Mammal of the day

stripee · #71 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 09:52 PM

I saw a little field vole running in and out of its hole. It felt like spring today

Words · #72 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 12:12 AM

Just one mammal put in an appearance today, but it happened to be the longest serving visitor, our old dog fox. He's been coming for three years now, and is totally at ease with the camera.

mh68 · #73 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 01:29 PM

Very productive morning today, went down to visit one of my local haunts.
While walking past the corner of one of the fields, I noticed something scamper into the long grass. It was too far away to even have a clue what it was, the sighting was so brief. I`ve no idea why, but i decided to try squeaking just in case it was a Stoat or Weasel. Lo and behold, a few squeaks later a Stoat came bounding towards me at full belt from about 40yds away.That was just the start of it though, as on it`s way towards me , it spooked a Rabbit from the long grass which it then decided to chase.I was treated to the superb sight of watching the Rabbit do everything possible to evade the Stoat and below is a shot I managed of it jumping high into the air to evade capture

Not a brilliant pic as i wasnt that close to the action, but I was chuffed to get a momento of such a brilliant sight - the first time i`d seen a Stoat or Weasel chasing its potential prey.The Rabbit did actually get away, I think my presence deterred the Stoat from going too far into the open to chase the Rabbit, so it gave up after a few minutes. Another squeak brought the Stoat to within 10ft of me but it was gone before the camera`s focus could lock onto it.And that was it, excitement over.
Further down,though, I spotted a group of Roe Deer grazing in the corner of one of the areas of rough grassland.Luckily this time, I had a hedge to creep along towards them,shaded from the bright sun, so no soaked clothing this time

I wasnt sure how close I would get so as I inched closer I took a few shots every few yards.

I managed to get within around 25yds of them,taking loads of shots all the while, before they eventually moved away.The shot below was taken as close as I could get before I ran out of hedge

Luckily again,when they did move away, they eventually stopped after a short distance. I couldnt get closer this time as i`d have been in full sunlight away from the hedgerow, but I managed this last shot of the whole group.It was nice to see a group as opposed to the usual one or two,and having ran out of memory on my camera that was it for the day.Hope you like the pics

Mark H

The Black Rabbit · #74 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 01:33 PM

I certainly do!
Especially the Stoat and Rabbit.
GREAT STUFF pal!

Doug

mh68 · #75 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 01:36 PM

Cheers Doug, i`m amazed that Rabbit/Stoat shot came out, my hands were shaking with the adrenaline of watching the whole thing

Mark H

The Black Rabbit · #76 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh68

Cheers Doug, i`m amazed that Rabbit/Stoat shot came out, my hands were shaking with the adrenaline of watching the whole thing

Mark H

I bet!

vole-woman · #77 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 02:28 PM

Fantastic!

Rob T · #78 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 02:49 PM

A great set of shots there Mark the Rabit/Stoat shot is facinating, nice deer to.
As it proved so successfull I would recomend you enlarge your 'squeeking' skills to . . . hooting and roaring, who knows what you could be showing us next week.

Regards
Rob

mh68 · #79 (**permalink**) 28-01-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob T

A great set of shots there Mark the Rabit/Stoat shot is facinating, nice deer to.
As it proved so successfull I would recomend you enlarge your 'squeeking' skills to . . . hooting and roaring, who knows what you could be showing us next week.

Regards
Rob

cheers Rob, but I`d probably end up showing you the inside of a padded cell, and its hard to type wearing one of those coats with the big buckles on!!

Mark H