Visit 28th Oct 2011
Wandering Cheetah ventured into the Peaks and today visted the Chestnut Centre, weather forecast was brilliant so couldn't resist the lure of a day off
Arrived about 11.30ish and after a wander through the parkland I got to the Deer who were nibbling the grass around the entrance to the Nature Trail/Gate split point.
They are very relaxed, not at all skittish so posed nicely in the morning light for some photos - the Buck is looking very fine as the rut is in full swing and there are several examples of both dark & pale versions of the Fallow Deer. There are also Sika Deer in the park and they seem to mix herds happliy?
Down to the Otters past the long eared owl - all sunbathing - very lucky as arrived as the Asian Short Clawed Dog (?) on his own was being fed.
Now the lighting can be difficult in the trees even when there is bright sunlight so it's worth keeping an eye on your ISO's and exposures - but I digress.
After watching the Asians I headed back to the Giant Otter enclosure as a small croud was building awaitning feeding - they were being rather shy without the intervention of Roach suppliers so it was indeed great timing.
All 6 of the Giant Otters came out for a feed and the keepers make sure that every animal gets at least one fish prior to throwing the rest over to let the otters forage and compete where. The keepers were great actually and really happy to chat.
Last years 2 male cubs are really sub-adult now (if that term can be applied to otters?) and happy to stick up for themselves, this years cubs, a male and female are weaned now obviously and their parents are not prepared to surrended fish for them any more so they are learning to make sure they get their own quickly. They are still quite 'cubby' in appearance but have lost that huge webbed feet look they have when very young, shame really as although they are endearing I wish I'd popped in earlier to see them as young cubs.
BUT - I hope I'm not speaking out of turn - the keepers are hopeful that the Female 'Panambi' is pregnant again
they have seriously cracked breeding these guys which is fabulous - I am determined to see them as much younger pups this time!
OK onwards and I won't list all of the Owls in the collection but they were all out and very photogenic - I really like the 'woodsy' feel to the place and it's great ramble too.
The Polecats & Pine Marten (I only saw one) were also very active and great fun to watch and try to photograph - they just ooze mischief these little guys and as I've never seen either in the wild in the UK it's nice to see them here - I didn't realise Pine Martens were as big as they are - I had something the size of a weasel in mind - they are much larger than that!
Burrowing owls are great fun to watch too and they have a lovely enclosure/aviary and were making great use of a sunbeam to bask for a bit standing on one leg - great little guys.
Wandered back through the collection - more Owls, Otters, Foxes and Scottish Wildcats - by now I was peckish so yomped back up the path through the deer park and was treated to the whole herd basking and grazing right by the path and along the path - a superb chance to see them close up and again the Male in Rut looks even more magnificent close up.
Left about 14:45hrs - I had spent plenty of time with everything I wanted to see and enjoyed some spectacular views across the Peak District in the Autumn Light.
If you havn't visited yet and have a spare couple of hours it's worth the trip - great little collection.
