Faced with an unexpected day off work because of pupil cancellations I decided to use the RSPB membership my Mum and Dad bought me for my birthday earlier this month to visit the Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. I’ve been here before and had mixed results with my camera – the animals and birds here are truly wild so it’s a complete lottery as to what you see, unlike the WWT centre at Arundel where many of the birds are permanent residents. I didn’t have much luck with birds today but there were hundreds of Roe Deer resting in the fields so I concentrated on photographing them. As I crept up behind a scrubby hedge my rustlings were heard by the deer beyond and several of them moved away. However, one young deer, with what looks like deformed rear leg, was most intrigued and spent several minutes staring intently at me as I crawled around on the ground trying to take its photograph through a gap in the hedge. Further on I got my macro lens out to photograph some of the spring blossom and managed to catch one of the bees on camera as it went about its business.

Adorable and wonderful josy63 · 2012-03-26: 17:48

Fantastic focus and very effective depth of field! The eye is immediately drawn to the closest deer...what a curious look she has! Lovely bee shot - super clarity! lookagain · 2012-03-26: 18:17

two beautiful shots! tomie · 2012-03-26: 18:19

I have a real affinity for anaimal with problems (Except rabies). So I have faved the little deer!!! (Just to keep him safe) I love your description of your adventures, Helen. So well written. Beautiful photographs BTW! danrav · 2012-03-26: 19:14

aww #1 is so cute! jennyLit · 2012-03-26: 19:40

I love the curious expression on the deers face, poor little thing, looks like shes been in the wars, with the gammy leg and the tattered ear, and her coat looks like she's been dragged through the hedge backwards, but with all that she is still very pretty... Annbramwell · 2012-03-27: 03:08

the focus in that 1st one is terrific :) bumpusdogs · 2012-03-27: 08:15

the first photo is just so pure and sweet!!! that one is going into my small list of favs! KatysPassionata · 2012-03-27: 11:47

great details in the second,but I love the first image totally :) ????? · 2012-03-27: 13:07

Great set!! mazpics · 2012-03-29: 04:12

The deer shot is adorable. Great to see a bee too. Hopefully there'll be a lot more of them soon. Jarvo · 2012-03-29: 15:55

Love that shot of the deer!! lukesmom · 2012-03-29: 21:05

Tagged: deer bee pulborough rspb wildlife