Tracks and signs images needed.

[mh68]

Stu has added a "tracks" section to the mammal directory in the reference section of the site, which i`ve offered to help with. So to help start it off, we need images of correctly ID`d tracks, feeding signs etc of UK species.
If you have any images already in the galleries which have been successfully ID`d,or suitable shots in your image collections, could you post them on this thread with a description (just upload them to the archives if theyre not already in the galleries). If any of you are in a position to be able to take some shots of various tracks/signs, eg species visiting your garden, or species who`s tracks and signs you come across regularly this would be greatly appreciated too - let us know which species` you have access to.Although this mainly concerns mammals, any tracks or signs of birds etc are welcome too,just add them to this thread.
This could prove a VERY useful resource for the site, as very little info is available online on this subject,and is usually restricted to a single species, not a comprehensive collection of Uk species, which is the aim here. It would also prove an ideal reference point for tracks/signs ID threads which regularly crop up on the forum.
Also, anyone who wants to add their own info to the tracks section can do so, using the "tracks" link in the list at the bottom of the mammal reference page.

cheers

Mark H

[ron1863]

Glad to help Mark but don't know if I could ID any tracks that I come across, but will post shots in the unidentified section, somebody will ID them, I hope. Will I need to upload the grouse dropping shot that you identified.
This thread will probably take of when the snow arrives.

Ron

[mh68]

No probs Ron. Any chance of adding that Grouse dropping shot from the other week?

Mark H

[deer boy]

Great idea i shall keep an eye out when on my travels

When a mammals name pops up in a thread like this for example ( badgers ) will the tracks go with this info as well

[mh68]

Stu told me he`ll eventually be integrating the info we get into the forum/reference section etc, so it should prove a very easy to use resource once its built up

Mark H

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by mh68

No probs Ron. Any chance of adding that Grouse dropping shot from the other week?

Mark H

No problem Mark but where do I add it. I can only see a track thread, is there one for droppings?

[mh68]

Just add the pic to this thread mate

Mark H

[ron1863]

Here you are Mark, Grouse Droppings:

[mh68]

Various Fox tracks...a good rule of thumb is that if you can draw an imaginary "X" through the track without it cutting through any of the pad marks,then its 99.9% Fox and not a dog track...









Mark H

[mh68]

Another Fox scat variation, this time with remains of ground beetles visible.



Mark H

[ron1863]

Great thread and very informative, I see lots of various forms of droppings but will now photograph and add them to the thread for ID. An excellent way to identify mammls in your area, even though you may never see the creature.

[mh68]

Originally Posted by ron1863

Great thread and very informative, I see lots of various forms of droppings but will now photograph and add them to the thread for ID. An excellent way to identify mammls in your area, even though you may never see the creature.

Tracks and signs are part and parcel of studying mammals Ron. So many are nocturnal and elusive , often the only way of studying these creatures is by what theyve left behind. Despite this, i`ve yet to come across a comprehensive info source for tracks and signs in the UK.If enough people contribute, we`ll have a pretty unique resource on WaB
If you have pics which need ID`ing its probably best to post them on their own thread. If we can keep images on this thread to ID`d species, it`ll help to avoid confusion

Mark H

[mh68]

Entrances to Field Vole runs on the edge of rough grass. Opening is roughly egg sized.





Mark H

[Wild-Woman]

I have a nice sloughed Grass Snake skin. Where should I put that? Ta.

[vole-woman]

Water vole feeding signs:

[vole-woman]

Water vole latrines:






A field vole latrine:




Field vole feeding:



When feeding on juncus, field voles often strip the green outer layer to leave the white pith.



Water vole tracks:



Note the distinctive star-shape. Easily confused with rat prints, though, as rats' toes can splay in soft mud too.

Otter spraint under a bridge:



Otter spraint close up:

[mh68]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

I have a nice sloughed Grass Snake skin. Where should I put that? Ta.

Just add the pic to this thread for now Jules

Mark H

[Deer Stalker]

Might be worth putting a rule or coin (as Vole-woman has done) with track & scat pics to give scale.

I'll start taking more pics when I'm out.

[mh68]

Red Squirrel feeding signs on a pine cone - note the roughly torn off scales and general shape of the remains..



Mark H

[mh68]

Originally Posted by Deer Stalker

Might be worth putting a rule or coin (as Vole-woman has done) with track & scat pics to give scale.

I'll start taking more pics when I'm out.

Yep Si, I`ll certainly try and remember to do that from now on with any pics I get...thanks mate
It`s also worth pointing out that tracks/signs of non-native species such as Mink, Grey Squirrels etc, and tracks of domestic animals are also useful for comparison purposes.
Also images of things like Bat roosts in hollow trees are welcome too...


Rabbit tracks through a golf course sand bunker, showing classic pattern...




Mark H

[mh68]

Two examples of domestic Cat furballs, note very loose texture,comprising fully of fur, and lack of any food remains...often confused with scats...

(image originally posted by vole-woman)


(image originally posted by stripee)


Mark H

[mh68]

Grey Squirrel prints in soft mud. Note the "hand" shape, with 3 long forward pointing "toes". Both Grey and Red prints and similar, so ID is best based on which species are most prevalant in the area the print was found.Greys do however, leave "full" prints more often than Reds...

(originally posted by Bob Hastie)


Mark H

[Gill Catton]

Otter prints (with bonus redshank prints and holes made by feeding) Taken in north Wales on the river Glaslyn I must have just missed the animal because the tracks were still holding water!

[pressld2]

I had a quick word with my hedgehogs about this thread and they were happy to oblige...



Dave P.

[mh68]

Thanks Gill, and thanks Dave - scat pics to order eh?

Selection of weathered Otter spraints...these dry out and disintegrate fairly quickly...odour not at all unpleasant - smells of lavender.





Closeup of intact piece, showing the vast amount of food remains, and very "bitty" texture....


Mark H