Friday 9 December 2016

Stoat

A mild, bright day, 12°, light SSW.

As I walked back from the hill today I noticed a Rabbit laying on the track (which was not there 20 mins earlier). Initially thinking it may have myxomatosis I noticed it was still alive but no visible signs of injury or disease.

This may sound a bit harsh but I left the Rabbit where it was and moved up the track for roughly 50 metres and waited.

Within approx. 2 minutes a Stoat appeared, quickly despatched the Rabbit and started to feed.

I stayed and watched for around 20 minutes then moved on leaving it to its meal.

Fewer numbers of birds around today out at Lollingdon, Fieldfare and Redwing numbers still dominant and quite a few Blackbird (50’ish) and Song Thrush (20’ish) noted today.

A flock of around 40 Buntings in a stubble field, mainly Yellowhammer and a few Reed Bunting. Also 3+ Corn Bunting around the hill.

Kestrel, Buzzard, usual Red Kites, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Linnet etc., also noted.

Other Mammals today were Roe Deer and the Hedgehog out in the garden this evening.




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