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Fangs!
This rather grisly article came into my possession today after it was found on the Langholm Demonstration Moor (more on this presently). It is the skull of a stoat, and it shows the incredible dental formula of my favourite wild mammal. The photograph above shows the skull beside a 1 pence piece, and it is… Continue reading
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Full Steam Ahead
Although the blackcock have been bickering and squabbling for the past six weeks, they have only recently started their serious displays. Heading up to the farm this morning, I was delighted to hear a very familiar bubbling sound off in the distance. Stopping three quarters of a mile away from the property to open a… Continue reading
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And That’s All For Now…
It has been a few days since I caught my first pregnant rabbit of the season, and catching another this morning effectively puts an end to the ferreting season. Working warrens where young rabbits are nesting makes for difficult work, and if nothing else, it is a waste of perfectly good rabbits which could be… Continue reading
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Violence in the Hedgerows
The past few days have really seen spring come into its own. While snowdrops and crocuses have been up for a few weeks, I always prefer to look at wild animals for a sign of change. Boxing hares and battling pheasants have been a major feature since the second week in February, and I am… Continue reading
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Harrier Politics
Since posting about hen harriers on the Chayne two days ago, one or two self appointed pundits have been in touch with me on this blog. By leaving comments and personal slights on the site, they have shown the depth of feeling around this harrier/grouse debate. Since I work as a journalist and a copywriter,… Continue reading
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Mad as February Hares?
Heading out and about this morning in the miserable sleet, I spotted four familiar brown shapes in a stock field behind the house. Pulling the car to a standstill, I wound down the window and peered at them. Last spring was the first time I have ever seen boxing hares, and it is not a… Continue reading
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On the Wing
I took this photograph this morning after accidentally flushing my favourite blackcock from a stand of rank heather behind the old farm buildings. He got up with a fair clatter, and was more than fifty yards away before I could regain my senses and get the lens onto him. Continue reading
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Harriers aplenty
The conflict between grouse shooters and conservationists has traditionally centred on hen harriers. Many conservation charities blow this friction out of all proportions by describing it as the “widespread destruction” of this beautiful raptor species by a shooting community which jealously protects its quarry species. From my limited perspective on grouse shooting and conservation, it… Continue reading
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Secret Birds
When it comes down to it, black grouse have little in common with their Famous cousins. While red grouse are tied to heather and form close knit family groups, black grouse wander widely across the countryside in large gangs in search of seeds, berries and buds. They are strongly gregarious animals, and the scandinavians buy… Continue reading
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Subterranean shenanigans
Moles are becoming more active at the moment, and they provide a welcome boost to my wallet in the cold, dark days of early spring. I have been catching moles for the past eight years, and I am gradually getting better at it. Even the most experienced mole catcher is still learning every time he… Continue reading
About
“Shout on, Morgan. You’ll be nothing tomorrow”
Swn y galon fach yn torri, 1952
Also at: https://andtheyellowale.substack.com
Bog Myrtle & Peat 