Last month, I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Mariánské Lázně, a charming spa town nestled in the Czech Republic. During my stay, I was accommodated in a lovely spa hotel, and not far from it, I discovered a small yet delightful nature park. Little did I know that this serene haven would offer me an unexpected encounter with a beautiful fallow deer family.
To my astonishment, as I wandered through the park, I spotted a majestic fallow deer stag with his family. The stag, undoubtedly the head of the family, was impressively active and appeared rather curious about my presence. He began walking towards me with a commanding stride, occasionally letting out deep, resonant roars. Standing a few paces behind him was the doe, who seemed more cautious, watching over their young ones. Meanwhile, the fawns – playful and full of energy – were leaping and bounding around freely, entirely uninhibited by the presence of an onlooker.
I stood there, mesmerised, observing their natural behaviour. It was a rare treat to witness such a beautiful display of wildlife, especially so close to human habitation. After spending a few minutes simply admiring them, I decided to capture the moment. Carefully, so as not to disturb them, I managed to take several photographs, both of the individual members of the family and of the entire group together.
The stag, with his impressive antlers and regal demeanour, made for a striking subject. The doe exuded grace and calmness, while the fawns’ spirited antics added an element of joy and liveliness to the scene. These photos remain a cherished memento of my visit, a reminder of the unexpected beauty that nature often reveals when we take the time to look.
This experience truly enriched my stay in Mariánské Lázně, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and tranquil human spaces.