Today is pretty much a write off, it won’t stop raining though having written this it has and the sun is out. It is still very windy so I’ll get this done and then settle down with a book.
Yesterday whilst trying to focus on the crane fly I spotted Kilroy.
This morning whilst returning from our walk I decided to check out a bit of hedge where I have noticed stoats. I haven’t got a decent picture yet as I want one doing it’s meercat impression. There was no sign of them but just as I was waiting for the kettle to boil I heard a rabbit squealing and rushed out to curse the dogs. It was a stoat. I had forgotten the dogs were in the van.
Have a grand week.
Kilroy is cute Adrian. Never heard of a stoat so had to Google to find out it is a weasel. Google tells me that stoats are native to Eurasia and North America. Does that make them pests on the British Isles?
ReplyDeleteCarol, no they are native but look very similar to a weasel. Weasels don't have a black tip to their tail. I like them.
DeletePoor rabbit, I can't help thinking, even though I know it's the way of nature...
ReplyDeleteMonica, rabbits get close to plague numbers and do considerable damage. There is little or no demand for their meat so the cost of shooting them is higher than they are worth.
DeleteWhat a catch! (Both you and the stoat.)
ReplyDeleteI was lucky Frances the camera was on manual and I didn't have chance to change it.
DeleteIt's not only the speed which is impressive but the weight they can carry, truly an impressive and fearless animal.
ReplyDeleteDouglas, I know to a few yards where they live but can't locate the nest. I think it's in a bit of old wall under the hedge. The camera was not set up at all so I was fortunate to get any shots of it. They are attractive little things
DeleteAdriaan what is this handsome z, z monster on speed, on large prey.
ReplyDeleteBas, it is handsome but I'll have to watch for better pictures now.
DeleteSo sorry to see that Sidney the Stoat has shuffled off with one of your trusty hounds in his gob. Was it Alf or Molly? Never mind, there's plenty more West Highland terriers in the sea.
ReplyDeleteYP, the dogs make short work of weasels. I'll have to watch Sidney's back.
DeleteI was tickled by your image showing Kilroy, Adrian. I'd forgotten all about Kilroy!
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me how powerful such a small creature as the Stoat can be. They seem to be able to overpower and carry creatures more than twice their weight.
I accidentally killed a Stoat and saved a Rabbit a couple of year ago, I just missed the Rabbit that sped across the road in front of me, but sadly I hit the Stoat that was chasing it.
Best wishes - - - Richard
Richard, it made me smile. I never did find out what it is.
DeleteThey are amazing, the rabbit was dead in seconds, it carried it with ease.
I'll sit out if the rain stops and try and get some more pictures that are sharp and exposed properly.
You did well to capture the action shots. The only time I have seen stoats and weasels is when they have darted across in front of the car. Don't see much in the way of Kilroy graffiti these days.
ReplyDeleteJohn, it was luck I'd just popped the camera down while I took my jacket off. It's a pity i hadn't been using it on our walk or it would have been set up and ready to go.
DeleteThe two eyes reminded me of Kilroy, whoever he was.
A kill is always an amazing thing to see. It's instant.
ReplyDeleteRed, it is certainly very quick.
DeleteStoats are pests here, so I have difficulty admiring yours. I think the ones here must be smaller, too. Can't imagine one carrying off a rabbit.
ReplyDeletePauline, they do steal eggs and raid birds nests but I find them attractive. It appeared to carry the rabbit with ease.
ReplyDeleteHard luck for the rabbit but a great photo opportunity for an Adrian!
ReplyDeleteGraham, the rabbit wasn't very happy and the stoat could have given me a bit of warning.
Deletepoor bunny
ReplyDelete(I enjoyed your Killroy reference...I use it frequently when I have nothing to note)
R.Mac, the rabbits are becoming a real nuisance. I enjoy eating them but have no means of shooting one.
DeleteIt was a slow news day, not as slow as today.
oh you made a great capture with the second pic! really great Adrain
ReplyDeleteLaura, it was a lucky picture.
DeleteMala suerte para el conejo...Pero hay que comer.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Laura, no es un buen día para el conejo.
DeleteNice hunter and poor rabbit but this is the rule of the nature.
ReplyDeleteKovacs, yes it is.
DeleteMost excellent! Thankfully rabbits breed rather quickly:)
ReplyDeleteChris, so do stoats but there are a lot more rabbits around than stoats.
Delete