Gorgeous. Yes - our reds are slightly different from the ones 'across the pond' @CrankyYankee, although if the greys keep going the way they are, there'll be a struggle to keep them going. They've now got a stranglehold up here in Glen Lyon and the surrounding areas, which have always been a strong habitat for reds, and greys weren't a problem there. The 'pine marten experiment' doesn't seem to be working either unfortunately. It's very sad.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The greys here are brutal. In our state, it was illegal to kill them for decades because during the depression they were hunted to near extinction. The population is now more than recovered and the ban was finally lifted, but it seems like people don't hunt them anymore. My grandfather used to make an excellent squirrel stew. My mother live traps and relocates them, but I swear for every one grey squirrel she removes, five more take its place.
New England, USA
Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
That's exactly the problem here. They breed so quickly, and adapt too readily as well. There are various ideas being trialled, but it's a very difficult problem. Pine martens were being encouraged because they're such good predators, and don't bother the reds because of the differing habits in feeding etc. The greys were still multiplying too quickly for the martens to make a difference.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I just went out to take some pics for the @Papi Jo January count. There were two blackbirds around but didn't fly away when they saw me. So I asked them" given you are eating my food, will you sing for me later on in the spring?" They gave a quick assent with their head! It might be the effect of the prosecco of course.
Posts
Yes - our reds are slightly different from the ones 'across the pond' @CrankyYankee, although if the greys keep going the way they are, there'll be a struggle to keep them going.
They've now got a stranglehold up here in Glen Lyon and the surrounding areas, which have always been a strong habitat for reds, and greys weren't a problem there. The 'pine marten experiment' doesn't seem to be working either unfortunately. It's very sad.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
There are various ideas being trialled, but it's a very difficult problem.
Pine martens were being encouraged because they're such good predators, and don't bother the reds because of the differing habits in feeding etc. The greys were still multiplying too quickly for the martens to make a difference.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Luxembourg
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Luxembourg
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...