The Roar of the Forest King
The end of September is approaching. The landscape begins to be tinted with colors of fire and the sunset is accompanied by a hoarse, deep sound that breaks the overwhelming silence of the mountain and resonates through the ecosystem. It is the magical time of the Rut (La Berrea), the mating season of the great red deer.
In the high valleys of the Picos de Europa and in various settings of the Redes Park, the males that until then had spent their summers peacefully in solitude suddenly transform.
What Exactly Does the Rut Involve?
It’s a complete demonstration of superiority, strength, and hierarchy. Large dominant males seek to group the females together, emitting endless bellows at the top of their lungs, a warning to tell the rest of the young males: “This harem belongs to me, be careful if you dare to challenge me.”
When a challenger comes close enough to invoke a direct challenge… the fight occurs. The thunderous clash of massive antlers charging is spectacular and only rivaled by how fleeting these combats are.
Where and How to Witness the Magic of the Rut in Asturias
The mountain topography allows for numerous high points to enjoy (and hear) the spectacles from a good distance, especially during early morning hours or in the cool of the evening.
One of the main enclaves is Redes Park, famous for hosting an extremely high number of deer in dense forests and steep pastures like those bordering the “Mirador del Urogallo”.
Quick tips:
- Always bring good capacity observation Binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens.
- Always hire official guided tours; going to authorized points with people who know the behavior and routines of these animals saves time and ensures you never alter the natural course.
- Bring warm clothes, even if you think September is hot during the day, the cold mists at dawn or dusk in the valleys hit hard!
Enjoy this powerful acoustic nature that the earth offers you this autumn.