Pine Marten

[Tringa]

Having seen a pine marten about 6 years ago, very late at night, taking bread and jam/peanut butter from around the bird table, we have hoped to see others.

Last week we heard a report a of one being seen at about 9am and could not quite believe it. Pine martens are unlikely to be confused with any other animal, but 9am seemed all wrong for one to be about.

But these photos were taken (through a window so they are not too good)about 8.30am today as it ambled outside the back door.

Worth the wait.

[The Woodman]

What a cracking observation, Tringa and a lovely animal in its summer coat.

I'm guessing it was seen in NW Scotland rather than London!

Is that a piece of bread it has in its mouth?

[valleyforge]

Lovely photos Tringa ... can we presume these were taken at your NW Scotland location and not your London one?

Pine Martens, like our other native mustelids are mainly crepuscular, that is mainly most active around the twilight hours and aren't therefore just nocturnal.

At this time of year of course in northern Scotland, there are hardly any hours of darkness, if any at all, so they will extend their hunting/foraging activities accordingly.

It's not that unusual to spot martens and other mustelids around during daylight ... especially the older youngsters who like to take any opportunity to play ... you just can't get those kids to go to their beds in the summer

[Tringa]

Yes, it was in NW Scotland (Gairloch). Would be nice to think of them in London, though.

Yes Woodman its a piece of the bread and jam. Seems it was a bit happier eating a little further from the house. Where it picked up the bread was about 4 feet from the back door.

Thanks VF for the info on their habits. I should have thought that night doesn't have much of a meaning here at this time of year.