Sika Stare In Black And White

Usually, when I’m out hiking, the deer just disappear before I’ve managed to get my hand in my pocket for the phone. But today, this doe (and several others) decided to hold her ground.

It looks like a Sika deer to me, which makes sense given the location. An interesting fact about these locals: Sika deer aren't actually native to Ireland. They were introduced by Lord Powerscourt in 1860 to his estate in County Wicklow. They eventually escaped and have thrived in the Irish hills ever since. It was a privilege to share a quiet minute with them before they vanished back into the scrub.