Pine Martin at last

[camo]

It has long been my ambition to see Pine Martins in their native habitat; visits to likely locations and purpose built hides have been unsuccesful however I remained certain it was only time before I eventually struck lucky. Anyway I am just back from an orgainsed Mammal holiday with Sp** **** (details available on request) centred in Aviemore and I achieved my dream in spectacular fashion.

A group of 11 of us arrived in the early evening at a well known Martin hide and we settled in for what I thought would be a long wait. Within 20 minutes and well before darkness excitement grew as 3 Martins appeared in the nearby Bracken. After some time spent gaining confidence they came into feed and the female and 2 young adults gave us superb views. After a respectable period of comings and goings the Martins were replaced with a single Mature Hare that appeared to pose in front of our windows. A very spirited Wood Mouse put in regular brave runs to pinch peanuts and as darkness descended 2 new young Martins appeared.

One of the Martins was scarred from recent fights but he appeared to be healing well. The Martins were very jumpy and with good reason as whilst feeding Badgers appeared. First 1 then 2 and eventually 5 started hoovering up peanuts. The cheeky scarred Martin was not giving in easily and backed off begrudgingly only feet from the approaching Badgers. Like a scene from the Sernegti the Martins were forced to take refuge in a nearby tree and the Badgers took over the site. Like Hyenas surrounding a trapped Leopard the greedy Badgers acted oblivious of the scowling Martins now completly surrounded. A Martin broke cover and escaped leaving the cheeky chap to his own devices. After 20 minutes the second Martin ran the gauntlet to rejoin his mate and we had our 2 Martins again. To our relief in time their bravery was rewarded as the argumentative Badgers moved off allowing the Martins to tentavily leave their refuge. As the night moved towards morning and with Badgers one side of the hide and Martins on the other we ran out of time and had to make our own escape.

Pine Martins at last but in fantastic style, the whole experience was superb and rivalled any TV programme. Attached are a few photos (not all frameable because of poor light conditions) which will remind me of our Martins.

Roy

A Martin checks out the site.



Martins everywhere



Badgers arrive



Martins scowl from a safe tree



Peace is restored with Badgers on one side



and Martins on the other

[Richard G.]

Worth the wait then Roy, sounds like you had a cracking evening and some nice shots too

[vole-woman]

Wow. Amazing!!!

[aeshna5]

Excellent- I was there last month + had similar experiences to you, though didn't see a Hare, though Red Deer came in. Really recommended.

[larachmor]

Great to see Pine Marten in the wild - you were lucky, as sightings at the Speyside Wildlife hide are not always guaranteed, and it's fairly expensive too.
We are taking a week in Ardnamurchan next month, with Pine Marten our main priority. On our last visit they visited our cottage every night to feast on nuts, raisins with smearings of peanut butter on the tree trunks to draw them in - they simply can't resisit it. We're at a different cottage this time, so it's fingers crossed - but still confident.