Snapper captures stag reaching for bite to eat in London park

A fantastically-framed image has captured a stag reaching for a bite to eat in London.

Mark Rowe was visiting Richmond Park when he came across the majestic sight.

The wildlife photographer observed the stag preparing himself for this year’s rutting season and was able to capture a perfectly-timed image as the animal reached up for some food.

Mark, from Whiteley, said: “I took quite a while watching the habits of the stags and knew that having something with symmetry reaching up like this would be the ideal scenario.

“The stags antlers were key to this pulling the image together. I positioned myself where the light would be more beneficial and after quite some time this stag – I named him Gordon.

“I took a burst of images at that moment, however, the point in which he is just about to get the leaf with his tongue out really had to be the one.

“I was obviously pleased when I got the images back on to the computer. It’s always a nice feeling getting the moment you planned for, as it can be so few and far between with the unpredictability of wildlife.

“Patience is key with wildlife. Giving them the space to be themselves, without the pressure of human interaction, is vital to capture genuine moments.

“I always keep that at the forefront before taking any wildlife image.”