Red deer (Cervus elaphus)

King of the forest,
i don't know why, but I've always felt a special connection with red deer. Their majestic presence, their wild nature, and above all, that deep, almost intimidating roar echoing through the forest during the rut never fail to captivate me.
To me, the red deer truly is the king of the forest. If I had to choose my spirit animal, it would definitely be the red deer.
These photographs were taken a few years ago in De Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands, where I encountered a red deer in the wild for the very first time. And what an encounter it was!
In the beautiful evening light, I had the opportunity to observe a magnificent stag during the rut. I watched his behaviour, how he followed and sniffed the hinds, but above all, I listened to his powerful roars.
Since then, I've photographed red deer many times, in different environments and lighting conditions. But that first encounter will always hold a special place in my memory.
For me, the red deer rut is one of the most breathtaking spectacles nature has to offer. And no matter how many times I experience it, I never get tired of it.
Some animals you simply admire. With others, you feel something deeper.