Recently a limping rat has been hurrying out from under some decking and down to the patch under a feeder pole where it snatches a mouthful of spillage and hurries back. After lunch today I was reading an email from DWT about Collaven Moor when I chanced to glance out of the window to see a stoat failing to climb up the feeder pole, sliding back down and disappearing into the grass just as limping rat ran towards the spot. I saw a second or two of the ensuing tussle before rat and stoat disappeared, then noticed a young rat perched motionless on top of the feeder pole, apparently too frightened to move.
Half an hour later I caught a glimpse of the stoat running down the garden and out of sight, its gait suggesting it was carrying something. Thanks to the DWT email I was there to see the drama, so I guess I had better make a donation!
I wonder what meadow dramas other members have to relate?
- View from front of the house down through the orchard