info about public transportation.
• IMPORTANT TO KNOW
We are LEAVING at 15.15 and we finish around 18.30.
All participants (members and their guests) on any of Nature Connects walks or activities are personally responsible for their own fitness, safety and welfare and must be equipped accordingly. Payments are non-refundable.
