Muddy prints

Returned the trail camera to the Badger set this afternoon and checked the holes for activity.

All had sandy tracks on thawed and crusted snow.

There were Pine Marten tracks to the feeder not far from the sett and the feeder was empty so I gave it a refill. It's being used by Great Tits, Blue Tits, Wood mice and Pine Marten for certain but I've so far no evidence that Squirrels have visited, although there is some evidence of gnawing on one corner of the lid.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Squirrel Feeder

This is the new Squirrel Feeder that I referred to in my last post.

It has a 6 mm wire mesh front and bottom to allow air flow and help to prevent food from growing mould because of condensation.

The lid is ultra lightweight and the notch out of the wire mesh at the top encourages easier access.

At the bottom a small platform extends to provide a perch.

I will be using these feeders in places where it's difficult or time consuming to do normal surveying. The feeder will be put out for a week or so prior to setting a trail camera over it.

I'll post the plans for the feeder at a later date so that anyone who wishes can use the design to make their own.