…squirrels is now largely contained within Aberdeen’s city limits and red squirrels are increasingly seen in the city’s parks and gardens. Grey squirrels spreading from Angus into Aberdeenshire not only threatens the local red squirrel population in the Mearns but it could also jeopardise the project’s success in Aberdeen. The introduction of squirrelpox into North East Scotland could be devastating… […]
…peninsula, the surrounds of Stirling, particularly north towards the National Park and Callander but also around Falkirk where unfortunately this year we found a grey squirrel that had the squirrelpox virus. If you are interested in getting involved in any aspect of Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels work in Argyll, the Trossachs and Stirling, drop us an email at squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk …. […]
…under continuous threat from grey squirrels moving increasingly northwards. As well as out-competing reds for resources, some grey squirrels in the central belt are known to carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to red squirrels. This is why the National Park has included red squirrels in its ‘Wild Park 2020’ challenge, and is working with… […]
…activity you see. With the first litter being weaned, females become fertile again and the month of May is a great time to see mating chases for second broods. Squirrels breed promiscuously, with several males chasing a female in heat. Often it is the dominant male that wins the race but 30% of mating does involve younger satellite males. Genetic… […]
…cardboard box, some scissors, a pencil and some masking tape (for any added extra features!). © Keilidh Ewan Instructions If you have regular garden visitors, these only need to be reported once or twice a year to keep us updated, you can also report how many squirrels have been seen together at any one time if you are lucky enough… […]
…is advised not to approach it, but instead contact the project for advice as soon as possible . Dead reds can be sent for post-mortem but ne ed to be handled carefully – please read the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels post-morten guide for more information at https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Red-squirrel-post-morte ms.pdf . To find out more about the squirrelpox virus, please visit the… […]
…it is a fantastic source of calcium. No one ever believes us about this, but it’s true! Keep all feeders clean! The last thing you want is for squirrels to be picking up diseases from your feeders. Use the same broad spectrum disinfectants widely available for cleaning bird feeders. Feed all year. Summer is actually the time when there is… […]
…Where the hair is variable in colour they merge into each other, as opposed to the sharp boundaries of grey hair. Another feature of red squirrel hair is a distinct groove along the length of the hair. This is due to some of the squirrel’s guard hairs having a concave cross-section. It’s a handy feature, but doesn’t always show well!… […]
…Aberfoyle’s ospreys on the live-feed screened next to us, and the Duck Races (or excuses for a break from the artsy madness!). All in all, it was an exciting, enjoyable and hectic day for visitors, volunteers and staff! Thank you to everybody who came to visit us! Here’s the collage we promised you on the day: And the winner is…… […]
…me and I stared back. We held each other’s gaze for several seconds before the tiny creature turned tail and fled, springing through the grass and disappearing into the woods beyond. I turned too and sped home to tell my parents what I’d just seen. I still treasure that memory. It was one of only two red squirrel sightings I… […]
