The not-so-clever squirrel

Whilst walking the dogs along Glyndwr's Way today, something caught my eye. I was surprised to see a very unconcerned squirrel on the ground, in a field next to the road, barely 5m away. The nearest tree would require the crossing of a fence and the road, past myself and the dogs; was this the reason he didn't run or was he just very sure of himself?!

After watching him for a couple of minutes, foraging amongst the roots in the grassland, I continued on my way, thinking not much more about it. However, on my return some 40 minutes later, I disturbed a Buzzard from that very grassland. What should he be carrying in his talons, but a squirrel! Not such a clever squirrel afterall!

Fallow Deer @ Middletown

Five hinds seen twice on Middletown Hill this afternoon.

Weasel @ Tregynon

2 seen running across the road this evening at 20:00.

'Black' Rabbit @ Brooks

1 seen this evening with several regular Rabbits.

Common(?) Shrew @ Tregynon

At least 2 (presumed) Common Shrews seen this afternoon scurrying around in a roadside hedge.

Hedgehog @ Tregynon

1 seen crossing the road at about 23:00 this evening.

Today's mammal signs

Well used, fresh Badger latrine found in Dolforwyn Woods today and lots of fresh Otter spraint adorning a riverside tree at Llandinam Gravels. Plenty of molehills at Llandinam too. You've gotta love the glamorous side of being a mammalogist!