The Roe group this evening consisted of the older buck and two does. I doubt that this is a permanent change but it could show the looser ties which bind the herd as a result of the arrival of the younger buck. I wonder whether the young buck has been driven away and has taken the others with him. This can only be conjecture. I will continue to watch and take notes.

It may be coincidence but the smaller group seems to be more nervous. They stay close to the sanctuary of the woodland edge and are vigilant. They don’t react to every noise or scent which drifts in their direction but they remain watchful. Perhaps this is the young buck and his splinter group. It is almost impossible to tell without the two males side by side.