Tracks and signs images needed.

[mh68]

Bark stripping on a fallen tree. The loose bark signifies Squirrels. In this area, Red Squirrels, most likely done prior to the tree falling.



The same tree further down, showing where Roe Deer have stripped the bark after the tree has fallen....



Mark H

[mh68]

Originally Posted by Tracey.A

This is a great idea Mark! There arn't enough books about animal tracks and signs that are focused on Britain only. I'm really excited about this and I can't wait to see what kind of signs people find. Fantastic way to learn how to identify signs and tracks of British mammals. Brilliant, brilliant and what can I say - brilliant

Tracey

It`s an area sadly lacking in info Tracey. The response so far has been overwhelming, considering the thread has only been in existence for less than 24hrs,and I`d like to say thanks to everyone who`s contributed so far


Mark H

[mh68]

Fox tunnel through undergrowth, leading into an area of thick Gorse. Too large for Rabbit, too small for Deer,no Badgers in the area and well away from paths used by dogwalkers. Note the vertical oval shape...this area is frequently scattered with remains of Fox kills.The "musty" smell of Foxes is always present here too...



Mark H

[Deer Stalker]

Fallow rings.

Usually done by a Master Buck on his 'stand' during the rut in October. I always find them round a stump. The size of the slots (tracks) that made the ring indicates Fallow.

These rings, however, were found fresh in March, so they would be the activity of a young buck, as it is only young bucks that still have higher levels of testosterone so will be practising this behaviour. (The older bucks are usually completely spent after a couple of weeks of rutting in October and are certainly no good after a few months! Also their testosterone levels will be dropping getting ready for antler casting so rutting behaviour is reduced).

If a doe was missed she will come into season every month in winter until she is covered, hence the finding of really young fawns in August. This will also stimulate younger bucks to carry out this behaviour.

[mh68]

Bat droppings (images courtesy of nightshade from the Gallery).

Brown Long Eared Bat.



Greater Horseshoe Bat.



Lesser Horseshoe Bat.



Natterers Bat.



Serotine.



Pipistrelle.



Whiskered Bat.



Mark H

[jennyb]

I realise this is a bit obvious but here is a mole hill. Lots of these in my garden!



If this is not the kind of thing you want, please delete it.

Jenny

[mh68]

No, Jenny that`s fine, they are, after all, the main sign of these creature`s presence

Water Vole signs courtesy of phoenix, from the Gallery....

Latrines.





Feeding signs.





Mark H

[Gill Catton]

Brown hare print - This is the front left forefoot, note the wonkyness of the toes seemingly all down one side of the print

[mh68]

Stoat right forefoot print (image courtesy of Dogghound from the Gallery).



Roe Deer print showing dew claws (image courtesy of Dogghound from the Gallery)



Mark H

[Tracey.A]

User: Tracey.A
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Pine marten scat
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Date: Sun June 22, 2008
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Pine marten scat
User: Tracey.A
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Date: Sun June 22, 2008
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Pine marten scat
User: Tracey.A
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Date: Sun June 22, 2008
Dimensions: 640 x 480





Pine marten scat
User: Tracey.A
Views: 6
Date: Sun June 22, 2008
Dimensions: 640 x 480

Don't think I've done this right! Can you do it for me Mark?

Tracey