A Splash of Red in the Trees
Michelle encourages us to look up into the canopy
I REMEMBER MY FIRST encounter with a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). I was a child, alone in the woods and I spotted a flash of red through the leaves. I paused, looking up, as this small orange-red creature with tufts on its ears and a bushy tail revealed itself. Running nimbly along the branches, its tail acting like the rudder of a boat, stabilising it as it moved, it suddenly jumped to the next tree. I gasped in surprise.
Did you know that squirrels can jump 2 metres high despite being less than 25 centimetres tall and weighing under 300 grams?
Did you know red squirrels can rotate their hind feet by 180° and move down a tree trunk headfirst?
I didn’t - before I saw it that day.
This was back in the 1980s when red squirrels were far more widespread than today, and sadly, they are no longer found in that wood where I first saw them.
The reason for their decline has been blamed largely on the larger non-native grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), which were released into the UK in the 1800s, and on the squirrel pox virus that the grey’s carry and spread but which doesn't affect them.
But is it that simple? The answer is sadly no. Not that long ago, red squirrels were hunted and killed in large numbers for their fur, and their mixed woodland habitat has reduced significantly over the 10,000 years since red squirrels first moved into Britain - over the landmass which joined us to the continent (interestingly, red squirrels can swim - but perhaps not those sort of distances).
This loss of habitat, previous hunting pressure, and competition with the larger grey squirrels have all contributed to the decline, and there are now only about 140,000 red squirrels in the UK, of which 75% live in Scotland.
Sometimes, it is easier to spot squirrel signs than the squirrels themselves, and you can even discover whether a squirrel is right or left-handed based on the way a cone has been eaten. In autumn, red squirrels are very busy collecting seeds, nuts, fungi, etc., and caching them for winter. They don't hibernate, but are active all year and can sometimes find food buried in over one foot of snow!
Throughout history, red squirrels have captivated people. In Norse mythology Ratatosk, the red squirrel, lived in the world tree Yggdrasil and carried messages up and down the tree between its occupants. Fairy tales such as the original Cinderella, whose shoes were not made of glass but of red squirrel fur, and Beatrix Potter wrote the story"Squirrel Nutkin", a story about a mischievous red squirrel who annoyed the brown owl - and was caught to be eaten but…spoiler alert!…he escaped.
Red squirrels are prey to owls, pine martens, and other predators if they're fast enough to catch them. Interestingly, in areas with red and grey squirrels the pine martens favour the larger, slower grey squirrels.
In late summer, look out for the young - ‘kits’ playing together in the trees, chasing each other, hanging upside down, and calling with a shrill piping sound that is often mistaken for a bird’s call.
Red squirrels actually exhibit a fascinating range of vocalisations that are essential for their communication and survival. Their calls can be broadly categorised into alarm calls, mating calls, and territorial calls. Alarm calls are sharp, high-pitched barks or chucks, which serve to alert other squirrels of potential predators such as birds of prey or terrestrial threats. These calls can vary in intensity and frequency depending on the level of threat. Mating calls are particularly evident during the breeding season, where males produce softer, more melodious chirps or squeals to attract females or signal their readiness to mate. Territorial calls are loud, repetitive barks that red squirrels use to assert dominance and defend their territory from intruders, ensuring their access to valuable resources like food and nesting sites. Each of these calls show the complex social interactions and survival strategies of red squirrels.
This footage is of an American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) making similar complex sounds to its European counterparts.
While most red squirrels in the UK are now found in coniferous forests, it is not the optimum habitat for them, and they thrive better in mixed woodland where they can get a more varied diet of nuts, cones, fruit, bird’s eggs, fungi, etc., and where females are more likely to wean the kits successfully.
To aid in conservation efforts and ensure the protection of the red squirrels in Scotland, it's crucial for us to document sightings of these charming creatures. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor traversing the scenic landscapes of Scotland, your contribution by recording where you see red squirrels can make a significant difference. This valuable data helps conservationists monitor squirrel populations, understand their habitat use, and implement targeted measures to safeguard their future. If you're fortunate enough to spot a red squirrel, consider sharing your observation with local wildlife trusts or through dedicated platforms like the Scottish Squirrel Survey. By doing so, you become an integral part of the collective effort to preserve the enchanting presence of red squirrels in Scotland's natural heritage.
Michelle Melville is High Life Highland’s Heritage Ranger, is passionately dedicated to preserving Scottish natural and cultural heritage, through her commitment to mastering and teaching traditional Scottish Highland crafts. A skilled artisan, Michelle excels in a range of hand crafts from carving and weaving to stained glass creation and needle felting. Her talent in these crafts is not just a personal pursuit but a vital part of her role in engaging and inspiring communities. Michelle's deep connection with Gaelic culture and folklore enriches her engagement work, whilst initiatives, such as the celebrated ‘Lochaber Story Quilt’ are a testament to her dedication in promoting Scotland's rich cultural history, and preserving traditional crafting skills for years to come.
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In the footsteps of kings - Guided walk around Glen Righ
Join Michelle on this guided walk, as you explore the enchanting Glen Righ! Immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this remarkable location and look out for signs and sounds of red squirrels!
On Tue Mar 26 2024, at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, our Heritage Ranger, Michelle will guide you through the stunning woodlands to the waterfalls.
Uncover the wildlife and history that have shaped this place.
Starting from the Corran Ferry car park, this in-person event promises learning and companionship as we wander through lush forests, meander along the river, and marvel wildlife. Each step will bring you closer to the awe-inspiring wonders of Glen Righ.
Book your spot now and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the majesty of Glen Righ.
ONLY - 2 spaces left on this walk!
How to Join
Make sure to secure your place by registering on Eventbrite.
Whether you're a local looking for a new walk or a visitor seeking to connect with Scotland's natural beauty, this outing is for everyone.
In alignment with our commitment to wildlife education, we're offering this enriching journey for a nominal fee of just £5. As a charity, our goal is to make learning about and appreciating nature's wonders accessible to all. This unbeatable value reflects our dedication to spreading awareness about the importance of valuing wildlife, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature, regardless of their financial situation.