On a recent visit to RSPB Loch Leven, near Kinross, Anne and I were fortunate enough to join a red squirrel walk through the woodland beside the visitor centre.
Installed just a few metres from the path is a well-stocked squirrel feeder. Armed with binoculars, it is possible to watch as three or four characters visit the station in turn to snaffle the abundant peanuts, only pausing to scratch or fend-off another hungry red.
Fortunately, for those of us who don't live close to Kinross, RSPB have very kindly installed a webcam which, 24 hours a day, captures live footage of the aformentioned squirrels, various opportunistic bird species and, we are told - in the dead of night - a pine marten or two.
Since we arrived home we've been fascinated by the live footage. It's amazing how quickly you can pick up on the individuals - lighter or darker tails, ear tufts or not, subtle differences in the way they hold the nuts to eat and how some are more dominant than others.
Why not take a look yourselves, you won't be disappointed!
