@CatDouch I had a male harassing a female every night a few weeks ago (she was having none of it) but I haven't seen her lately so she may be nesting somewhere with hoglets 🤞 Last year a male hedgehog had the back leg of another hog in its jaw and was shaking it like a rag doll. Scary to see how vicious they can be.
I'm hoping the night before last's photo is conclusive, if rather blurry... though now I'm hoping it isn't just a young fox...
100% that's a Pine Marten, the proportions are all wrong for a young fox.
I've been filming a vixen and her five cubs at the bottom of our garden and the cubs are really 'leggy' just like a puppy who hasn't quite grown into its legs - their legs look too long for their body.
Most of the cubs (although not all) have a very noticeable white tip to their tails and the tails are nowhere near as full and bushy as the creature in your photo.
Yes - lots of areas where they're common up here @Liriodendron. I remember seeing a programme a few years ago with a couple who had them visiting on a regular basis, including coming into the house when a window was left open, so they set up cameras. It was terrific viewing.
They target grey squirrels, which is why they started a programme up here to try and get on top of that problem [which is getting worse year on year ] because they were encroaching on the reds' habitat ,especially the Perthshire strongholds. Unfortunately, they had to admit it isn't working as the grey rats are always one, or two, steps ahead in terms of breeding and adapting.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
There aren't grey squirrels (yet) on this side of Loch Derg, as far as I know, @Fairygirl. It's quite an effective barrier... though I'm sure it'll be breached eventually. Apart from rats, I'd like magpies to be on the menu for the pine marten, because they are terrorising all the other birds in the garden - even other corvids. They probably taste nasty though...
I've just noticed that my location no longer appears on my posts. And also just noticed that you've added yours, @Fairygirl, in the "signature" bit underneath your posts. I guess I might have to do the same - it's a bit annoying when these things get changed without a by-your-leave
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
I've just looked on my profile, and there's a padlock symbol next to my location, saying this information won't be shared publicly. Must find the bar at the bottom so I can alter that...
Agreed about the photo problem though. It must be upsetting for new posters who think they're doing something wrong - as well as a bit irritating for others, having to stand on their heads to look at the photos the right way up.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
Posts
I've been filming a vixen and her five cubs at the bottom of our garden and the cubs are really 'leggy' just like a puppy who hasn't quite grown into its legs - their legs look too long for their body.
Most of the cubs (although not all) have a very noticeable white tip to their tails and the tails are nowhere near as full and bushy as the creature in your photo.
Fantastic to see your pic!
I remember seeing a programme a few years ago with a couple who had them visiting on a regular basis, including coming into the house when a window was left open, so they set up cameras. It was terrific viewing.
They target grey squirrels, which is why they started a programme up here to try and get on top of that problem [which is getting worse year on year ] because they were encroaching on the reds' habitat ,especially the Perthshire strongholds. Unfortunately, they had to admit it isn't working as the grey rats are always one, or two, steps ahead in terms of breeding and adapting.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
There aren't grey squirrels (yet) on this side of Loch Derg, as far as I know, @Fairygirl. It's quite an effective barrier... though I'm sure it'll be breached eventually. Apart from rats, I'd like magpies to be on the menu for the pine marten, because they are terrorising all the other birds in the garden - even other corvids. They probably taste nasty though...
I've just noticed that my location no longer appears on my posts. And also just noticed that you've added yours, @Fairygirl, in the "signature" bit underneath your posts. I guess I might have to do the same - it's a bit annoying when these things get changed without a by-your-leave
At least it can be added there without any difficulty, whereas the photo problem....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Agreed about the photo problem though. It must be upsetting for new posters who think they're doing something wrong - as well as a bit irritating for others, having to stand on their heads to look at the photos the right way up.