Top Squirrel
spotting tips
Even if you know where to look, it can still be quite an art to
actually see red squirrels. Here are some little bits of information
to help you become a seasoned squirrel spotter.
Firstly, why is it sometimes difficult
to see a red?
1) Squirrels live in trees! The leaves
often make it very difficult to see a squirrel.One of the best
times to see squirrels is during the winter, when the leaves fall
of many trees.
What else makes it hard to see
a squirrel?
2) Lack of patience (by you, not the squirrel!). Red squirrels
are sometimes shy of humans. Unless a squirrel is very used to
humans, they normally 'freeeze' once they see us in their wood.
Often they disappear around the other side of the trunk too, making
them very difficult to see indeed! If you suspect a squirrel is
around, tbe best thing to do is stay very still, or sit down quietly
for several minutes until they start feeding again.
What then, are the best tips for tracking down a red?
3) If you are in a conifer (evergreen) wood, look under large
trees for evidence of squirrels feeding (see below).
Squirrels are the only animal to eat pine cones in this distinctive
way.
Once you know squirrels are around, you can do Numbers 4,
5 & 6!
4) Listen for squirrels! They are quiet animals, but the scratching
sound of them gnawing on a pine cone is often the first sign that
squirrels are around.
5) Spend time looking up at the top of the trees. Squirrels spend
a lot of time eating cones up in the trees.
6) It is best to visit a place several times to make your chances
even better. Why not ask someone local if they can point you in
the right direction. Also, don't bother going out in bad weather
- the squirrels don't either!
And finally...
7) Be prepared to get up early if you're a really keen squirrel
spotter. Squirrels are most active in the morning. In the winter
this makes spotting easier for us, but in the summer, you may
have to be out by 8am!
Good Luck with your
squirrel spotting. They are beautiful animals - why not send us
a photo if you see one!
