Formby in late Feb

[Richard Costin]

Hello all!

I'm heading to Focus '08 in Birmingham in late Feb, and might swing over to Formby Point again before for a day or two; I was just wondering if anyone in the know could give me a heads up as to what the squirrels will be doing at that time, I believe they are a little more active in Jan/Feb?

Most kind!
Rich

[ron1863]

I think that squirrels only hibernate in really very cold weather but wake up and feed on milder days.
We have had several days freezing weather up here in central Scotland and it hasn't deterred the squirrels yet so you should be o.k.

[Richard Costin]

Good news, thanks Ron!

Rich

[paulthomas]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I think that squirrels only hibernate in really very cold weather

Squirrels don't hibernate.

[Hoppingmad]

Richard

I enquired of the NT about Formby - this is the answer I received:

Thank you for your enquiry about visiting the National Trust at Formby. The Red Squirrels are active throughout the year. A good route to take for visitors wishing to view Red Squirrels is the Red Squirrel Walk shown in the Welcome leaflet available from the entrance kiosk on arrival at the property.

Hope this helps and enjoy your visit.

Debbie

[Richard Costin]

Most kind Debby!

I have been there before and have a few secluded spots in mind where there are less people and the squirrels come to you if you are patient!

Thanks again,
Rich

[Hoppingmad]

Richard

I would like to go myself but it is a long way from Essex - I'd need to go for a weekend to make it worthwhile.

Did you get good photos when you went before? Did you see squirrels every time?

Debbie

[Richard Costin]

Yes I spent the weekend there when I went, (live in Kent). It's a bit of a drive, but you'll get there in no time if you leave very early in the morning when there is much less traffic.

Saw a lot of them and the trick is to find a place a little out of the way, scatter a few nuts and wait a little while. Once one gets a wiff of nuts others soon take notice. It can help to get their attention by throwing larger nuts near where you want them to be when they are looking, then they'll naturally find the smaller nuts and eat them on the spot.

If you don't make much noise and stay pretty still they come right up to you, I was an inch from hand feeding one, but he bottled it at the last moment!

I took some nice pictures, but got a slap on the wrist last time I put a link to my site in here!

Rich

[beckiscott]

good advice in the about posts...
i go every few months. nearest ive been to feb was 25th march. it was still cold enough for them to have their tufty ears. they tend to lose the tufts in summer as they use the extra fluff as a keep warm mechanism.

the only down side to going in reb, rather than say November is the ground covering can be a bit sparse, dull and uninspiring. The autumn colours in november make for pretty photos but there are enough squigs in differing locations that you can control it a little to make for better images.
use of nuts as a bribe always works well. they like sunflower seeds too. take your own if poss as you get more bird food than peanuts in the 30p national trust bags.

Sit patiently (dont even need to be that still or silent) and they will come, ive hand fed a few now. throw nuts against trees to tease them out and find the quieter areas. There is nothing worse than sitting for 15 mins coaxing them closer only for some brat to come along, randomly empty a bag of feed on the ground and walk off cos they dont appear in 2 seconds and tap dance!

Oh and dont forget the Fox too! he likes sausage butties and peanuts. I didnt see him when i went a couple of weeks ago, but they his usually area was having wood management work done (ie cutting down trees).

Fingers crossed you have a fab visit. i love it there and little red tree rats are so much cuter than the grey ones! The reds, like the rest of us this winter, have some some kinda virus so there aren't as many but still enough to guarantee a few photos! Enjoy

[Richard Costin]

Cheers beckiscott, hopefully get some nice light while I'm there. I Found a few spots when it can creep in last time.

Rich.

[photonova]

Richard,

I visited Formby Point this weekend with a fellow photographer and can confirm that there is indeed significant Red Squirrel activity at this time of year. After a leisurely walk through the woods, seeing the occasional lone squirrels, we stood in one spot, at the edge of a managed section of woodland where we could see at least 7 Red Squirrels at one time. Possibly the same section as beckiscott was talking about in a previous post. This was in stark contrast to the previous June when we'd only seen one for the whole day. Squirrel coats were a deeper red and longer than in the summer months and ears are most definitely more tufty. Also seen, and easily photographed up-close were Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins and Male & Female Pheasants which seemed quite happy with our company. There is much more wildlife in the area, and your mileage may vary either way.

We came prepared with our own supply of Hazlenuts and Pine Kernels which are never ignored by the Squirrels and help to provide a more varied diet than peanuts and bird food and will look more natural in your photos. We can also report that chopped Apple also works well and has the benefit of not lending itself to being buried and must therefore be eaten on the spot which is great for getting some better photos if you can live with possibility of having some apple in the shot. Bit sticky dishing it out though, so some tissues to wipe your hands are also essential.

We did know about the Red Fox that has been sighted in the area, but unfortunately it didn't cross our path on the day. Looking to go back at the coming weekend for another crack.

Sadly we did spot one Red Squirrel that was suffering from the effects of the Pox Virus. We noted the area we sighted it in and reported the sighting to the park ranger at the gatehouse who was most appreciative of the information. More information on the Virus can be found on the notice board at the entrance to the squirrel walk, across the road from the Toilet block. Every sighting should be reported as it will help them to build up a picture of where and when the individual animals are so that they can be trapped and dealt with accordingly to prevent the further spread of the disease throughout the rest of the squirrel population.

Parking inside the reserve is currently £3.50 per car and from my experience, on fine days it is advisable to arrive as early as possible to ensure a space close to the squirrel walk, even in winter as the reserve is very popular. We usually aim for around 10am and have been fine so far. While there is roadside parking along Victoria Road, the entry fee will save a walk to & from the car to swap gear for sandwiches etc. If you don't drive, the reserve can be reached within reasonable walking distance from the Merseyrail Freshfields station. The only catering available on site is likely to be an ice cream van, so a packed lunch is worthwhile or plan a stop on the way out in Formby where there are some attractive, although probably pricey, cafe's and restaurants.

More info can be found on the National Trust website.

Hope you find this helpful,

Rob.

[Richard Costin]

Many thanks for the info Rob, was getting a little worried (after talking to the NT) that the pox had severely dented the population.

I managed to spend about 15 mins with the Fox their last time, he seemed to enjoy putting on a show for the spectators

Great to hear there are still plenty about. I defiantly agree about the sitting in one spot. They'll find you before too long!

Again, many thanks.

Rich.

[Deer Hunter]

Excuse me asking - where is Formby?

Regards
Deer Hunter

[Deer Stalker]

Hi DH,

Its near Liverpool

National Trust | Formby | Map

[Deer Hunter]

Deer Stalker

Thanks for that - bit far for me from down here in Devon

[Richard Costin]

Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

Excuse me asking - where is Formby?

Regards
Deer Hunter

No need to excuse yourself

53.565522,-3.090613 - Google Maps