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|  » Stats |
Members: 50,158
Threads: 82,349
Posts: 853,290
Top Poster: glsammy (15,069)
| | Welcome to our newest member, julong321 | |  | 
21-12-2011, 06:45 PM
| | Active Member | | Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 87
| | | Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
I was very lucky about 10 days ago, walking labrador, Poppy, along the bank of the Isla (a tributary of the Tay) about 5 minutes from my house. First, I discovered significant beaver damage - it looks like axe-work. 
There are wild beavers in the area - escaped from an unauthorised reserve a couple of years ago, I believe. I have not seen damage on this scale before.
Round the corner, I saw an otter cruising around probably fishing. A second otter was on the bank and swam off when Poppy approached. I have never seen an otter in the east of Scotland before, though they are known here. 
The otter stayed on the opposite side of the river (about 10-15 m away) and snorted at us very aggressively 
A week later, the beavers had brought down a second willow. 
I would love to have pictures of the beavers, but I don't have any suitable night equipment. What is the easiest way to record them, without spending a fortune and without lying in the snow all night. Or is anyone interested in having a go ?
Have a good Christmas
Mark
Last edited by pressld2; 01-01-2012 at 09:33 PM.
Reason: Fixed image links
|
21-12-2011, 06:51 PM
| | Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,610
| | | Re: Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
Sorry I can't help with equipment advise Mark, but fascinating post. Good views of the Otter; good luck with finding the Beavers. A good Xmas to you too. |
22-12-2011, 08:24 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Shropshire
Posts: 2,599
| | | Re: Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
Wow, how amazing! |
22-12-2011, 08:44 AM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hayes, Middlesex
Posts: 3,712
| | | Re: Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
Excellent stuff!
How about investing in some camera traps to help get some shots?
Nige |
27-12-2011, 01:19 PM
| | Active Member | | Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Blairgowrie
Posts: 72
| | | Re: Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
Mark, it may be worth your while taking a stroll up the Ericht from about Kate Swansons Bridge to around Westmill farm (trout farm). They are seen quite regularly in that area. Having lived in that area for about 50 years,I know there have been otters in all of that neck of the woods. |
28-12-2011, 08:15 AM
| | Active Member | | Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 87
| | | Re: Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
Thanks for your replies. I will keep special lookout for otters next time I am walking up from Kitty Swanson's Bridge.
Camera traps for beavers - Nige, what minimum would I need for night work, and are any of the cheapar digital cameras able to be switched on and triggered by an electronic switch ? Can you suggest a reliable supplier ?
Mark |
01-01-2012, 09:21 PM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vauxhall, London
Posts: 706
| | | Re: Beavers and otters at the bottom of my garden
Hi Mark, there are some available on eBay for £122, infra red, rechargeable batteries, waterproof ,and do still or video recording all in a camouflage box, might be worth having a look at those.
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