The Drey

 

A place of twigs, dry leaves and grass. Home to out very own Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).

The following Red Squirrel pictures were taken during a day trip away from The Island, at Kirkcudbright, Scotland.

Arriving at 7am on a very cold and frosty February morning in 2014, an enjoyable 12 hours was spent in a specially constructed hide, watching squirrels and other wildlife go about their daily routine.

Sciurus vulgaris from the Ancient Greek σκίουρος (skiouros, "squirrel"), from σκιά (skia, "shadow") + οὐρά (oura, "tail"). vulgaris = common

The estimated population of Reds in the UK is thought to be 120,000 with 75% of these living in Scotland

Red Squirrels have four fingers and two toes on each paw.

Red Squirrels can locate their buried food supplies in over 30 cm of snow.

It is thought that the Red Squirrel made their way to the British Isles from mainland Europe at the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago.

Red Squirrels shed their coats twice a year, switching between a thinner coat in summer and a darker, thicker winter coat. .

Males may live in an area of up to 17 hectares of woodland. That’s about the same size as 34 football pitches.

Squirrels do not hibernate, but bury plentiful supplies of seeds and nuts in the ground to eat in the winter.

Young squirrels are called kittens. They are blind for the first 3 to 4 weeks of life and are born without hair and teeth.

Females can have 2 litters of 3-4 kittens per year.

Red Squirrels and their dreys are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The life span of a Red Squirrel is on average 3 years although in captivity they have been known to live for up to 10 years.

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Where can I see Red Squirrels in Cumbria?

Jump back to Andy's Island

"If one really loves nature,
one can find beauty everywhere"

Vincent van Gogh