A Stoat encounter.

Chas · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 11:57 AM

I have been studying the Dippers on my local River Teign here in Devon, closely for the last few weeks. . They have paired up and it is very interesting and entertaining to observe them. In an effort to get the really good photograph that I am after, I have tried various methods of concealment. Yesterday as I sat by the river wearing a full "gillie" suit and also wrapped in camouflage netting, also known as scrim, I felt that I was almost invisible. There was also a brisk wind blowing in my face. Suddenly to my utter amazement and delight, a Stoat emerged from a tree root on the opposite river bank. It was totally unaware of me and I watched as it darted in and out of the tree roots. Then it entered the fast flowing water and easily swam across the river towards me but just down river. It didn't appear to have any difficulty swimming and emerged out of the river just to my right. Then it bounded in to the undergrowth. I sat still hoping to see it again but it didn't reappear but I did catch a very strong whiff of "Stoat" in the air so I am convinced it was just behind me. Here are 3 photo, one showing it swimming across.