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Writer's pictureHarris Brooker

First Frosts of December

The action has kept going at Speyside Wildlife’s Evening Wildlife Watching Hide, the winter days are now upon us with the first frosts of December - frosts are perhaps an understatement. It has been very snowy of late but that hasn't stopped the animals from coming, In fact it's most likely the reason they choose to come, now more than ever.


The male Pine Marten has been appearing, sometimes very early in a watch. When that happens it's a cause of great celebration and relief, given that it can take longer for a Pine Marten to show up, such is the nature of wildlife sightings. They can stay and feed for up to forty minutes and then descend the pair of Lawson's Cypresses when they are finished.

There is a Male Pine Marten in this image facing its right sat crouched on a platform suspended above the ground. There is some green foliage in the background with part of the log bridge to the platform visible on the left. Part of the log wall on the ground pokes up from the bottom left.
Male Pine Marten (Photo Credit: Harris Brooker)
There is a Male Pine Marten in this image facing its right. This image is zoomed out to show the platform on which the Pine Marten is sitting plus the green foliage in the background with the parallel trunks of the Lawson's Cypresses together. There are two log bridges to the platform visible coming from straight ahead and from the left. Part of the ground platform is also visible and extends into the middle of the image from the left.
Male Pine Marten (Photo Credit: Harris Brooker)

The Badger cubs are now looking grown up and have their winter coats on the same as the adults. There has been much less conflict within the group when they're feeding together now too as the cubs settle down.


With regards to other wildlife there are still Wood Mice that get seen as they dash about the platform looking for peanuts to grab and stash away to be eaten in peace and safety from the threats outside. Tawny Owls have been heard hooting nearby. It's the males that make the characteristic 'twit-ti woo' sound whereas the females make a shrieking 'tiwoo' sound.

Badgers (Photo Credit: Harris Brooker)
There are six Badgers in this image feeding on a ground based platform with a wall of logs at the back. The ground that the Badgers are feeding on is littered with spruce needles. Some logs are visible on the right. There is a mushroom shaped platform on the right of the image with some sultanas on top.
Badgers Feeding Together (Photo Credit: Harris Brooker)

If you would like your chance to see our nocturnal visitors head you can find out more information on our website and book your place today.












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