Friday, 3 August 2012

Cute but not bird friendly

At Danebower I came face to face with a cute Stoat (a member of the weasel family). At first I was shocked as we shared a moment staring at each other, motionless, trying to work out what it was we were both looking at. He moved first and disappeared before I could get to the camera.
Last week I was alerted to a Wheatear making a very unusual call. On closer inspection, the Stoat appeared again. Running in and out of the rocks on the slopes of the quarry, this cute looking mammal is not good for birds in this area. It feeds on the eggs and young of those that nest in stone walls and rock crevices. Birds like the Wheatear and Ring Ouzel are always great to see, but the Ring Ouzel is struggling in this area and it doesn't need the intervention of these cute lookers. Nice to see, but I don't want to see them too often. (No offence Mr Stoat)



5 comments:

  1. it sure is a beauty, though. :)

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  2. Spot on with your photos and your comments Adam. I always worry about the naughty things they get up to even though I look forward to getting shots of them in places where ground nesting birds hang out.

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  3. They seem quite curious too. :)

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  4. Have to admire such a cute little fellow, but glad not to see its meals :) Wonderful capture!

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  5. Oh, he is so darling! That second shot is my favorite!

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